Let me tell you why I’ve developed a fondness for the drive-in movie theater. For those who might not know, an outdoor movie theater is a truly enchanting place. We used to pile our family or friends into the car, park in front of a massive screen, and attach this quirky speaker contraption to our window for sound. There were no plush seats or booming surround sound—just our car seats and that odd speaker. We’d stroll back to the concession stand to grab snacks and return to our cozy vehicle, which transformed into our own private cinema. It was fantastic.
I remember watching The Karate Kid this way, and what happened right after the film ended made me want to embody the spirit of Daniel-san. As soon as the credits rolled, every kid jumped out of their cars and gathered in the middle of the lot, sparking the largest karate mosh pit you could imagine. There were imaginary leg sweeps, crane kicks, and jump kicks flying everywhere. Sure, some kids got accidentally kicked, but hey, karate wasn’t for the timid. Only one could be the Karate Kid. That entire scene etched the drive-in movie experience into my memory.
Just a couple of weeks ago, my partner suggested we take our little one to a drive-in movie too. “Seriously? They still have those? Should we bring our cassette tapes and jam to Madonna all night? Maybe don our denim jackets like we’re in Miami Vice?” I joked.
But yes, drive-ins are very much alive. We loaded up the car with excitement and rediscovered new fun. As we parked, we watched families unfold lawn chairs and blankets, with some cars boasting elaborate setups complete with tents and battery-powered radios to amplify the movie sound. If you’re looking for family-friendly fun, kids were running around, shaking off their energy before the film. And if the movie wasn’t gripping enough, my daughter could always pull out her trusty tablet for a quick game of Angry Birds.
What made the experience truly awesome was everything that was absent. No annoying text tones or ringtones during the film, no one squeezing past your seat to rush to the restroom, and no one kicking the back of your chair. Plus, it didn’t cost a fortune to have a great time.
So now, as the weekend rolls around, we find ourselves asking, “Why aren’t we going to the drive-in for a movie?”
This article was originally published on Aug. 26, 2015.
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Summary
The drive-in movie theater offers a nostalgic and charming experience that’s perfect for families. With the absence of distractions and the fun of outdoor setups, it’s a delightful way to enjoy films together, making it a weekend tradition to consider.