At the Drive-In

As a Canadian who was routinely making the 7 hour drive with a full car before the pandemic, I was blown away how raw the content was when watching. It's amazing and what really makes this documentary beautiful. Most documentaries are essentially sales pitches or propaganda pieces. This is just life, it's amazing and of course showcases the spirit and love of movies by those who make these screenings all over the world, but obviously at the drive in which fortunately has rebounded the last decade and the pandemic seems to have actually helped. I will be supporting the Mahoning Drive In as long as the owners do.

The romance of drive-in theaters is something I've only experienced through film, but this documentary really hit me, as a small group of people battle to breath life into a way of seeing a film that is fast being denied, as the digital train bulldozes 35mm into the past. The passion, knowledge, and commitment of these kindred spirits, make me want to make a pilgrimage to experience the Mahoning Drive-in, just once for myself. A must watch.

The Mahoning Drive In is a story that takes place in today's isolated, joyless mainstream where inspired travelers find delight and new family under the stars and yesterday's large screen magic.

Anyone who has ever felt the charm, or imagined the magic of a Drive In should love this movie.

I am extremely relieved to see they survived 2020 and are in business this year. Can't wait to visit.

Alexander Monelli's Documentary is a tribute to Pennsylvannia's Mahoning Drive-In Theater, which faced with closure for lack of funds to convert to Digital, decided to go all in on staying with 35mm film projection. Owner Jeff Mattox and a couple of movie nerd college students went all in on making the theater into a revival house, staging themed shows in costumes. The programing focus is on cult films, including a lot of SF, Horror & Fantasy. But, what really made the theater go is a rag-tag group of volunteers (Owner Mattox also claims he doesn't take a salary) who drive for as long as six hourse (each way!) to work for the love of the theaters. That's devotion. Since the Doc is so narrowly focused, don't expect too much in the way of a broader view and history of the Drive-Ins, but, for what it is, it's an enjoyable look at a beloved local business.

This is a beautiful documentary that shows how a galvanizing passion can create a community. Recommended for all audiences, but especially lovers of film.