Moviegoing isn't cheap these days. If a student's going to shell out precious cash for a flick, there should at least be a way to make a night out of it. Get to know the most popular movie theaters in the area and what else there is to do in the neighborhood by checking out The Scene's recommendations for dinner and movie, D.C. style.
Cineplex Odeon Wisconsin Avenue and burritos at Chipotle 4000 Wisconsin Ave., NW (202) 244-0880 Metro: Tenleytown-AU (Red Line)
In the life of every student, whether new or old to the college scene, there are nights when there is simply nothing to do. This feeling of sheer boredom is often made worse by the realization that dinner hasn't even happened yet. More horrible still is the prospect of swiping into TDR for the sixth meal straight and getting yet another grilled chicken sandwich. So here's an alternative idea: take the shuttle down to Tenleytown, get a burrito at Chipotle and catch a movie at the Cineplex Odeon Wisconsin Avenue. The theater has six screens varying in size and quality (two are nice, the other four mediocre), but there's no closer movie theater to head to on a lazy night. Meanwhile, anyone toting an AU ID at Chipotle gets a free soft drink with dinner. What better way to spend a night avoiding homework?
-ADAM BENDER
A night out with the parents at AMC Mazza Gallerie 7 5300 Wisconsin Ave., NW, 3rd floor (202) 537-9553 Metro: Friendship Heights (Red Line)
Searching for a spot to spend some precious moments with the family? Conveniently located a short metro/bus/zephyr/car ride from campus, Friendship Heights is the best way to make use of parental funds. Friendship Heights boasts not one, but two malls: the Mazza Gallerie and the Chevy Chase Pavilion. Mazza Gallerie seems slightly more upscale thanks to a portrait of some broad hanging in the entrance and golden bidets in the bathrooms, but both malls have essentially the same types of stores. Between the two there's Pottery Barn, J. Crew (for those who need collars to pop) and Neiman Marcus. Bargains can be found at Hechts, T.J. Maxx and Filene's Basement, and occasionally at Loehmanns. Borders is great for overpriced coffee flavored beverages and books significantly cheaper than the campus bookstore.
The Mazza Gallerie's AMC theater doesn't have the greatest movie selection, but it does have a special Club Cinema, a venue which fashionably includes leather seats and its own full-service bar. After all, watching "Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo" Ted Kennedy style is, sadly, the only way.
Famished after the day's plunder? The Cheesecake Factory and Maggiano's Little Italy, two reasonably priced favorites (with the parents are footing the bill!), will please even the most TDR-damaged palate.
-JORDAN WATTS
Cineplex Odeon Uptown and the National Zoo 3426 Connecticut Ave., NW (202) 966-5400 Metro: Cleveland Park (Red Line)
Considering how close it is to AU, Cleveland Park, the segue into the Adams Morgan area isn't well frequented. Snuggled between Thai restaurants, a Chipotle and various coffee joints is the Cineplex Odeon Uptown Theatre, a grandiose, one-screen theatre with a big, elegant red curtain that's drawn back across the screen to commence the film. Big movies like "Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter" have played there in the past, and the plush red velvet seating is the perfect way to view them. Capacity at this theatre is huge, but for opening days it's advised to get tickets in advance. Relax there after a day spent at the National Zoo viewing the small mammal house (and ogling the pygmy marmosets), a newborn panda bear, swinging monkeys and a baby elephant with a tiny tuft of white hair.
-REBECCA ARMENDARIZ
Upscale fun at Landmark's Bethesda Row Cinema 7235 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, Md. (301) 652-7273 Metro: Bethesda (Red Line)
The Landmark Bethesda Row is unique among D.C. area cinemas. Not only is it one of the few to feature all popular independent films of the day, but it has a trendy atmosphere normally reserved for movie theaters that show only Hollywood fare. Bethesda Row has stadium seating, comfy chairs and a plentiful concession stand, with goodies like Ben and Jerry's and tasty baked goods. Plus, since it has eight screens, patrons fond of indie movies are never burdened with inconvenient show times and sold out ticket booths.
