Back to the Drive-In

Wright's movie is a love letter to drive-ins, ending with a plea to help save them. But unfortunately, it's also a reminder of complicating factors inherent in making movies about them.

There are enough stories and unusual encounters to keep things interesting

Watching movies in cars with piped-in sound while dining on greasy, carb-heavy convenience foods is the utter definition of nostalgic Americana.

Whistles its way down a nostalgic movie path.

Visits 11 drive-ins over the course of the summer of 2021, to see how they were grappling with the era when standard theaters and new movies were once again serving as competition.

An immersive look at the passionate nerds who make it their mission to preserve a cherished piece of Americana

“Back To The Drive-In” offers an entertaining and informative behind-the-scenes look at how a once popular movie-going experience is hanging on in the 21st century while facing an uncertain future.

Anyone who cherishes the idea of drive-in theaters will find enough here to hold their attention and keep them hoping that the industry will find a way to hang in there.

... highlights a microcosm of the theatrical entertainment sector that’s often overlooked and has gone unconsidered through candid and raw on-location interviews.

April Wright’s film plays like a eulogy for the family-owned businesses that were remembered during the pandemic. Like Awakenings temporarily provided hope and maybe like A.I. put to bed one last time.