Nothing like having an automated buddy on the other end of the instant messaging conversation to keep ya busy eh? Well, sometimes they can be practical.

If you use Windows Live Messenger (MSN Messenger), and if you're a film freak (or even if you just like movies), go to your IM client program and add [email protected] to your contact list. Then open a conversation window and type "hi" or something similar. You can set your ZIP code and start searching.

Once you've found a movie you want to look at, enter the number next to the title to get showtimes and a link to more information about the film:

It's pretty cool. A lot like using Fandango in your browser, I suppose. But on a mobile device this is cool stuff.