Friday nights, the cinema shows modern cult movies like "Run Lola Run," "Reservoir Dogs" and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". Additionally, the area around the theater offers a large Barnes and Noble bookstore, an abundance of art galleries and small craft shops, and eclectic but plentiful dinner fare with options ranging from Indian and Sushi to Tex/Mex and hamburgers. Don't forget ice cream at Gifford's beside the theater for dessert. Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema is for anyone looking for some diverse flavor and entertainment.
-DREW RICHARDSON
EDITOR'S PICK: The Monuments and E Street Cinema 555 11th St., NW (202) 452-7672 Metro: Metro Center (Red Line)
One's neck can really get strained searching for the tip of the Washington Monument while trying to dodge tourists in coordinated hot pink T-shirts. The solution: walk a couple more blocks towards either the Gallery Place/Chinatown or Metro Center train stations and relax at E Street Cinema for quality, up-to-date independent and foreign language films such as "Broken Flowers" and "Nobody Knows." No "Wedding Crashers" or "Dukes of Hazard" here. The theater itself blends in with the busy downtown atmosphere and glossy windows, but the giant neon letter 'E' should provide some guidance. Although the theater looks standard and requires a big, fat, juicy wallet, it also offers high quality sights and sounds and a reflective atmosphere. Lone moviegoers don't have to worry; it's cooler to go solo after being surrounded by a slew of conspicuous travelers.
-DEBBIE KANG
Hockey, Lo Mein and Regal Gallery Place 14 707 Seventh St., NW (202) 393-2121 Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red Line)
Regal Gallery Place 14 offers a plethora of activities for those wishing to indulge in downtown D.C. before or after a movie. For sports fans, Gallery Place offers the chance to take in a matinee before an exciting Wizards game or, with the hockey strike over, AU students can check out a Capitols game and extend their night with a midnight movie on one of the Regal's 14 screens.
Non-sports fans should not despair. The theater is in the heart of D.C.'s Chinatown district, offering some of the best Asian food in Washington and an excellent place to take a date for some cheap but still tasty Lo Mein before an evening flick. While Regal Gallery Place 14 is not as close to AU as other theaters, it makes up for it by offering dining and entertainment options not available in the AU area. For those looking for a fun place to watch a movie while still experiencing some other layers of the nation's capital, the Regal Gallery Place is a great bet.
-D.R.
Post-Internship R&R at AMC Union Station 9 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE (703) 998-4262 Metro: Union Station (Red Line)
After a long day of interning on Capitol Hill, take some time to relax at nearby Union Station. A great time can especially be had after all of the filing and copying of the day is through. There's excellent shopping, a massive food court and the AMC Union Station 9 Theater. Although not the best place to catch a flick, this AMC has one of the best student ticket discounts around. At the Union Station food court there's cuisine to suit just about any palate. Whether its pizza, sushi or gyros, there is always something to tickle one's fancy amongst the obscene amount of options available there. The Johnny Rockets is always a safe bet, but hardly the best choice, much like the movie theater. Overall, the Union Station 9 is great when it is convenient, but otherwise film lovers are better off somewhere else.
-CHAD ROBINSON
American Film Institute Silver Theatre and Cultural Center 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, Md. (301) 495-6720 Metro: Silver Spring (Red Line)
Those willing to go the distance should check out the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center located in Silver Spring, MD. During the revitalization of Silver Spring, the American Film Institute helped restore this rundown theater to make it the wonder that it is now. Featuring special festivals, documentaries, remastered classics and select new releases, the AFI Silver Theatre is a cool spot to hit up for the movies. Cinema aficionados left hungry after the long Metro ride and movie should stop by the adjacent Panera Bread or the City Place Mall Food Court. Although not cheap, the AFI is definitely worth the long haul.
-C.R.
