Cinema and Movies

*Oddball Cinema Presents: Food for Thought* *The Founder* is a sharp biographical drama that tells the story of Ray Kroc, a struggling salesman who turns a small California burger joint run by the McDonald brothers into a global fast-food empire. As Kroc’s ambition grows, so does the tension between innovation and ethics, revealing the ruthless drive behind one of America’s most iconic brands. With a compelling performance by Michael Keaton, the film explores the cost of success in the pursuit of the American Dream. ■ Title — The Founder ■ Director — John Lee Hancock ■ Cast — Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch ■ ©2016 \| Rated PG\-13 \| 1h 55m \| Period Drama\, Biography

Enjoy a classic movie outing at a **Movie Social** at Cinema Arts Theatre! Gather with others for a relaxed and welcoming film experience. Tickets are just $7, making it an easy way to enjoy a great movie together. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show, we’d love to see you there!

We invite you to an engaging evening of wine, cheese and lively conversation around NYT Bestseller ***Relic,*** a horror novel and techno-thriller by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child about a series of brutal murders at the New York Museum of Natural History just before a major exhibition opens. The killings are blamed on a prehistoric, beast-like creature from the Amazon that has a connection to the museum's new exhibition. Museum researcher Margo Green must team up with FBI agent Pendergast to find out what the creature is and how to stop it before the killer strikes again. **From Goodreads:** Just days before a massive exhibition opens at the popular New York Museum of Natural History, visitors are being savagely murdered in the museum's dark hallways and secret rooms. Autopsies indicate that the killer cannot be human... But the museum's directors plan to go ahead with a big bash to celebrate the new exhibition, in spite of the murders. Museum researcher Margo Green must find out who—or what—is doing the killing. But can she do it in time to stop the massacre? As always, please feel free to join even if you have not finished the book - no stress :-) All attendees are asked to please bring one of the following: 1. A bottle of wine 2. Cheese and Crackers 3. An alternate beverage or nosh of your choice Host will provide glasses, wine opener, plates & napkins. To enhance the opportunity for great conversation, we would like to keep the group small. Please feel free to sign-up to meet us along with up to 2 friends. 📚 Exciting Updates for 2026 Book Club! 📚 Starting in January 2026, we’ll be implementing a new system for book recommendations that will make our reading selections even more collaborative and engaging! **Book Recommendations:** From January through October, members can submit book recommendations at each meeting, via email, text or Meetup DM. All suggestions will be added to a shared Google Sheet, which will include links to Goodreads and other pertinent information for each book. [LINK to 2027 BOOK LIST](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18AC_FH9bGGxyH6v7Rw36EvPtKtVl5e_N/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102804280893316002961&rtpof=true&sd=true) **Voting for 2027 Reads:** Our voting for next year’s book selections will take place during the November 2026 meeting. Members in attendance will have the opportunity to cast 12 votes for their favorite picks. If you’re unable to attend the November meeting, you can still participate! Simply submit 6 votes via email, text, or DM through Meetup before the start of the November meeting. **Announcement of Selections:** The chosen books for 2027 will be revealed at the end of the November meeting. We’re excited about this new process and can’t wait to see the amazing book recommendations you all have! 📖✨ PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMMITTED TO ATTEND WHEN YOU RSVP FOR THIS EVENT. We ask that ALL folks honor their RSVP. If you are unable to attend after sending in a YES, please update your status so that others may join us. In the event you do not communicate and are a no-show, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding. If you are unable to join us in May, we hope you'll remain interested and join us for an evening in the future. Looking forward to wine & cheese with you soon - happy reading!

Un'ottima occasione per parlare in Italiano con persone di madre lingua. Aperto a tutti i livelli di conoscenza dell'Italiano. Specialmente gustando una buonissima pinza. A presto. Please consider donating to us via the Pledge widget on this page to help us defray the costs of running a Meetup group. **Note: This event occurs on the first Wednesday of every month at Via Roma**

[Book Your Classes by Clicking This Link! ](https://crowndancestudio.com/group-classes/) Mid-week is for the experts with **Level 3 Bachata (7:45 PM)** and **Level 3 Salsa (8:30 PM),** followed by a **Social Dance Party at 9:15 PM.** These advanced classes challenge experienced dancers with intricate footwork and styling, emphasizing the joy of high-level performance. **The evening costs $25 for the classes and social**, providing an inclusive space where advanced students can sharpen their craft and immediately practice their moves with peers. 7:45 Bachata (Level 3) 8:45 Salsa (Level 3) $18 for 1 Class $22 for 1 Class + Social $25 for 2 Classes + Social $10 for Social Only

