AMC's offer extends to all federal employees--not just ones put out of work (Tumblr).

The cinema has always been a place for escapist entertainment, especially when times get tough. In today's era, the conditions are no different, as the recent government shutdown has placed several federal employees out of work.

READ MORE: Government Shutdown Spells Trouble For Federal Workers

Last Tuesday, AMC Theaters announced via Twitter that it will be giving one free small popcorn to every federal employee that buys a movie ticket.

In an advertisement for the promotion, AMC invites all federal employees to "make the best of the mess in DC" as the shutdown continues.

Displaced federal employees such as national park rangers and military base workers can take advantage of the offer so long as they bring their government or military-issued I.D.

However, the advertisement reads "federal employees," which means even nondisplaced federal employees can get their share of popcorn. That does mean what you think it means: members of Congress are eligible for the offer.

READ MORE: 3 Reasons Ted Cruz Is Hated For Government Shutdown

Do they deserve some free popcorn? Well, that was up to AMC to decide. Let's hope they forget to read the fine print, which reads the offer ends on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Reach Staff Reporter Rex Lindeman here. Follow him on Twitter here.