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This was the second week this season with a last minute movie substitution. The Santikos e-mail advertised the following movies:
MISSION DRIVE-IN - Double Feature at each Screen
Scary Movie 2 (R) 8:45
The Animal (PG-13) 10:30
Tomb Raider (PG-13) 9:00
Crocodile Dundee in LA (PG) 10:55
Dr. Doolittle 2 (PG) 8:55
Josie and the Pussycats (PG-13) 10:40
The Fast and the Furious (PG-13) 8:50
The Mummy Returns (PG-13) 11:00
Sometime within the day that followed that e-mail announcement, Santikos made several changes.
'Crocodile Dundee in LA' and 'Josie and the Pussycats' were dropped. 'Tomb Raider' dropped from a headliner to the backup slot behind 'Dr. Doolittle 2'. As you can see, this opened up an entire screen. This screen was filled with 'Kiss Of The Dragon' and 'Driven'. 'Driven', like 'Josie and the Pussycats', was featured at the Mission during the first few weeks this season. Are these two movies that cheap to rent? Or is this a case of giving them a second chance given the low attendance during the first few weeks of the season? There is even a remote possibility that the new Santikos' management team doesn't know these movies appeared at the Mission earlier in the year.
I arrived fairly late Friday night at about 8:40. The lines were contained on the Mission property. It took slightly over five minutes to reach the ticket booths. I counted eight employees working the booths, a deputy running security and a management type. As I placed my ticket request, the management type's radio crackled to life -- "Check out lot 4. We may be near a sell-out". Lot 4, or as we call it, Screen 4, was hosting 'Dr Doolittle' and 'Tomb Raider'.
I decided that I would stick with a classic drive-in movie genre and purchased a ticket to 'Kiss Of The Dragon'. As I drove to Screen 2, I observed that Screen 4 was doing very well. Screen 3, hosting 'The Fast And The Furious', also had a good-sized crowd. Screen 1 appeared to also be near a sell-out. Screen 2. Screen 2. What can I say about Screen 2? Screen 2 appears to be jinxed. No mater what films it hosts, it never seems to fill up. I parked in the second row from the screen and walked to the concession stand.
The crowd was heavy, but not nearly as large as the previous two weeks. After purchasing my food, I decided I would skip the previews (after all it's not like I won't go to the Mission any time soon) and make a full survey of the property.
Screen 1 was doing extremely well. The rows on either side of the concession stand were beginning to fill up. As I crossed over to screen 4, I was once again reminded how desperately the Mission needs maps. I was stopped five times by drivers wanting to know how to get to Screen 3. Clearly, 'The Fast and the Furious' is luring people to the Mission that have never been there before. I especially enjoyed the woman who after being told she was going the wrong way, drove over the concrete lane divider on the bridge leading to Screens 3 and 4. I can't decide if I look harmless or authoritative. You make the call.
Returning to Screen 2, I settled in to watch the movie. Everything was fine until this pickup pulled up in the row behind me. The driver chose to forgoe the true drive-in experience and sat inside the vehicle, with the engine running, for the remainder of the movie. Why should I care? Conditions were just right for my radio to pick up interference generated by his electrical system. I was able to reduce the ear-numbing hum by sliding the car antenna down slightly. There is a reason why this works but I can't explain it. Of course, if I didn't care about following the drive-in code, I could have yelled at the driver.
'Kiss Of The Dragon' gets points for working the title of the movie into the dialog. I liked the 'needle utility bracelet' that Jet Li wore. He used them acupuncture-style to paralyze and kill his enemies. I also enjoyed the scene that was a play on the 'robbing a doughnut shop' joke. While staging a one-man invasion of a police station, Jet Li decided to take a break from the action. He opens a door, slips inside and then bars the door. We all know that you can never find refuge in a room unless you look into it before entering the doorway. Feeling pretty smug, Jet Li turns around to find that he has just locked himself inside a gym during a martial arts class.
'Driven' is a movie that should never have been made. The crashing car special effects were cool but once yet get past them, there really isn't much more to the movie. I rank it below 'A Knight's Tale'.
Three hot dogs were consumed. The night was cool. The breeze was strong. The moon was bright. No roving pizza vendors were sighted.
The only new movie at the Mission this week is 'Legally Blonde'. Based on that, I expected a lower than usual turn-out.