**Advance ticket reservations required to attend. No door sales. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=C8F8518E-91A2-4F7A-9163-7E47CCB449D7](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=C8F8518E-91A2-4F7A-9163-7E47CCB449D7) The International Club of DC cordially invites you to a luxurious gathering of ICDC members who appreciate the art of fine bubbles. Indulge in a curated champagne and sparkling wine tasting led by Wine Director of The Pembroke, Kyle Sheaffer, and discover the different methods behind sparkling wines across the world. The tasting will be expertly guided by Wine Director Kyle Sheaffer, who brings to life each wine’s soul: its origin, production method, tasting notes, and character. As glasses glide from one taste to the next, we will accompany the pours with carefully selected cheeses — each pairing composed to accentuate the nuances of the bubbles. You’ll have the opportunity to linger over your favorites, ask questions, and compare impressions in a warm, convivial atmosphere. **Advance ticket reservations required to attend. No door sales. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=C8F8518E-91A2-4F7A-9163-7E47CCB449D7](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=C8F8518E-91A2-4F7A-9163-7E47CCB449D7) Attend by yourself or with friends to experience an exquisitely curated unforgettable night of sparkling elegance, thoughtful conversation, and refined indulgence as you meet ICDC members and make new friends! This is a night to slow down, savor, and connect. Rekindle your love for champagne and sparkling wines, and forge new friendships with kindred spirits, with an appreciation for wines that sparkle! The refined ambiance of The Pembroke is an ideal canvas: from the soft hum of conversation to the sparkle of flutes in low light, it will frame every moment in style. Limited space. Reserve your place and toast to elegance. **Advance ticket reservations required to attend. No door sales. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=C8F8518E-91A2-4F7A-9163-7E47CCB449D7](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=C8F8518E-91A2-4F7A-9163-7E47CCB449D7)

Hey everyone! Want to see a black-and-white movie starring Greta Gerwig as a dancer in New York City? If so, join me at the Alamo Drafthouse in Crystal City on May 31st for a 11:15 am screening of “Frances Ha”. I’ll be sitting in Row 4, Seat 3 in Theater 4. I’ll be at the Departures bar and lounge 15 minutes before the screening if anyone wants to chat beforehand, and then we can head back there after the screening.

**[Link to tickets for Will](https://sunscinema.com/movies/will/)** **[Link to tickets for Love & Basketball](https://sunscinema.com/movies/love-basketball/) (SOLD OUT)** Tickets are very limited as the theatre is small! Join us on May 28th for a screening of [Will by Jesse Maple](https://sunscinema.com/movies/love-basketball/) and [Love & Basketball by Gina Prince-Bythewood](https://sunscinema.com/purchase/387507/) at Suns Cinema in Mount Pleasant, D.C. This double feature will be presented by Britt Sankofa as part of her monthly Black Cinema series at Suns. / Will @ 7:00 PM sharp Love & Basketball @ 9:15 PM sharp *It is highly recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes before each feature* / Attendance to both films is absolutely not required so feel free to pick whichever showing looks most intriguing to you! Drinks and popcorn available for purchase!

Inspired by the creepypasta stories and directed by Youtuber Kane Parsons, it tells the story of a therapist who travels to a otherworldly dimension consisting of endless hallways and empty rooms to find her missing patient. I'll be seated in G5 for the 7:15 showing. We'll meet at Atlas an hour before the movie starts and then we'll go back there after the movie.

We are looking forward meeting up with filmmakers in the DC area! This will be an in-person event. Register to let us know how many seats to save! This coffee is organized by Anna Griesshammer and Melissa Houghton. You MUST register here: https://www.wifv.org/calendar/#id=32496&cid=783&wid=401&type=Cal

Let us quench our thirst of singing by a lively Karaoke night out. It would be fun! http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/5/6/600_434918742.jpeg We organized this with our other meetups and you will get to network and mingle with insanely wicked socialites. http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/1/3/6/600_418768982.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/9/c/600_434918812.jpeg

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: Details for this event have just been confirmed! We got a later than usual showtime, so we’ll go with ice cream BEFORE the show! Here’s the plan: Meet at Graeter’s at 6:30pm for a pre-show sweet treat! Then, get ready for a fun and wild one! Purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and meet in the lobby area between 7:10 and 7:20pm. Advance ticket purchase not required but be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join Guest Host Jeff and the group as we get together to see the historical drama, PRESSURE! Brendan Frasier, Andrew Scott and Kerry Condon star in this film about the tense and dramatic days leading up to the D-Day invasion! Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg n the tense 72 hours before D-Day. With the fate of the free world in the balance, they face an impossible choice: launch the largest and most dangerous seaborne invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether. It is directed by Anthony Maras and based on David Haig’s 2014 stage play. The film stars Brendan Fraser, Andrew Scott, Kerry Condon, Chris Messina and Damian Lewis. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcPgrKoXe_c PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the bar area about 30 minutes before showtime! Once showtime is announced, please purchase your ticket in advance and list your seat number in the Comments section of this event! Exact showtime and complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer! Look forward to seeing you there, Jeff P.S. from Dan: THANK YOU to Jeff for hosting this event!

By popular demand, the group wanted to read and discuss the semi-autobiographical novel by Henri-Pierre Roche, that inspired the Truffaut movie we watched last year. The book is available through the Columbus Library's interlibrary loan system. They reported there are twenty-eight copies available in the state of Ohio. If you have a library card, you can file an interlibrary loan request here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/library-services/ . There are also used copies available on Amazon and eBay for under twenty dollars. You may want to rewatch the movie after reading the book, so we can compare and contrast in our discussion. The Columbus Library has four copies on DVD, and it's streaming on HBOMax.

In the year 2044, in the age of AI, a woman named Gabrielle (Seydoux) tries to purify her DNA by purging the inherited memories of her past lives. She (re)lives her life in 1910 Paris and 2014 Los Angeles, and as the procedure goes on, the lines between her worlds become blurred. These three timelines have a lot of connective tissue holding them together; certain symbols and motifs appear repeatedly, not to mention Mackay’s Louis, a figure whom Gabrielle seems drawn to in each lifetime.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.