When you're on a tight budget, the first thing you cut out of your life is a $10.50 movie ticket. For movie junkies, though, this can be extremely heartbreaking: no comfy stadium theater seats, no buttery popcorn and no 24 oz., $12 sodas. For those who can't stay away from the silver screen, D.C. offers a handful of small theaters that play the classics or almost-new films for reasonable prices when it's too cold for Screen on the Green. Here are the movies offered this weekend, along with what kinds of films to expect next month and where to find out more information.
American City Diner & Cinema Café This weekend: "All the King's Men," "And Justice For All," "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," "The Silence of the Lambs"
The closest of the bunch to AU's campus, many know the American City Diner for their wonderful 24-hour breakfast menu. For those of you yet to take advantage of the diner's Cinema Café, you're missing out. American City Diner shows films in its dining areas released anywhere between the 1940s and today. There's something for any taste (just look at this weekend's spread), and admission is free for all - the only thing you have to pay for is the fare you enjoy while watching the film. You can get a full schedule online at americancitydiner.com.
AFI Silver Theater This weekend: "Slumdog Millionaire," "Revolutionary Road"
Though AFI Silver Theater showings generally make you shell out the usual $10 for recent films like "Slumdog Millionaire", you can also find some free screenings of lesser-known films. Located in Silver Spring, AFI gives small productions the opportunity to show their stuff on the big screen. This coming month, you can see films such as "Wounded Knee" at no cost, a film about the American Indian Movement. You can also meet the film's director and executive producer. The theater is also offering a Valentine's Day lineup in the weeks leading up to the big day for the usual $10 charge. You can take that special someone to see Clark Gable in "It Happened One Night" or John Cusack in "Say Anything" as a special V-Day treat. See more events at AFI.com/silver.
Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse This weekend: "Role Models," "Quantum of Solace"
You may be thinking that nothing can rival a movie accompanied by diner food, but after hearing about the Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse's offerings, the 21-plus crowd might disagree. The Drafthouse offers films that have recently left the theaters for a $5.50 charge. If you're under 21, you can only enter with a parent; if you are 21, you can enjoy the wonders of a full bar and a light menu featuring sandwiches, pizza and the like. A funny movie for $5.50, and you don't need to sneak in Keystones. Can it get much better? Check out the upcoming movies at arlingtondrafthouse.com.
Historical Society of Washington This weekend: Hip-Hop Cinema Café
There are always many free events to take advantage of in the District and surrounding areas if you know where to look. The Historical Society of D.C. is offering one of these events this weekend, offering Hip-Hop Cinema Café on Saturday, January 31. Attendees can watch "Free Style: the Art of Rhyme," a film chronicling the growth of a group of underground MCs and DJs. This event begins at 2 p.m. and is free to the public. Information about other upcoming events, including the showing of "Citizen Kane," are available on the group's Web site, historydc.org.
You can reach this staff writer at kboghosian@theeagleonline.com.