Washington (CNN) - Executive producers Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg and their wives joined President Barack Obama and his family at the White House movie theater Thursday for a private screening of their new HBO series, "The Pacific."

But before returning to Hollywood, the Oscar-winning Hanks took time to come by the White House Briefing Room to check on his coffee maker.

Back in 2004, when Hanks was visiting the White House with his family over the Memorial Day weekend, he was surprised to find working journalists toiling without the aid of a simple coffee pot. He had an espresso machine delivered a short time later, and the machine has remained in service ever since, despite an extensive briefing room renovation and a brand new administration.

Hanks, who did most of the talking during his press room stop, seemed pleased his gift was still delivering the caffeinated goods. But he also expressed disdain at its condition and lack of upkeep.

"You know you are supposed to clean this after every use," Hanks joked. "You are supposed to wipe that off. Look at the buildup there!"

The Hollywood heavyweight promised fawning press gathered around him a speedy delivery on a brand new model.

"Let me see what I can do for the poor slobs of the fourth estate," he said.

Wednesday's snow has many West Wing employees homebound. (Photo Credit: Erika Dimmler/CNN)

Washington (CNN) - While the federal government is officially closed Wednesday, the White House never really shuts down. But because of unprecedented snow and an early morning blizzard warning, even this weather is keeping many West Wing employees homebound.

According to Deputy White House Communications Director Jen Psaki, "thanks to modern technology many people are working from home," including one senior administration official who was providing information on health care reform from the warmth and safety of his house. But Psaki is quick to add that the administration has "a stalwart crew in parkas and snow boots at the White House as well."

Stalwart indeed. Psaki herself was overheard talking about making the trek to the White House on foot from Adams Morgan, and journalists covering President Obama also walked miles or spent the night in downtown hotels in order to make it to the White House campus during Snowmageddon, Part II. Even Deputy White House spokesman Bill Burton is telecommuting today, since staying at home "helps me shovel my front walk every 45 minutes or so."

And what about the president? With a commute of only a few feet, he stuck to his scheduled meeting with African-American leaders pushing for more jobs for chronically unemployed minorities.