This article was originally published prior to June 2, 2013.  Due to a change in content management systems, the initial publication date is not available.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

That is what a person might hear sitting in those comfy seats while consuming a bag of popcorn at the movie theater. But why do people go to the movies?

The mass media theory of Uses and Gratifications could explain why people go to the movies so often. Joe Watson, assistant professor of mass media and communication, said this theory is used to explain why people look for certain types of media, including movies.

“We all have reasons why we seek out certain media,” Watson said. “Some may want to be informed, some may want to be entertained, others may want to find diversion in their day. Whatever the reason, we feel a particular need and then we find a form of media that will satisfy that need.”

He provided the example of “Slumdog Millionaire.” This movie is centered on a man with a terrible childhood who beats the odds and finds true love. He said someone who recently has  experienced a break-up may want to see this movie to be reassured that true love can prevail and some people do live happily ever after.

On the flip side, this same movie won eight Oscars, one of which was Best Picture. Such a popular movie may be the topic of discussion at school or work.

“If you haven’t seen it, you’re probably going to feel a need to go just so you can participate in the social discussion of the movie,” Watson said.

It’s not just movies that attract people to the theaters, it’s the characters as well.

Watson said the main reason people get attached to movie characters is because they can relate to them.

“There may be something about their history or their current situation that we find similar to our own lives that can create a connection where we cheer for that character to overcome the odds or to succeed at something because we see ourselves in them,” Watson said.

He said another reason also could be some people see things in a certain movie character they wish they had in their own lives.

“A guy might relate to James Bond because he’s suave, always wins any conflict and always gets the girl,” Watson said. “A guy may not be like that in real life, but he can live vicariously through the character, so he never misses a Bond flick.”

Freshman Megan Christopher also thinks it’s the attachment to a movie character that draws a person to a movie.

Watson also said the types of movies people watch relate to the kind of mood people are in at a certain time, which he called mood management.

“If someone is sad and having a bad day, they could seek out a sad movie, but they’re more likely to seek out a comedy,” Watson said.

Christopher wouldn’t disagree.

“I try to balance my mood out with movies,” Christopher said. “For instance, if I’m sad, I’ll watch a comedy and it’ll perk me up.”

Senior Dana Hacker believes when people are having a rough time in their own lives, it’s nice to see a happy movie that allows them to escape reality.

“If people are already stressed or depressed, which is especially true right now with the economy the way it is, most people would probably rather go see a comedy or an uplifting movie,” Hacker said.

She also said people who are in a good mood are better able to handle a more serious, depressing or violent movies, than people who are in a not-so-good mood.

“Movies are powerful things that can influence our moods, shape our moods and change our moods,” Watson said.