Drive-In
Drive-In
PG | 26 May 1976 (USA)
Drive-In Trailers

The adventures of a group of teenagers at a drive-in theatre in Texas one weekend night.

Reviews
Rio Hayward All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
Yash Wade Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.
Taha Avalos The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.
Celia A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.
Charles Herold (cherold) There are some movies that just stick in your head. I saw Drive-In when it came out in the 70s and a couple of times on TV in the 80s, and I just recall it being very likable. I tend to think of it along with Smile, which I recall being a similar movie from around the same time, although one that got far more attention.The movie is a loving tribute to what was then a dying industry, the drive-in. Taking place in a small town in Texas, the movie follows the fortunes of a variety of characters whose fates will take decisive turns - or not - by the end of the movie, including a couple of thieves, a bland teen boy and his annoyingly precocious younger brother, the girl who inexplicably likes the bland teen boy, her ex and his gang of troublemakers, the only black guy in town and a few others. It's essentially the structure of American Graffiti, only the soundtrack for this one is sprightly country western music.Once they all reach the drive-in the action flits from character to character, pausing in between to show the movie itself, a send-up of disaster movies seen in amusing snippets.Drive-In is not quite as good as I recall, but then, I was 17 when I saw it the first time and 54 when I saw it most recently and I don't always agree with my younger self. But even though the acting is hit and miss, some of the story threads are weak, and the movie-within-a-movie didn't make me laugh nearly as much this time as it did in the '70s, I still found this movie charming and likable, an ode to a bygone era that probably never really existed. It's one of those little B movies you're glad you've seen.
john-w-fuhrman This movie was made in 1976 on a micro budget that was augmented slightly by the Texas film commission. Although the plot is implausible, the over-the-top way it was performed made it very memorable and a treat to watch. What is amazing about this film is that there were virtually no recognizable actors among the cast. Almost all of the cast were comprised of people from Terrell, Texas, where the film was shot, and the surrounding area.Despite the lack of professional talent among the cast members, the funny home-spun style of the plot and the excellent directing made this a surprise gem when it was released later in 1976. The film was picked up by HBO and played multiple times on that network during the summer of 1977 where it was an instant success with its national audience. This was no small accomplishment as HBO had, even back then, many prospective films to choose from for its summer line up.Those who grew up during the 1970s or early 80s will appreciate Drive In the most. It was a time when we were still living in the shadow of Viet Nam and Watergate. This film was comedic respite involving the lives of young people in small town America during this period. Those who lived through the era will remember fondly the days of the local roller skating rink and drive in theater in their home towns.Yet, no matter who you are, you just can't help but love this movie. The film reflects a much simpler time in America when the after shocks of America's 1960's cultural revolution had still not made their way to small town America.Even some young people today still might find it interesting to see what life was like for those of us who lived our youth without the internet, faxes, cell phones, HD TV, or drive-by shootings. Back in those days, social networking was done at school dances, the drive-in, the skating rink and the mall.The plot of this story unfolds in a multi-narrative style which is to say it tells the stories of several different people and groups of people all at once. All of these characters converge at the Alamo Drive-In in Terrell, Texas for the last half of the movie. I'd prefer not to say anymore about the plot and let you see it for yourself. You won't be sorry.The film was a popular VHS rental in the 1980s. As a testament to the movies strength, you can now get it on DVD. However, you'll have to buy it online more than likely.
dsnyder1 If there had ever been a Golden Globe Award for B-movies,this one would definitely have been a nominee in the comedy category.I expected Glenn Morshower to become a breakout star from this,even though he did not,he has become a successful character actor.The nostalgia element is strong now for a couple of reasons;the home video market was around the corner,killing the B-movie market,(such movies are now made for home video),& escalating real estate values started bringing down drive-in theaters at a faster rate,in favor of Wal-Marts,strip malls,etc.I understand this movie is not on home video,which is a pity.If anyone involved with it is reading this,I urge you to put it out on VHS & DVD.
randycarlisle I take pictures of Drive In Theatres so I mainly got this movie to see the Drive In Theatre that was shown in this movie. This was filmed at The Terrell Drive In. A small suburb outside of Dallas Texas. Some or most of the actors are I believe local folks from around the area. Some real good footage of the Terrell Drive In not to long before it was closed. But after watching this movie, I thought it was really a cute and funny show. Very enjoyable! There is romance, a little Mild gang violence, and a little slapstick type comedy. Just some kids, and "big kids" having a time at the Drive In. The movie showing at the Drive In is "Disaster '76". A spoof somewhat like that of "Airplane". So this is somewhat a movie within a movie. If you get the opportunity, have a look. I think you will enjoy it. I've watched it 4 times already and I've only had the video for 3 months!! Enjoy! Randy Carlisle