On arrival, I see that the management agreed with me. 'Legally Blonde' is being exhibited on Screen 4, the one with the smallest lot. The lines were shorter than they had been the last few weeks, no more than 7 or 8 cars per line.
As I turned into Screen 4, I was struck by the large number of people in the lot. It must have been nearly 70% full before show time. Cars continued to arrive during the previews. I know Screen 4 never sold out but it did well. Screen 1 was a different story. 'Scary Movie 2' and 'The Animal' just didn't have enough drawing power left to fill such a large lot. The crowd seemed just slightly larger than the grand opening night crowd.
The lack of attendance in Screen 1 was clearly felt in the snack bar. The side facing Screen 1 was poorly staffed. The cashier for that side was also doing double duty taking orders and filling drinks. On the other side, the one facing Screen 2, business was brisk. Why? Screen 2, featuring 'The Fast and the Furious' and 'The Mummy 2', finally had a good crowd. The number of cars in Screen 2 far exceeded Screen 1.
Now the possible bad news. As I was checking out, another employee came over to talk to my cashier. She said "Are you sure"? He replied "Yes. I'm going to start looking for another job tomorrow". Clearly the worst possible explanation for this exchange is a total closure of the theater. There are other explanations but any business in a challenged industry is always at risk. So, if you have been thinking about trying the Mission, I urge you to do so soon.
I walked back through Screen 3 to Screen 4. Screen was also well attended. I suppose these people missed 'Kiss Of The Dragon' last week.
About 15 minutes into 'Dr Doolittle 2', the signal strength began to waiver. It faded in and out until I could no longer hear the movie. The truck next to me never lost its signal. The owner of the truck was nice enough to crank the volume up on his speakers so that others could hear the movie. His actions fit in well with the drive-in credo.
I eventually walked over to the snack bar to let management know what was happening. Other people had already advised them of the situation. I did get a free pass which I will not use. That would be counter-productive to my efforts to keep the Mission open.
The last few weeks, someone with a laser pointer has been violating the drive-in credo by targeting the screen. Tonight, the employees were out in force trying to determine who was responsible. This is one of those cases in which I could condone, and even encourage, police brutality.
I also noticed that while the employees agreed it was a slow Friday night, none of them really wanted to talk about it. Could any negative talk be grounds for termination?
The assistant manager stated that 'Jurassic Park 3' would be at the Mission next week. After all the other last minute schedule changes, I don't have a high confidence in that happening.
What conclusion can we draw from tonight? If you only get one new movie, and that movie is a 'weak' one, overall attendance will drop. I also believe that 'The Mummy 2' and 'The Animal' have ceased to be draws and need to go.
And for those that care, three hot dogs were consumed.
This afternoon I agreed to go with Rick Stivers to the Mission for the premier of 'Jurassic Park 3'.
I was waiting outside my apartment when he drove up in his van. He took one look at me and said "Diet Pepsi"? Shocking though it may be, I was indeed holding a half empty bottle of Diet Pepsi. What was my response? Was it an excuse? Was it an explanation? Neither really. I replied "Yes. Now you know the true depths of my despair". He ignored this remark.
We arrived at the Mission at approximately 7:40. While waiting in line, we watched the assistant manager and an employee using a tall ladder, in an unsafe manner, to inspect and replace the light bulbs behind the "YELLOW" screen 2 sign. I was afraid something bad might happen to them since Rick was on the scene. Luckily, they concluded their work without injury but not without incident. The car immediately in front of them experienced some type of mechanical failure. The manager of the Mission drove over in his SUV, attached a tow strap to the car and then towed it out of the theater. Rick and speculated on which route would be the best for towing. I voted for Screen 2 (YELLOW). Rick voted for Screen 1 (GREEN). The manager voted for Screen 3 (RED). He actually towed the disabled car across the bridge, through the Screen 3 (RED) lot and then out the exit, which passes behind Screen 4 (BLUE) to Roosevelt.
Rick parked his van in the first row, off to the right of the centerline. We walked down to the concession stand. I bought two hot dogs and drink. He bought a giant pickle. The pickle wasn't for Rick but for his daughter Stephanie. Stephanie is the younger daughter, the one receiving global attention from her appearance on the Captain Chicken website.
We returned to the van after counting the number of toilets in the men's restroom. Its seven in case you were wondering. After eating my hotdogs, I went on a quick patrol.
