MOVIES FOR CHEAPSKATES: AZUMI AND AMC. See that sword-wielding young lady on the right? The shot is from the Japanese adventure film Azumi, which you and a guest can see for free on Wednesday, July 19, at 7:30 pm at the Village East Cinema (Second Avenue between 11th and 12th Streets). All you have to do is tear out the offer on page 71 of the current Village Voice and get in line early. Don't ask me how early....

In other news for movie cheapskates, AMC is offering $6 admissions to its pre-noon screenings on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays as part of its A.M. Cinema promotion. Should New Yorkers feel grateful? According to this New York Post article, ticket prices in New York City hover in the $10.50-11.00 range even though the national average in 2005 was $6.41! Think about what prices must be nationally for the average to be $6.41....

Photo source