PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

If you thought selecting a restaurant or what to do was hard, think again.

The most important decision you can make, one that will make or break the date, is the type of movie you choose to go see. Now if you're already in a relationship or married, the rules of film selection are a little different.

The Golden Rule: Do not go to the movies on the first date. I can not stress this enough. The first date is all about getting to know each other and the movie theater is the last place you'll be able to do that.

The Movie Rental: If you want to watch a movie and your budget is a little tight, consider renting a movie and taking it back home with you. Ten years ago going to a movie would have been affordable, but things have changed. Admission to a film is about $11 and some theaters even offer luxury seating now which can run you a whopping $15 per ticket. Now factor in the cost of drinks ($10), popcorn ($5), candy ($5), and parking ($2). All of a sudden you can find yourself spending upwards of $50 for a movie.

For about a fifth of the cost you can enroll in programs such as NetFlix which allow you to rent an unlimited amount of movies for a low monthly price and no late fees. You simply select the movie you want and they will be mailed to you in a few days. Once you're finished watching them, simply place them in the prepaid envelope and ship them back. It's really that simple.

Watching a movie at home has several advantages:

You can start and stop the movie whenever you like

Talk your heart away since nobody will be there to shush you

You can rent classic or critically acclaimed films which you know are good

And best of all, it only costs about $5

Here are some films for your consideration that are sure to go over well with your date…

BEST FILMS TO RENT – All Genres (No Particular Order)

1. Ghost (ROMANCE – 1990 – Starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg): Ghost is the story of love beyond death…a love endures all type of film. It is why you have to tell people that you love them all the time, because you never know what can happen tomorrow. Ghost shows us that true love is timeless and has no boundaries. The movie has it all: romance, action, and comedy (courtesy of Whoppie Goldberg as Oda Mae Brown). The film is not without its flaws but it is successful at conveying its message and leaving you with a sense of satisfaction.

2. The Notebook (ROMANCE – 2004 – Starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling): The Notebook is a contemporary love story and a favorite with many women. Adapted from the best selling novel, the film tells the story of two "star struck" lovers from different sides of the track. Sound familiar? The movie is about love at first sight…the type of love that you carry with you wherever you go and regardless of the circumstances. The type of love that stays with you throughout your life and doesn't let you forget.

3. My Cousin Vinny (COMEDY – 1992 – Starring Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei): When two young men are convicted of a crime they didn't commit, it's up to Joe Pesci (playing a hysterical role as the argumentative attorney from New York) to save them from being sent to the electric chair. My Cousin Vinny is a well written and clever comedy that is sure to be a hit. Marisa Tomei does an incredible job as Joe Pesci fiance; she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

4. The Shining (HORROR – 1980 – Starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall): If you're into horror, this movie is a must. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, and adapted from the Steven King novel, The Shinning is by far one of the best horror films ever made. Unlike modern horror films, there are no predictable scares, deformed people hiding in the hills, blood thirsty zombies, or girls that decide to stay in the house while a killer is on the phone. Instead, Kubrick brilliantly combines cinematography, music, and sound to create this masterpiece of horror. Keep an eye on the boy…this film gave birth to the over-used emotionless child with ESP so common today (examples include The Sixth Sense, The Ring, The Ring Two, The Grudge, Godsend, Hide & Seek, and even the Got Milk commercial).

5. A Clockwork Orange (SCIENCE FICTION – 1971 – Starring Malcolm McDowell): Adapted for the screen by Stanley Kubrick, A Clockwork Orange is one of the few films ever made that is able to evoke each and every emotion a human being is capable of having. The movie is a genuine masterpiece; it's so good that there is nothing anyone can really write that will do this film justice. Be warned in advance that just like any fine piece of art, this film isn't for everyone. Those who are able to appreciate the film and its underlying message will undoubtedly question every film they have ever seen.

Worst Films To Rent

Let's face it guys, we love action and we don't need a plot. If it's fast paced, bloody, and has lots of guns we love it. Unfortunately, our dates don't always feel the same way. This actually brings me to my next point and film; if a date ever tells you that her favorite movie of all time is Bloodsport, marry her!

Bloodsport (ACTION – 1988 – Starring Jean Claude Van Damme): I for one love this movie…watching JCVD (Jean Claude Van Damme) do his "deaf touch" and having Chong Li say "Brick Don't Hit Back" was awesome. But the problem is that if I watched this on a date, it would probably end before the opening credits are over. The same goes for all of our other JCVD favorites such as Kickboxer, Lionheart, and Hard Target. You can actually use these movies to end a date on purpose, but that's another discussion and another time.

What does this have to do with PlanJam?

At PlanJam, our goal is to help you plan everyday things, and this includes Dating. Every week I will feature great date movie, both new and old, at the video store or in theaters; so check back often! If you're looking for an alternative to your typical dinner and a movie, take a look at our Plan A Date section. Our easy-to-use interface allows you to custom build your own date based on five different themes, cuisine type, and even extra's such as frozen yogurt or cookies.