I counted 13 cars in the Screen 4 (BLUE) lot, 11 cars in the Screen 3 (RED) lot and 10 cars in the Screen 2 (YELLOW) lot. Returning through the Screen 1 (GREEN) lot, I stopped counting cars at 46. This left the last three rows uncounted but I would estimate at least another 30 to 40 cars were in those rows.
How does this compare to a Friday? Friday is much busier all the way around. The only time I've been to the Mission during the week was last August with Annette. Compared to a year ago, I would describe attendance as being up an easy 300% to 400%. And my counts tonight were made before the movies began. Cars were still coming in at a good rate at least until the start of 'Jurassic Park 3'.
At one point in the film, the plot starts to get in the way of the story. I used this as an opportunity to return to the concession stand. On this trip, I experienced the most exciting event of the evening.
Given that this is a family oriented e-mail, I won't go into too many specifics. Let's just say that it involved an attractive and healthy (if you know what I mean and I think you do) teenage girl and the faux butter machine. You'll have to imagine the rest on your own.
Ice cream is back at the Mission. Finally, on my twelfth trip of the season, I gave in to temptation and purchased a Klondike Oreo ice cream sandwich. They keep their ice cream cold at the Mission as I was able to walk around on patrol and then return to the van without any noticeable melting.
The exhibition was plagued by projection problems. The focus of the picture degraded from left to right. It became extremely noticeable in the last tenth of the screen.
We did not stay to see 'The Mummy 2'.
Two hot dogs were consumed.
Given the possibility of a large crowd for 'Jurassic Park 3', I left earlier than usual and arrived at the Mission at 20:30.
The management has finally realized that their security force of deputies could be used for traffic management. Not only does this even out the lines at the ticket booths, but it also helps get the cars off White faster.
At first, I was worried that this would be another down week. As I drove past the entrance to Screen 1 (GREEN), I let out a sigh of relief. At 20:35, Screen 1 (GREEN) appeared to be nearly sold out. The entire center section was filled all the way back beyond the concession stand to the fence.
Since 'Scary Movie 2' was the only film left that I hadn't seen, I ended up in Screen 3 (RED). I parked the car and walked over to the concession stand. The employee who talked about finding a new job was nowhere to be seen. After buying two hot dogs, I exited out to the Screen 1 (GREEN) lot. In just the ten minuts since I had driven buy, the lot appeared to have reach capacity. I walked over the concrete bridge to Screen 4 (BLUE). 'Legally Blonde' continues to do very well there.
Once back at the car, I consumed the hot dogs as I waited for the previews to begin. There is a new trailer out for 'American Pie 2' which actually makes the movie look funny. The first trailer just didn't do anything for me. I continue to enjoy the 'Rat Race' preview. I hope this movie doesn't disappoint!
'Scary Movie 2' is one long spoof of 'The Haunting'. Some other stuff gets tossed in too, such as a take-off of the signature scene from 'MacGyver'. If this movie wasn't so uneven, it might be really funny. After 'Scary Movie 2' ended. I made a quick trip around the property before departing. Screen 2 (YELLOW) had a second good week. Who would have suspected that 'The Fast and The Furious' would be able to sustain the interest of movie-goers?
There were no problems with the sound. This visit confirms that Screen 3 (RED) is the best bet for films with dark scenes as it suffers the least from light pollution.
On Wednesday, Rick, who has both good eyes and an observant mind, noticed writing on the windows of the concession stand and the projection booth. It turned out that this writing was a series of promotional messages for 'Planet of the Apes' which opens next Friday. By Friday, the messages had also appeared on the ticket booth windows. And, taking the entire effort one step further, someone drew a large 'ape head' on the main concession stand window. Hopefully, 'heads will roll', if this movie doesn't turn up as promised!
I suppose it is appropriate that in Week 13 (but actually my 15th trip to the Mission this season) I would have an unsettling experience.
For the past two weeks, we've seen evidence that the Mission management was going the "extra mile" to promote 'Planet Of The Apes'. There was even a mural of sorts painted onto the window of the concession stand.
Tonight, I took the digital camera with me to record these promotional efforts.
I arrived at 07:45 to find the lines already forming. After purchasing my ticket, I turned into Screen 1 (GREEN) to find the lot to be at least 70% full.
