Watch Drive-in Madness

Drive-in Madness is a 1987 American horror-comedy movie directed by Stu Segall and co-written by Segall and John F. Goff. The film features an all-star cast, including James Karen, Bobbie Bresee, and Forrest J. Ackerman. The plot of Drive-in Madness unfolds over the course of a single evening at a rundown drive-in theater. The theater is slated for demolition, but that doesn't stop the handful of patrons from gathering to catch a few flicks. As the films play on the giant screen, the audience begins to realize that something is very wrong. Each movie they see seems to be more disturbing than the last, and strange things start to happen around them.

The movie-within-a-movie format of Drive-in Madness makes for a fun and unique viewing experience. Each of the films shown at the drive-in takes on a different subgenre of horror, from slashers to supernatural thrillers. This allows for the filmmakers to showcase a variety of creative and gory set pieces. The practical effects and makeup work are impressive, especially given the film's relatively low budget.

As the night wears on, tensions rise between the audience members. Some of them become convinced that the films are somehow responsible for the strange occurrences happening around them. Others suspect that there is a more human threat at work. The dynamic between the different characters is well-developed and adds a layer of suspense to the proceedings.

The standout performance in Drive-in Madness comes from James Karen, who plays the theater's owner. Karen brings a sense of gravitas to the role, grounding the film's more fantastical elements in reality. His interactions with the other characters are often humorous but also tinged with a melancholic sense of nostalgia for the bygone era of drive-in theaters.

Bobbie Bresee and Forrest J. Ackerman both give memorable performances in smaller roles. Bresee plays a character who is convinced that the films are truly evil, while Ackerman gamely takes on the role of a projectionist who becomes increasingly unhinged as the night goes on.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Drive-in Madness is its sense of humor. The film never takes itself too seriously, and the script is peppered with witty one-liners and nods to horror tropes. It's clear that the filmmakers have a deep love for the genre, and that shines through in the way they play with audience expectations.

In terms of pacing, Drive-in Madness is well-balanced. The movie-within-a-movie format keeps things fresh and engaging, while the overarching plot provides a satisfying resolution. There are enough twists and turns to keep viewers guessing, but the film never feels bogged down by convoluted plot points.

Overall, Drive-in Madness is a fun and entertaining horror-comedy that is sure to please fans of the genre. While it may not be the most frightening film out there, it's an enjoyable romp that pays homage to the heyday of drive-in cinemas.

Drive-in Madness is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.