The East Coast adventure continues today with a trip to the Washington D.C. area in anticipation of the city's upcoming Screen on the Green series, which debuts Monday night with the classic James Bond adventure, Goldfinger.
Before we get there, though, the Day 64 screening was for the kiddie animated adventure Despicable Me at Baltimore's fantastic Cinemark Egyptian 24 (formerly owned by Muvieco, it's an incredibly cool theater that uses ancient Egypt as its motif for decorum - see pictures below).
Besides the movie and museum/amusement park setting bringing back all kinds of childhood memories, the screening and this entire weekend are enhanced by a unique gift. I was already excited that Scott, one of my best buds from childhood, is an Army major who's stationed in the area. But to sweeten the deal further, my other three best friends from home whom I've known for close to 30 years - Shawn, Shaun and Frank - are flying in from Utah, Colorado and Istanbul, Turkey (!), for our "Crue" reunion.
Collectively, we've watched literally hundreds of movies together, from our days in elementary school on through our '80s junior high and high school years at the cineplex and renting loads of VHS tapes on a Friday night, to various movie screenings and memories post-'80s with significant others, spouses and kids - currently 15 and counting (for the three who are marriend)...my sincere thanks, on that note, to their wives for understanding and letting them go for the weekend...
Anyways, the movie was actually just O.K. Steve Carell voices a funny villain-turned-softie named Gru, who becomes a parental type to three loveable little girls. Some of the humor works for adults, but the animation and the hit-and- miss jokes are aimed squarely at the younger set. I'm wary of any movie with fart jokes and a dance sequence at the end, but the images are easy on the eyes and Mr. Carell gives it his best shot.
Mainly, I was just psyched to be sitting in a theater with my two childhood friends (the other two are still on the way). It seems like just yesterday we were riding our bikes to the mall, buying Bruce Lee posters (ok, that was just me) and checking out Spaceballs and The Lost Boys. That's life. One minute, you're a pre-teen sneaking into Beverly Hils Cop II. The next, you're tired and almost 40. Seeing movies again with these guys, though...it's a real life Hot Tub Time Machine.
-------
Once upon a time, these two characters and I unsuccessfully tried to get into Platoon...so saw Overboard instead...
The sphinx of moviegoing demands that you spend some time with him...
Chuck has been an entertainment editor and writer for more than 15 years. He was previously an Interactive Producer at Sony Pictures and Revolution Studios site MediaTrip.com, and Content Manager at Hollywood.com. Chuck served as a field reporter for Newsweek magazine and contributing editor to the
Gift With Purchase
Buy a ticket to Mortal Kombat II and receive 750 Dragon Krystals to be redeemed for use in the Mortal Kombat 1 game!
Limited time offer. While supplies last. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app between 9:00am PT on 4/9/26 and 11:59pm PT on 5/24/26 and purchase at least one (1) ticket to see ‘Mortal Kombat II’ at a participating Fandango theater. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Mortal Kombat 1 (“Game”) Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for 750 Dragon Krystals in the Game. Code is only valid for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Code is not valid on Nintendo Switch. Code expires, and must be redeemed by, 11:59pm PT on 12/31/26, or when the Game is no longer available to play, whichever comes first. Code is one time use only. Limit one Code per Fandango account and WB Games account. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. A WB Games account is required to play Mortal Kombat 1 and redeem a Code. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer is subject to Fandango's terms and policies, at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies. Redemption of the Code is subject to WB Games Terms of Service, at https://legal.wbgames.com/terms-of-service/
Get 4 months of FanClub member benefits, 4 free movie tickets, plus a $20 Fandango at Home promo code.
"OFFER TERMS AND CONDITIONS This “FanClub Summer Movie Pass” offer (the “Offer”) is valid from May 1, 2026, through August 31, 2026 (the “Offer Period”). To qualify, you must purchase a FanClub Summer Movie Pass at www.fandango.com/fanclub/summerpass for $49.99. This Offer is not valid for current FanClub members; however, individuals may become eligible after their existing FanClub membership has expired if such membership expires before the end of the Offer Period. The FanClub Summer Movie Pass includes four (4) months of Fandango FanClub membership beginning upon enrollment. After the initial four (4) month period, your membership will automatically renew at $9.99/month (plus applicable taxes) unless canceled prior to the renewal date. The Offer also includes four (4) Fandango movie ticket promo codes (each, a “Ticket Code”). One (1) Ticket Code will be delivered via email within 24 to 48 hours after enrollment. The remaining three (3) Ticket Codes will be delivered via email monthly over the subsequent three (3) months. Each Ticket Code is valid for one-time use for the purchase of one (1) movie ticket on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app. Ticket Codes expire on the earlier of 12/31/26 or when your FanClub membership expires. The Offer also includes one (1) $20 Fandango at Home promotional code (the “FAH Code”, and collectively with Ticket Codes, “Codes”), which will be delivered via email within 24 to 48 hours after enrollment. The FAH Code is valid for up to $20 off a qualifying purchase on Fandango at Home. The FAH Code expires on the earlier of 12/31/26 or when your FanClub membership expires. The FAH Code is valid for one-time use only. Any price difference between total transaction price and FAH Code's maximum discount will not be refunded. If cost of purchase is more than FAH Code's maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. To redeem any Codes, you must have and be logged into your Fandango or Fandango at Home account and still be a FanClub member. Lost or stolen Codes cannot be replaced. This Offer has no cash value except as required by law, is void where prohibited, and cannot be combined with any other offer. It is valid only in the U.S. (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Codes are non-transferable, not for resale, and void if sold or exchanged. Taxes may apply. Limit one (1) FanClub Movie Pass Pass per person. Redemption is subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies. No adjustments will be made for prior purchases. Fandango reserves the right to modify or withdraw this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply. See Fandango FanClub Program Terms for details. FREE FANDANGO MOVIE TICKET TERMS AND CONDITIONS Fandango promotional code (“Code”) is good for one (1) ticket to any movie at a participating Fandango theater. Codes expire on the earlier of 12/31/2026 or when you FanClub membership expires. To be eligible for this offer, you must be a paying Fandango FanClub Movie Pass member at the time the offer is sent and remain a FanClub member at the time that you redeem each Code. Each Code is one-time use only. Codes are valid only for the purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. If the cost of movie tickets and associated fees and charges exceeds a Code’s maximum discount, you must pay the difference. Any price difference between the total transaction price and a Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account, and be a FanClub member, to redeem a Code. If a Code is lost or stolen, it cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited.Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Non-transferable. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. You may have to pay taxes additionally. Limit one redemption per Code per person. Redemption of each Code is subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies. $20 FAH MOVIE TICKET TERMS AND CONDITIONS The Fandango at Home promo code (“Code”) included in this Offer expires on the earlier of 12/31/2026 and when your FanClub membership expires. To be eligible for this offer, you must be a paying Fandango FanClub Summer Movie Pass member at the time the Offer is sent and remain a FanClub member at the time that you redeem the Offer and Code. The Code is good for up to $20.00 (twenty dollars) off any single movie or episode purchase in a single transaction. To redeem your Code, enter the Code at checkout during your next Fandango at Home purchase. The Code is a one-time use discount. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code's maximum discount will not be refunded. If cost of purchase is more than Code's maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. Code cannot be combined with any other offers. Code is non-transferable and has no cash value, except as required by law. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. You may have to pay taxes additionally. Adjustments to prior purchases will not be permitted. Fandango reserves the right to withdraw or modify this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, and without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply. See Fandango FanClubProgram Terms for details."
Get 1 free ticket instantly when you join FanClub with your Young Washington ticket order.
The ‘Young Washington – 1 free ticket FanClub Promotion' offer (the “Offer”) begins 5/6/26 and will run for a limited time. Offer valid for new FanClub members only. To be eligible, you must subscribe to a 1-month paid FanClub membership ($9.99 per month + tax) when purchasing tickets Young Washington on the Fandango website or mobile app, and Offer will be automatically applied at checkout. To redeem the Offer, you must complete checkout while an eligible FanClub membership is in your cart and Offer is applied. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law); void where prohibited. Adjustments to prior purchases not permitted. Taxes may apply. Offer may only be redeemed once per person. Fandango reserves the right to withdraw or modify this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, and without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply, including Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Get the Beskar Bounty Bundle and receive one movie ticket to Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu plus a Limited Edition 28" x 11.5" Concept Art Print!
*The Beskar Bounty Bundle is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The Limited-Edition Concept Art Print will begin shipping in May. Please use a physical U.S. address where the Limited-Edition Concept Art Print shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://store.fandango.com/products/the-beskar-bounty-bundle
Everyone has one hidden talent. Enter promo code TUNER50 at checkout to get 50% off your tickets to see Tuner on May 17.
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Visit Fandango at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 5/6/26 and 5/17/26, purchase any amount of tickets to a 5/17/26 showtime of Tuner at a participating Fandango theater, and use the Fandango Promotional Code TUNER50 (“Code”) to get 50% off (total ticket price and associated fees and charges) your full transaction. Code expires, and can no longer be used, upon the earlier of the latest showtime of Tuner on 5/17/26, the limit of Code redemptions being reached, or when Tuner is no longer available in theaters. Code must be entered at checkout. Only valid for purchase of movie ticket(s) made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only, excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Non-transferable. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Excludes multiple admission tickets. Fandango is not a sponsor or co-sponsor of this offer. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time without notice. This offer and the redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Step into the battle for Eternia like never before. Grab your Masters of the Universe Power Pint bundle and witness He-Man and Skeletor clash in Dolby Cinema—plus receive Fandango-exclusive collectible pint glasses that bring the power with you.
*Power Pint Bundle is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The set of two collectible pint glasses will begin shipping in May. Please use a physical U.S. address where the set of two collectible pint glasses shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://store.fandango.com/products/pint-power-bundle
Buy a ticket to Shrek 25th Anniversary, get the Shrek 6-Movie Collection for $25 on Fandango at Home
*Limited time offer. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app and purchase, between 8:05am PT on 4/23/26 and 11:59pm PT on 5/21/26, at least one (1) movie ticket to ‘Shrek 25th Anniversary’ in participating Fandango theaters. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Fandango at Home Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for the Shrek 6-Movie Collection for $25, in My Offers in your account on http://fandangoathome.com and via participating Fandango at Home apps. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Code expires on (and must be used by) 5/23/26 at 11:59pm PT. Limit one Code received per transaction. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). You must have a Fandango at Home account to redeem your Code on Fandango at Home. Fandango at Home is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to open a Fandango at Home account. Credit card may be required for transactions on fandangoathome.com. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
One team. One target. No turning back. Buy a ticket to In The Grey, get $5 off the Spies, Lies, & Alibis: 4-Film Collection on Fandango at Home.
*Limited time offer. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app and purchase, between 12:01am PT on 4/28/26 and 11:59pm PT on 6/2/26, at least one (1) movie ticket to In the Grey. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Fandango at Home Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good $5 off the purchase (and not the rental) of the Spies, Lies, & Alibis: 4-Film Collection in My Offers in your account on http://fandangoathome.com and via participating Fandango at Home apps. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Code expires on (and must be used by) 6/5/26 at 11:59pm PT. Limit one per transaction. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). You must have a Fandango at Home account to redeem your Code on Fandango at Home. Fandango at Home is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to open a Fandango at Home account. Credit card may be required for transactions on fandangoathome.com. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