I parked in the concession stand row and walked over to take my pictures. Having taken them, I went inside to buy a Diet Coke. While in line, I heard a voice behind me. "Excuse me. But why are you taking pictures"? I turned to see the manager with a worried look on his face.
Realizing that this was one of those "everything depends on what happens next" situations, I stressed the non-commercial use of the photos and their final destination, the Mission web page.
Clearly, this was not what he expected to hear. I'm sure he is always on guard for bad press and slanted reporting. He thought about it for a few moments and then said "I guess that's all right but no pictures inside the building". I had no problem with that condition as I had no intention of taking any.
I returned to my car and put the camera away.
By this time, the line of cars on Roosevelt waiting to get into the Mission stretched up over the top of the hill.
Just before the movie started, I made my customary patrol.
Screen 2 (YELLOW) continues to buck the trend with what appeared to be at least 50% of the spaces filled. 'Jurassic Park 3' has more staying power than I would have expected.
Screen 3 (RED) didn't seem to be doing very well. I saw only slightly more than a dozen cars in the lot. I would have thought 'Legally Blonde' would have drawn more business.
Screen 4 (BLUE) was also having a good night. 'The Fast and the Furious' continues to draw the crowds.
By the time 'Planet of the Apes' actually started, the lot must have sold out. Cars continued to arrive after the movie started so I'm sure all the other lots picked up additional business.
The snack bar appeared to be doing well too. Three additional portable toilets have been added to Screen 2 (YELLOW).
Two hot dogs were consumed.
My opinion of 'Planet of the Apes'? It is the first film to hold my complete attention this season. That is high praise. I won't go into any detail about the film itself other than to say it promotes the value of 'remaining' calm. In fact, had the 'human' star of the film remained calm, there wouldn't have been a first movie much less a potential sequel.
I left for the Mission at 19:55 with great expectations. I arrived there at 20:20 to find the Mission entrance packed with cars. The line on Roosevelt was already over the hill.
While sitting in line, I reviewed the events of last week and grew more annoyed by the minute. What was I annoyed about? My failure to be recognized by the Mission staff. Tonight was my sixteenth paid admission. Everywhere else I've gone sixteen times, the staff has recognized me. True, this usually annoys me, but I've now found out it can be more annoying not to be recognized. As the night unfolded, I would be glad to remain anonymous.
At 20:40, I finally reach the head of the line and bought my ticket to Rush Hour 2. Screen 1 (GREEN) was already packed. I was able to get into the row behind the ticket booths on the far left of the lot. This is actually a really good viewing location. I was forced to move my car three feet to the right (I drove - its too heavy to pick up) after a truck parked in front of me. Finally happy with my location, I walked over to the concession stand.
Inside, I purchased my usual meal of hot dogs, popcorn and Diet Coke. I then headed towards the Screen 2 (YELLOW) exit doors to begin my first survey of the night. As I walked towards the door, I noticed a white poster on the wall. It clearly was not a movie poster so I walked over to take a look at it. As my eyes skimmed the writing, my heart sank. What was written on this poster that could affect me so? The poster is a public notice that a permit application has been filed with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for the sale of alcoholic beverages at the Mission. To say I was stunned is a gross understatement. This is the worst possible business decision that anyone running a family oriented business could make.
After I collected my wits, I walked into the Screen 2 (YELLOW) lot. 'Planet of the Apes' was doing very well. Now, more than ever, I noticed the large number of children walking between the rows, and back and forth to the concession stand. Crossing over to Screen 3 (RED), I noticed that 'Jurassic Park 3' wasn't doing to well. Over at Screen 4 (BLUE), 'The Fast and the Furious' also seemed to be showing signs of aging.
Returning to my car, I settled down to watch 'Rush Hour 2'. I've been eagerly awaiting this film since I first learned that it featured the now shuttered 'Desert Inn Casino' (painted red naturally) as the 'Red Dragon Casino'. The movie is funny and kung fu always plays well in its natural home, the drive-in. The producers of the film butcher the geography of Las Vegas. I can personally guarantee you that it is impossible to stand in front of the 'Desert Inn Casino' and see the Flamingo at street level as depicted in this film. Sure, you might be able to see the hotel tower, but that isn't really recognizable as being the Flamingo. Also, when Carter tells Lee that they can't go inside the 'Red Dragon' until they have 'Mac-ed Out', the scene shifts to an outside shot of the Bellagio and then to an interior shot of the Forum Shops at Caesar's World. Sure, maybe they walked to the Bellagio to see the fountain show and then went inside Caesar's. It could happen.
