I don't much mind watching commercials before the movie anymore, but one advertisement I wish wasn't part of the pre-show program at my local theater is the army recruitment spot. It isn't even for particularly political reasons that I can't stand them, I just find them unbearable. But now one movie theater chain is indirectly bringing the marketing campaign full circle by giving back to armed forces personnel it may or may not have helped recruit. National Amusements has announced a new military discount on movie tickets at its U.S. locations. This discount will extend to the spouses and dependents of active service members and will begin May 1.

Until then, they get an even better deal. Beginning today (April 17) and continuing through April 30, those armed forces personnel and their families get free admission and free (small) popcorn and soda. Although it might have been more appropriate to give the freebies around Memorial Day, National Amusements was probably against the idea of offering Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End for free. Regardless, I am always happy to see people get free movies, whether they be teachers or children or military personnel. I wish the program included veterans and people currently serving outside of the country, but whatever. For those who can take advantage of the special offer, be all you can be and go see Hot Fuzz this weekend.

Two new casting updates for the ever-growing Transformers flick headed your way July 4, 2007. First, Kevin Dunn will has joined the crew to play Shia LeBeouf's "quirky, do-it-yourself" dad. I've really got nothing to add to that one, so let's move on to the more interesting casting update, which comes to us via a tipster over at Superhero Hype. The tipster, who identifies himself by saying "let's just say I'm affiliated with the Air Force," tells Hype "Next week on Wednesday and Thursday a C-130J model from Little Rock AFB Arkansas is heading for Holloman AFB New Mexico for shooting on Transformers the movie. They might be taking on the roll of a MC-130." We know Bay has been seeking the help of various military branches for his film, and it seems like he's at least got the USAF on board, as the tipster closes by saying "The film is getting USAF support and there will be C-130s in the movie."

So far so good on the technology front. Is it wrong that I find myself more excited and fanboyish over this news than I have over any of the human castings announced thus far?