What kind of a mindset are you in when you watch films?

Most of the time, I'm watching with a critical eye, unless it's truely a escapist sort of flick, but I don't really watch those very often.

I'm so used to watching films with a critical eye, that if I'm gonna watch a film with friends I usually prefer it to be a so-bad-it's-good one or one I've already seen.

I think I watch ALL films with a critical eye, and only if it's a total bang-up job of a film like the impeccable Legally Blonde do I end up enjoying (obviously I don't belong posting to this forum since I actually hate movies by this defintion). It's up to the movie to have enough critical mass *and* entertain me.

Leee wrote ...in that I'm reluctant to go see them because I'd be going by myself.

I know this feeling all too well. I encourage you to shake this reluctance and to not be afraid to see things alone. I'd say that over 50% of the time when I go to the theatre, I go alone, and I would've missed out on so many amazing films if I didn't go. This goes for traveling also (i.e. don't be afraid to explore/travel alone).

depends on my mood, the film etc.

watching with a critical eye and totally enjoying it are in no way contradictory for me. The reason I try not to watch good movies with my friends is that I'm likely to get distracted. Plus I can't stand when friends aren't really paying attention. Ever try to watch a Brian DePalma movie with someone whose doing a puzzle or something? I'm like "YOU HAVE TO WATCH THE SCREEN AND NOT JUST LISTEN! HE'S A REAL FILMMAKER WHICH MEANS HE MAKES THE IMAGES INTEGRAL, GODDAMNIT!"

It always depends on the film itself. If I am watching something like Orson Welles or Stanley Kubrick, I pay strict attention the visuals above all else and how they effect the telling of the story. If it's something along the lines of Luis Bunuel or David Lynch, I look for odd symbolism and unusual structures. Of course, it's different with each movie. I think a lot of times people don't appreciate a certain movie because they are not in the right mindsight. I mean, c'mon, you can't watch a movie like "Speed" or "Die Hard" and expect Ingmar Bergman, the same way you can't hope to be as entertained by "Wild Strawberries" as you are by "Minority Report." And then of course there are the moronic comedies and such that are absolutely horrible in actuality, but are good for some mindless entertainment when you're just hanging around with your buddies. I mean, I can't possibly imagine sitting down and watching a Jim Carrey comedy on my own, but when you're with a bunch of friends having a good time, do you really want to put on "L'Avventura?"