The set dressing inside the 'Desert Inn' fit the theme of the 'Red Dragon'. What was really odd though was to see the 'Desert Inn', as the 'Red Dragon', filled with customers. If the 'Desert Inn' had been able to attract that many people, it would never have been sold to Steve Wynn. It would still be opened today. And, as some kind of "in joke", one of the villains is named 'Steven Rain'. 'Steven Rain' is the owner of the 'Red Dragon' and brags in his opening speech that it is the greatest casino in the world. I'm guessing Steve Wynn wrote the whole speech!
The poor 'Desert Inn' takes considerable abuse during the course of the movie including a scene in which the top floor catches fire. I'm guessing there really wasn't that much fire or that it never even happened. After seeing the filming of the 'Con-Air' crash scene at the 'Sands', I'm not willing to believe anything I see in a movie is real.
Oh yeah, there were other signs out in force tonight. These signs declared the 'no refund policy' of the Mission management. Why all the signs? Either the manager (who walked right past me without recognizing me) "watches the skies" or the 'Weather Channel'. Forty-five minutes into the movie, the drizzle began to fall. I declared that I was too manly to get into my car. I sat there slowly getting wet for almost ten minutes. Then the real rain began. I was totally soaked before I could reach the safety of my car. Here is the odd thing. I sit outside every Friday night without fear. As soon as I get into my car, I lock the doors. What's up with that? I was trapped inside the vehicle for the next twenty minutes. I can only say that it will be highly desirable that my next vehicle have a rear windshield wiper. Once the rain slowed back down to a drizzle, I was back outside for the remainder of the film.
After the movie was over, I walked back inside the concession stand to review the public notice. Getting the information I needed, I did a final survey of the lots before returning to my car. Screen 2 (YELLOW) continues to beat the jinx as it had filmed up considerably in the two hours between surveys. Screen 3 and Screen 4 also picked up a fair number of patrons. This is no surprise as I saw a steady stream of cars come through the ticket booth lanes right up until 'Rush Hour 2' ended. Many of those people might have been waiting to see if it would rain. I'm sure some were only coming to see the second feature.
If you see 'Rush Hour 2', stay through the credits. There are a considerable number of 'blooper' scenes mixed in with them.
I really enjoyed this film and my evening at the Mission. Two hot dogs were consumed. And for those interested in the smallest details, four packets of mustard were also consumed. That's on the hot dogs. I don't eat mustard the same way I eat ketchup.
I left my apartment late on Friday and arrived at the Mission at 20:50.
This time, I tried a different route. I drove down Southcross from IH-37 until I reached Presa. Instead of crossing on over, I turned south onto Presa and drove down to the intersection of Presa and White. I turned right on White. From White, I was able to turn left into the Mission driveway.
I've never arrived this late before. I found myself caught in "stop and go" traffic for nearly 15 minutes before reaching the ticket booth. Was the wait boring? Nope. One of the advantages of a multi-screen drive-in theater is that there is nearly always at least one screen facing the patron. I watched previews on Screen 2 (YELLOW) until going around the curve behind Screen 1 (GREEN). At that point, I tuned my radio to the Screen 4 (BLUE) frequency and watched previews on that screen.
Although "The Mummy Returns", sometimes referred to as "Mummy 2", has finally left the Mission, 6 of the 8 features remaining fall into either the sequel or "films inspired directly by other films" category.
By the time I neared the ticket booth, most of the films had already started. At this point, I knew 'Rush Hour 2' was going to have another strong Friday showing. How did I know? I simply turned off my radio and put my head out the window. The only thing I could hear coming from any of the cars was the opening to 'Rush Hour 2'. No 'American Pie 2'. No 'Planet of the Apes'. No 'Jurassic Park 3'. Just 'Rush Hour 2'.
There is one big advantage to arriving late (if the movie isn't nearly sold out). You can actually pick what type of vehicle will be parked in front of you.
After parking my car, I went into the snack bar. The employees out numbered the patrons. I've been in the snack bar before while the movies were playing. On all those occasions, I saw many more patrons. Perhaps the decline in snack bar business I saw was not a fluke? If so, it would explain the desire to sell alcoholic beverages.
