By Katherine J. Zumpano
MoviePass allows you to see one movie a day for only $9.95 a month. When I first heard about it, I was excited to try it and see if it was worth it. While not totally disappointed, using MoviePass wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be.
MoviePass is designed to be simple to use. You use the MoviePass app to check in at the theater, selecting the movie and showing you want to go to. Once checked in, all the cashier has to do is slide your card. You can cancel your account at any time, and
There are several major restrictions with MoviePass to consider before signing up. You can only see a movie once, and the app keeps track of which ones you’ve seen. You also can’t see any 3D or IMAX movies, or special events, and you can’t reserve a seat in advance.
During the two months I tried MoviePass I saw four movies, and I only had success fifty percent of the time.
When I initially signed up, I received an email telling me my card was on its way and would arrive within two weeks, but that I could still use MoviePass through the app. I went to the theater the next day and tried to check into the movie I was going to see, but I couldn’t. The app kept prompting me to enter my card number. I later found out that only three theater chains accept e-ticketing through MoviePass, and I ended up paying cash for my ticket.
After that, I went to the movies twice and used MoviePass with no problems. I opened my app when I arrived at the theater, checked into the movie I wanted to see, and the cashier slid my card. It was quick and convenient; it was exactly what I signed up for.
When I went to see my fourth movie using MoviePass, I couldn’t get the app to come up. One of MoviePass’s biggest restrictions is that you have to be within 100 yards of the theater to check in.
The theater I was in didn’t have free Wi-Fi, and I couldn’t get strong enough cell phone reception inside the theater or in the parking lot. I ended up paying cash for my ticket.
I would only recommend MoviePass to people who go to the movies quite frequently. I ended up paying for two out of four movies, so I didn’t save money, and most of my problems stemmed from an app that’s fairly easy to use. If MoviePass made some changes, like getting rid of the app check-in, I think it would be worthwhile for anyone who likes to go to the movies.
