“Bill Nye: Science Guy”
It was a happy day in any 1990s middle school science class when you walked in and saw a substitute at the desk and a TV at the front of the class. That meant pretty much one thing: You were going to get to watch an episode or two of “Bill Nye the Science Guy” and annoy the sub by chanting, “Bill! Bill! Bill! Bill!” along with the credits. The man behind the bow tie is the subject of “Bill Nye: Science Guy,” a new documentary that focuses on Nye’s work to prevent climate change, promote science education and remind people that just because you don’t like facts doesn’t mean you get to ignore them.
Landmark West End Cinema, 2301 M St. NW; opens Fri., $10-$12.50.
“Hummus! The Movie”
Ah, hummus. Staple of parties, favorite of every vegetarian, giver of garlic breath. But can the secret of world peace be right there in the refrigerated section of Trader Joe’s, waiting to be scooped up with a baby carrot? “Hummus! The Movie” argues that it might just be. The documentary takes a look at the ubiquitous Middle Eastern food and how it transcends cultural, religious and political lines. A screening Sunday at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia comes with a hummus bar and a blind taste test, because popcorn doesn’t have this kind of unifying power. All we are saying: Give chickpeas a chance.
Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax; Sun., 3:30 p.m., $14.
“Plan 9 From Outer Space”
There’s something special about a good bad movie. One of the best of the worst is “Plan 9 From Outer Space,” the 1959 cult classic written and directed by Ed Wood. Aliens invade Earth (as they do), and then there are zombies and more zombies and then a lot more zombies. Literally, there are so many zombies the word “zombies” loses all meaning. All of this because the aliens — probably rightfully — do not trust human beings to act rationally and not destroy the universe. It’s entirely possible that the fact that a human could make a movie like “Plan 9” factored into their thinking.
Angelika Film Center at Mosaic, 2911 District Ave., Fairfax; Fri. & Sat., 11:45 p.m., $8
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