I made a full circuit of the screens before returning to my car. I have to say that this appeared to be the most balanced Friday night so far this season. All four screens were doing well, although I believe 'Rush Hour 2' on Screen 2 (YELLOW) did better than 'American Pie 2' on Screen 1 (GREEN). I imagine the weekend box office figures will lend support to this theory.
Once again, I experienced reception problems on my FM radio. I was not the only one having this problem as the entire lot, with a few exceptions, lost the signal.
This seems to be happening whenever the winds are strong. I don't know if that indicates bad atmospheric conditions or cable connections that get worked loose by wind. The problem only lasted for about 15 minutes.
Two hot dogs were consumed.
This week, I left early and arrived at the Mission at 8:15. Once again, the Southcross/Presa/White route proved to be a winner. As I approached the ticket booths, I suspected attendance would be on the light side. This suspicion would prove to be correct.
There were several changes that became immediately apparent when I reached the ticket booth. Not only did I get a ticket and change, I got a white trash bag. Those of you familiar with the discussion of Aaron's theory that the Mission had to be covered with trash by the time the final reel ended, know that trash isn't a big problem at the Mission. Why the bags? Read on!
Pulling away from the ticket booth, I immediately noticed that the colored directional arrows appeared to be new. They were just too bright and too clean not to be new. This suspicion was later confirmed in an "off the record" discussion with a member of the management team.
In the short drive to the gate to Screen 1 (GREEN), I noticed strong attendance at Screen 3 (RED) and Screen 4 (BLUE). Both 'Rush Hour 2' and 'Planet Of the Apes' are still strong draws.
Pulling into Screen 1 (GREEN), I could see that the savagely negative reviews of 'American Outlaws' were apparently heeded by many. This was the worst Screen 1 (GREEN) performance I have seen since the Mission opened this season. If there were 30 cars in the lot when I arrived, that would have been amazing. I parked in the exit row on the right hand side. My plan was to see the movie and then quickly exit from the theater.
Parking the car, I walked over to the concession stand. Finally, during my 18th visit this season, I had decided to try a Mission pizza. A good choice? I'll never know as the ovens were "down". I decided to go with an old favorite and picked up two hot dogs. Further down the aisle, I encountered yet another change. The soft drink machines (possibly new) have been turned out towards the aisle in the same manner as the faux butter machine. Unlike the faux butter machine which comes after the popcorn display, the drink machines come before the cup dispensers! This requires patrons to engage in 'retrograde motion' through the concession line. First you buy a cup, and then you back up to fill it! On nights with good business, this will present a major problem. Clearly, any devotee of Mr Taylor would know that this particular practice won't be efficient!
Exiting into the Screen 2 (YELLOW) lot, I encountered the 'mysterious visitors'. They were two white males, middle-aged but slightly bulked up. They were wearing pressed white shirts, ties and dress slacks. Items were attached to their belts but I was unable to identify the items with confidence. I'm almost certain the items were handguns. The manager was telling them what he knew of the history of the Mission. For the manager, the past is clouded in mystery. He spoke of the varied uses of 'the tower screen' AKA Screen 1 (GREEN). He told the 'mysterious visitors' that no one living today, knows if the current concession stand was part of the original Mission. (It most likely was not, at least it wasn't the projection booth, if Rick's estimate of the distance between it and the screen are correct.) I loitered around as much as I could in an attempt to determine if these 'mysterious visitors' were, in fact, agents of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) investigating the Mission's application for a permit to sell alcoholic beverages. Eventually, I had to move on lest I become too obvious.
Given just how bad 'American Pie 2' is, I was amazed at the strong crowd in Screen 2 (YELLOW). Screen 2 (YELLOW) easily had more cars than Screen 1 (GREEN).
I continued on, and visited Screen 3 (RED) and Screen 4 (BLUE). My earlier attendance observations were confirmed. After completely my survey of Screen 4 (BLUE), I turned to begin the return trip to my car. I was surprised to see the previews had already begun.
Sure, it was pretty dark, but it was nowhere near the usual start time. I barely reached my car by the time the movie started. Why the early start? On my way through the Screen 1 lot, I passed back by the concession stand. The manager and the 'mysterious visitors' were sitting at a picnic table. I'm willing to bet a 3-liter, that the manager had the movie start early so that the 'mysterious visitors' could see the theater in action.
