iPhone App: Movie Genie

October 11th, 2009

= 4 stars

Reference app that hooks into IMDB, allowing look up of movie, television show, actor, and director information. You’ll never wonder who that guy in that movie nobody heard of, ever again.

The Good

• One requirement when using any app that pulls in data from a website: must be quicker than just firing up Safari. Movie Genie passes. The standard iPhone list menus are put to good use for scrolling and tapping, and further information slides in from the right, a big improvement over the dense IMDB website proper. Fast and responsive.
• Some nice user interface additions: When drilling down into “Cast & Crew” there is a touch-strip on the right side with abbreviations for sections (director, writer, cast, etc.).

The Bad

• Doesn’t support IMDB’s photos or message board. Also doesn’t have episode listings for television shows, but a future version will support this.
• Could use a settings area to adjust display, or a button to clear everything in the history at once. I don’t want to be reminded of looking up Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past.

Conclusion

This app is certain to get a ton of use from this self-confessed movie junkie (isn’t it obvious?). Recommended.

iTunes App Store Link: