I am diving into the world of freelance writing and have been asked,
on a few occasions, to provide book and movie reviews.  I am doing
this more for the experience in writing for publication than I am for
the money. In addition, these reviews are published in an online
startup magazine so their funding is still in flux.  The magazine does
not supply material for review or anything like that - its all up to
me.

I would like to be able to provide my reviews slightly ahead of the
curve so that when a new book is published or a new film comes out,
the review is already complete and available to the audience (rather
than waiting and seeing the film, etc. when it is released to the
general public).  So my
question is this - are there any good ways for someone like me to
access films prior to their general release, or to purchase books
slightly ahead of publication? I know some films have sneak previews
but this is not the case for most movies. Any imformation you can
offer or resources you can provide me with would be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks!

PR Consultants are always looking for ways in which they can get their
products 'puffed'.

Of course, they expect (nay demand) favourable (nay ecstatic) reviews.

Try making some contacts in that crazy world.

You should call the PR departments at the major film studios -- and
ask to be put on their press screening list.   Same for publishers for
books.   They will want to see proof of your work, of course.
And then they'll ask you to put your request in writing.   It's best
to start with a phone call to find out each outlet's specific policy. 
  For movies, if you're not in NY or LA, then you ask who to pitch in
their affiliate office closest to where you live.   The smaller
independent film distributors mostly farm out publicity chores to
small entertainment p.r. companies, who also maintain press lists for
screenings.

If you're interested in doing genre books, there are listservs out
there that often have authors who would love to get their books
reviewed.

And there are several web sites out there that regularly review books
and provide free review copies (and at least one that I know that does
reviews of documentaries, but not feature films). The trick is that
normally you're doing the reviews for free.

Not quite what you asked for so I'm posting this as a comment only.

Regards,
luciaphile-ga

Hi,

The Popper Gazette is looking for a few good book reviewers.  Because
we don't make any money from the zine, there is no pay for the
reviews, but you get publication and a bio.  It's really just a
service for helping to get the word out about good books.  We do
mostly ebooks, but will review all books.  If you have read a good
book lately and would like to review it, you may submit it online at
http:jopop.us/jopop.html and click on "Guidelines" in the menu, or if
you would like to review one of ours, just send me an email with your
name and preferred genre to review@jopop.us and we will send you one
of ours to review.  If you prefer, send an email to review@jopop.us
requesting a list of books we already have waiting for review.

Be sure to include a short bio and a link to your homepage, if you
have one, with your review.  The guidelines and submission form are
at: http://jopop.us/submission-form.html