Ways to Entertain Amid a Troubled Economy

Given the troubled economy, many are in search of ways to entertain themselves and their family without having to spend a lot of money. Now more than ever is a time to take advantage of a good old-fashioned movie night by staying in and ordering pizza. (Or better yet-find a good recipe online and make it yourself). Not only that, but there are a myriad of great films to choose from, and what better way is there to escape the slog of everyday by engaging high quality art?

Hollywood movies can be a quick and fun release, but nowadays viewers can search online for not just the latest films, but classic films as well. How about giving Fellini's La Dolce Vita a try? Ever wonder where the word "paparazzi" came from? This film will tell you. Want something that captures the realism of family life? How about Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu's 1953 brilliant masterpiece Tokyo Story?

Now, with online sites like Netflix, difficulty with renting what some might call "obscure films" is a thing of the past. For many years, these classic foreign films have been inaccessible to the general public, notably because they're usually hard to find at your local Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. Rental places are sort of like libraries, in that they stock what they think the public will rent the most. (When you can't find any literary classics and only books by Danielle Steel like at my dinky library, it is sort of depressing).

And usually what the public goes after is Hollywood films, simply because they're everywhere. Not to mention that the cost of a foreign DVD is often twice or more than that of your standard Hollywood DVD, thus making it difficult for your average consumer to gain some added culture. Some bookstores like Barnes & Noble will often carry a foreign DVD section, though they demand full price, and frankly it is easier to just order it online.

So with this troubled economy, what better way to escape the momentary slog than that of a good, classic film? Find some films that will not only engage the heart but the mind; thus giving you and your family something to both learn and discuss once the film is done. A movie night is a great way to escape, engage, and enlighten. It can provide an experience shared, a great family time, and now renting is easy and economical.