 Top-Rated Movies Without Breaking the Bank
By Monica CardenasThe
Arlington Cinema N’
Drafthouse, located on Columbia Pike, is a long-awaited reprieve from
overpriced movie tickets and $10 M&Ms. Just down the street from Japanese
restaurant Matuba, the Drafthouse is open seven nights a week, showing movies,
live music and performances, and serving up food and drinks (including beer!).
 Start
the week off on Monday with $1 admission tickets to hits such as Borat
and The Departed. Any other night at the Drafthouse includes
regular-priced movie tickets ($5.50), comedy acts, and live musical
performances. Special events, such as We Like the Pike! on February 27th, a
celebration of the revitalization of Columbia Pike, round out the venue’s broad
array of activities.
Thursdays are typically devoted to the Comedy Lounge, where on March 1, 2007,
the Drafthouse will welcome Kojo Mante, Jay Hastings, Rory Scovel and Justin
Schlegel. Tickets are just $8 and doors open at 7:15. And for those willing to
spend a few extra bucks, Todd Barry, from Jimmy Kimmel Live and David Letterman,
will perform February 23rd and 24th at 9:45 (tickets $18). If you’re looking
for a bit more culture, rest-assured -
Friday night is Wine Night. Beginning at 6:15, the Drafthouse and the
Washington Wine Academy offer wine tasting for $2 each, or 6 for $10. Wine
experts from the Academy are on hand to answer questions, and live jazz guitar
and George Bradley, the house magician, offer entertainment prior to the movie.
Although most events are for adults only, the Drafthouse presents
Family Friendly Events regularly. Some include The Great Zucchini, one of
the D.C.-metro area’s most popular children’s entertainers, and Now This!, an
improvisational musical children’s theater. Mr. Knick Knack, voted D.C.’s
favorite children’s entertainer by DC Baby, will perform once per month
through June. While many of the events are consistent, the Drafthouse often
puts on special timely events, such as the
Annual Party for the Academy Awards, presented by the DC Film Society. On
Sunday, February 25th, the Drafthouse will celebrate the 79th Annual Academy
Awards broadcast on the big screen. Local film critics Joe Barber and Bill Henry
will host the event. Doors open at 6:30, and the event begins at 7. Tickets are
available at the box office for $20.
The Drafthouse is also a fund-raising venue for many campaigns, including the
upcoming One Lap to Fight Prostate Cancer. While event takes place in the
western United States, the Drafthouse is showing Cannonball Run, the film
which the event is modeled after, in support of the fundraiser. Tickets are $20.
Whether you’re in the mood for a movie, a drink, or a great comedy act (or all
three), the Arlington Cinema N’ Drafthouse offers them up on a nightly basis.
Regulars know that the Drafthouse does not show previews at movie start times –
but if you’re a first-timer, be sure to arrive on early.
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