Film Groups in Denver, Colorado: 'Meetups at the Movies' Spotlight

Finding a film group in Denver, Colorado, is as easy as cruising over to Meetup.com and visiting the enthusiastic, movie-loving folks at the "Meetups at the Movies" group. The group organizer, Monica Israels, took a moment to share some insight with me into the workings of the "Meetups at the Movies" group, its activities, and membership.

A Film Group Ready to Celebrate its One-Year Anniversary

"I started my Meetup group on January 7th of this year, so it's going to be our first anniversary in just a few weeks. I've been going to Meetup events for a few years and it's a great way to meet like-minded people," Israels explained, whose Meetup group has over 250 members-presumably all in the Denver, Colorado area, given that Meetup.com is aimed at local organizations and events. "Since starting the group, we have about 40 people who are regular members, and that makes each event like getting together with old friends. Each event sees a few new members, too, so we always get to meet new people. It has really worked out well."

Plenty of Movie Love for All Genres

Israels' film group caters to fans of all movie types, from classics to new releases. "High-energy movies are always better in the movie theater compared to watching them at home, in my opinion. In the theater, you can laugh and cheer with everyone else who is there and it makes the movie even better," stated Israels, when asked about her reasons for forming "Meetups at the Movies." She went on to say, "About a year ago I realized that these comedies and action movies would be better still if I was enjoying movies with a big group of acquaintances and new friends."

The "Meetups at the Movies" crew isn't afraid of seeing a disappointing flick. "We've seen some incredible movies as well as some 'so bad they're good' movies, and both types are fun. I get to see all of the most talked about movies with my friends, and we usually see them on opening weekend." Israels and her 250 members like to follow-up each movie with a meal, friendly discussion, and a session of catching-up while meeting new members.

Israels is a fan of Yahoo! Movies, and uses the website to plan upcoming events for the "Meetup at the Movies" group. "I've been using Yahoo! Movies probably since it came out. I think it's organized very well, showing my saved theaters and the movie show times in a very uncluttered way; having movie synopses and scores available without having to leave the main page is also a bonus."

Thoughts on the Denver Movie Scene

I asked Israels' opinion of Denver's movie scene specifically, compared to other hot-spot cities and what they offer. "Our group goes to movies in north metro Denver, and we have quite a few AMC theaters to choose from. I try to pick a different theater and a different restaurant for dinner each time, and it works out well." This variety is likely one of the biggest draws for new members searching for film groups in Denver, Colorado. The upcoming events on the Meetup website indicates the group gets together at least once a month, often twice, with as many as forty members RSVPing for the events.

"I do wish that we would get more of the movies in limited release, but Denver just isn't L.A." she lamented, reflecting many local movie goers' complaints about finding films in the Mile High City. "I'm hoping that as Denver grows we'll get more of those types of movies. Denverites tend to spend more of their time outdoors, but seeing a movie is a great way to cool down on a hot summer day or warm up in the dead of winter."

Advice for New Members to the Film Group

Israels understands that Meetup.com can be intimidating to new members or for people new to the Mile High City. "Once you start going to Meetup events it gets much easier and you expand your circle of friends right away," she encouraged. "The first time you join us can be a little overwhelming because we usually have a fairly large group. But the second time you come to an event you'll know most of the people there from the previous event. That makes our group one of the best Meetup groups for finding friends."

Fortunately for movie lovers in Denver, "Meetups at the Movies" has something to offer everyone. "Though there are some Meetup groups geared toward single people or people of a certain age, 'Meetups at the Movies' is for everyone. We have young members as well as older members. We have quite a few couples who come to events as well as lots of single people. You're sure to find someone you can connect with in the group."

An Enthusiastic, Quality Film Group for Locals

Ultimately, I was extremely impressed with what "Meetups at the Movies" has to offer potential members. Many Meetup.com groups succumb to inactivity, or are plagued by inactive members who fail to attend events. Israels insists upon a fair and considerate RSVP system, which allows her as an organizer, and any volunteer organizers, to properly prepare for events. The group has a 4.5/5 star rating on the website, based on membership ratings.

Their obvious love for the movie industry, plus the added bonus of a meal together after, makes "Meetups at the Movies" a truly social group full of potential. If you live in the Denver area, and are looking for a free organization with plenty of activities to offer, visit this charming group on their Meetup.com website and say hello to Monica Irsaels and the other 250 members.

Sources:
Meetup.com, "Meetups at the Movies" webpage