Cinephiles Beware! Welcome to the Drive-In.

The other night, I arrived home at 1:45 in the morning, having successfully completed what was the first of many summer night trips to the drive-in movie theatre. Living in Colorado does have its advantages, and while the drive-in is one of only about three establishments open past midnight, even with options, I would still venture out to the edge of town to partake in its wonders. 

Like eating out at a nice restaurant and riding the ferris wheel, going to the drive-in is not something to engage in alone. While it has long been a prime spot for couples to snuggle under the stars and a B-movie, the most enjoyable way to visit is with a large group of people. Breaking out the lawn chairs and spreading out the blankets in the back of a truck creates an optimal environment for diversion. Unlike those stodgy theatres, at the drive-in, talking throughout the flick is highly encouraged. Cinephiles everywhere must flee from these outdoor screens by the droves. The sound is fuzzy, the picture worse and little kids run about constantly. 

With the high prices at the concession stands of regular theatres and even higher ticket prices, large families go for the two-for-one bargain of the drive-in. Sometimes, the scene can be frightening as it unfolds before you. To those of you unfamiliar with cowboy culture, a recent spoting on my part involved three youngsters running around with pocket knives while their parents sat smoking cigarettes in the back of a pick up. This is not unusual. Weapon wielding tykes aside, the lax atmosphere makes for more enjoyable repeat viewings of films. Upon my third time visiting "The Incredible Hulk" since its release, last night I proceeded to act out my own personal interpretation of the final battle scene, which anyone who has seen the movie, will tell you is epic. My improvised "Hulk Smash" was truly a sight to behold. 

Unless you live in a unkempt trailer parked in some unsavory location, the whole of the situation I have described may sound a tad frightening, but I must make this plee, though I believe it may come about thirty years too late. Should you still be fortunate enough to live close to a drive-in movie theatre, visit it! Buy food at it! While the nostalgia aspect of their presence is beginning to hint at a come-back, drive-ins are equivalent to pandas on the endangered species list. While it may be simpler to just pop in a DVD, or one of those new-fangled "Blu-Rays", watching a big screen kiss between Edward Norton and Liv Tyler under the stars and full moon truly has no comparison. Maybe you'll even get to see me Hulk Smash.