Next week, Americans in 21 major markets will have the opportunity to watch Barack Obama’s inauguration live on the silver screen, thanks to a deal between Screenvision and (who else?) MSNBC:

Free tickets are being handed out via MSNBC.com to see the inauguration and parade from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ET at the 27 theaters run by 11 exhibitor partners in 21 markets. Midday Tuesday isn’t necessarily a big movie time, so it helps to fill the theater — and boost popcorn and soda sales — at a time when it’s not usually busy.

I’d like a large popcorn, please, with a squirt of butter and hope.