About midway through the movie, the sound once again began to fail. I moved the car four rows back and was able to regain the sound for awhile. I think it is relevant that I had the only car in the right hand third of the lot. I could literally have parked anywhere from the first row to the last.
The sound failed again later in the movie. My back up radio was also unable to pick up the transmission. In an act of inspiration, I grounded the car antenna to the car body and was rewarded with excellent sound throughout the remainder of the movie.
The manager was extremely protective of the 'mysterious visitors'. I traveled to the concession stand two more times but there was never an opportunity to make 'contact'. I was able to have the previously mentioned discussion with a member of the management staff. That person confirmed the arrows were new and that business was off. That person could provide no explanation for why the drink machines had been turned around. Two more hot dogs were purchased on that trip.
Since 'American Outlaws' had started so early, I was actually able to walk through the other three screens while the first features were playing. This was unusual to say the least!
I drove off the lot at 10:22 and could have been out sooner had I not made that second survey of the property. A total of four hot dogs were consumed.
If the 'mysterious visitors' were investigating the permit, it was the perfect night for it from the perspective of management. Attendance was very light in Screen 1 (GREEN). I noticed the manager made every effort to keep them there. The light attendance in Screen 1 held down the number of children and families that the investigators could have seen. If they had walked through Screen 3 (RED) and Screen 4 (BLUE), they would have seen a completely different situation. Those, like myself, that see at least two conspiracies behind every bush (and why is that bush there any way?) will suspect that 'American Outlaws' was deliberately chosen over 'Rat Race' to hold down attendance. Could the 'mysterious visitors' have been something besides TABC investigators? Sure. They could have been reporters, potential buyers or even insurance representatives. In my opinion, Their "look" was just wrong for any of those possibilities.
As for 'American Outlaws', I can only say that it wasn't as bad as the reviews portrayed it to be. There were a few minor plot flaws that the average person wouldn't notice. The key problem with the film was casting. There was just no particular reason to dislike the railroad representatives. If you watch the film, consider how much better it would have been if, say, Gene Hackman had been cast as the president of the railroad.
And those bags? Just window dressing for the 'mysterious visitors'. I doubt we'll seen them again!
The Santikos' advertisement in Friday's paper contained several interesting items.
a) The name of the Santikos website has changed. I've restored, and updated, the link to that site on the Captain Chicken home page.
b) For the first time since the summer started, there are three new films playing at the Mission.
c) For the first time since the summer started, a film already in release has been brought in as a "first feature". "The Others" opened on Screen 2 this week having already been in release for a week.
d) A definitive box office closing time is being advertised. Previously, I believed the box office closed once the flow of cars stopped.
e) For the second time this year, the "first feature" will be shown again (Fridays and Saturdays only) after the second feature ends. This is almost certainly why there is now a definite box office closing time.
I arrived at the Mission at 19:15. There were a considerable number of cars in all four entry lanes. Two things forced themselves to my attention. The marquee now contains the statement "Open Year Round". The colored directional arrows are now gone and have been replaced by black lot numbers. Okay, I'm sure you are wondering why the colored arrows are gone. That's a good question given that the arrows were replaced just last week! The answer to that question was revealed when I purchased my ticket. Santikos has now installed an electronic ticket system, which prints tickets on demand. I'm guessing this software was written to support screen identification only with numbers. Therefore, to avoid creating additional confusion, the color identification system had to be replaced with a numeric system. Like so many things at the Mission, this could have been done better. I would have printed the lot numbers in their corresponding colors - a green "1", a yellow "2", a red "3" and a blue "4". Doing it this way would have maintained a link to the Mission's past as well as simplified the transition for prior customers and current employees.
The trash bags are gone supporting my theory from last week.
I decided to watch a movie in Lot 4 (the new Santikos' naming convention).
That movie happened to be 'Summer Catch'. I haven't seen a film in Lot 4 since 'Legally Blonde'. Lot 4 seems to have become a family haven. By the time the night was over, nearly the entire lot would be filled with vehicles of every description.
After parking the car, I made the first of what would be three surveys of the property.
I was quite surprised at hope poorly 'Jay and Silent Bob' was doing in Lot 1. It never got over a third full. 'The Others' did much better in Lot 2. I'd estimate at least 60% full. The combination of 'Rush Hour 2' and 'Jurassic Park 3' eventually sold out Lot 3.
