Cinema

Movie-making plays a prominent role in NYC economy and movie watching is about equally popular. There are many different theatres throughout New York. Here are a few of the unique theatres in the city:

Quad Cinema: A New York institution, the Quad Cinema has been showing the best of foreign and independent films for over 25 years. Family owned and operated, the Quad continues to book films which are unique, original, and intellectual to appeal to a loyal following of New York moviegoers.
Sunshine Cinema: Gourmet concessions, unusual films, and art house atmosphere make this a wonderful theatre to experience.
Cinema Village: This three screen cinema is the oldest continuously operated cinema in Greenwich Village and one of the oldest continuously operated art cinemas in the city.

For movie listings: www.google.com/movies. For reviews, consult New York Magazine movies.

Nightlife

New York nightlife is legendary. Studio 54 is just one club during one short period of time, New York's night scene has unknown depths of musical talent and wild parties. New York Magazine Nightlife offers tips on bars and clubs for every style; jump in and let loose.

Live Jazz: Blue Note or St. Nick's Pub (773 St. Nicholas Avenue; 212-283-9728). Brandy's Library Lounge offers some distinctive drinks as well as live jazz on select nights.
Dancing: Bar 13 has three floors of lounge/nightclub with funk and electronic. Club Exit has hip hop, techno, R&B, or house. Beatrice Inn is a semi-private club that is tough to get into, but makes up for it with celebrity sightings, hip style, and retro music to dance to.
Latin: Copacabana

Note that liquor laws require bars to stop serving at 2AM. Some bars don't close at 2, but they may not serve alcohol for fear of severe fines and closure. Alcohol may also only be bought and consumed by those 21 and older which will be checked frequently.