On all three survey missions, I observed snack bar business that I would describe as 'continuous'. That's more than sporadic but less than brisk. The poor placement of the drink dispensers became a problem at even this level of business.
Notices were posted at all the entrances declaring that the Mission is 'now hiring' for its 'winter schedule'. What does that mean? The total number of employees is down although not below what you would expect for this level of business. I'm sure they have some vacancies created by summer employees going 'back to school'.
I'm speculating here, but the main reason to have a winter schedule is because that schedule will be different from the summer schedule. What kind of differences? The movies can certainly start earlier. That would change the 'report to work' time for the employees. Another difference might be, and almost certainly will be, a shift to a 'weekends only' schedule. That type of change would certainly create the need to hire new workers.
Overall, I would describe attendance as below average for the summer but still 'good'. What is going on here? Why has attendance dropped? Especially after a near total 'first feature' refresh?
It is important to know that school started again two weeks ago on the South Side. That last 'strong' Friday night was just before school started. I can see two key reasons why 'back to school' would hurt the Mission on weekends. The first reason is obvious. Preparing for 'Back to School' costs a considerable amount of money. The more school age children per family, the higher the cost. Given that the bulk of the Mission's patrons are families, it is very vulnerable to drops in family disposable income. The second reason is the perception in the minds of the public that the Mission is a 'summer only' theater. For years, Regal would close the Mission after Labor Day. Clearly the 'open year round' notice on the marquee is an effort to battle that perception.
One of my theories is that there are two summers - the seasonal summer of warm temperatures and the social summer. While the seasonal summer goes on, the social summer ended when school started. The theory of the social summer being over fits perfectly with the drop in attendance at the Mission.
Is the drop in attendance bad? It is certainly bad for the owners of the Mission as it reduces profits. It is good for the remaining patrons as they now have even more space to 'stretch out'. I'd advise anyone wanting to try the Mission to go now.
I arrived at the Mission at 17:50. As soon as I came in sight of the property, I knew this would be yet another Friday with weak attendance.
The automatic ticket machine in booth 2 is finally operative. In addition to reducing the risk of a Santikos' employee being run over by a car while attempting to service lanes 3 and 4 from Booth 1, having the second machine operative greatly decreased service times for all four lanes.
I found it interesting that 'Rush Hour 2' has returned to Screen 1 from Screen 3. While this happens rarely at the Mission, it was a good call based on the preliminary box office figures for this weekend. 'Jay and Silent Bob' was moved to Screen 3 to fill the gap left by 'Rush Hour 2'
This was the first week in the season in which no new movies premiered at the Mission.
I parked my car at Screen 3 and walked over to the concession stand. Attendance was light at all three screens. Business in the concession stand was steady but not brisk. The usual items were purchased. I completed my survey by walking through Screen 1 to Screen 4.
Rains have been heavy on the south side of town. I was unable to cross over from Screen 1 to Screen 4 without getting my feet wet.
While I was on the bridge to screen 4, the previews started on Screens 1, 2 and 3. Peeking into Screen 4, I saw three cars. The occupants of these cars apparently thought they had been forgotten as they all started honking their horns. Yup, that is sure to work! Rude behavior rarely produces positive results. Was there a problem with Screen 4? Nope. 'Summer Catch' was simply scheduled to start later than the other films due to its short length.
Returning to my car, I found the number of cars had tripled from six to 18. Looking back at the ticket booths, I saw a steady stream of cars being serviced. I have no idea why the movies were started 15 minutes before their announced start times. The only rational reason for the change in start time was the potential for heavy rain that evening.
On to the movie! 'Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back' is the fifth in a series of films from Kevin Smith. If you haven't seen the previous films, you are going to be more than just a little lost! Given that you have seen these films, and enjoyed them, then you will like this one too.
Cars continued to enter Screen 3 at a good pace for the first 30 minutes of the film. A visual survey of the lots indicated that this trend held for all four screens.
During the last 30 minutes of 'Jay and Silent Bob', lightning was visible in the area. Towards the end of the film, some discharges were bright enough to wash out the image on the screen. As the credits began to roll, the rain began to fall. I quickly evacuated to the inside of my car. Sitting there, I listened to the end of the film as I vainly tried to see through my rear windshield. I had better luck using the driver-side mirror. This is the type of situation that was made for power mirrors! After the film ended, I decided to cancel my usual intermission survey. The sway bridge is dangerous enough when the creek is dry!
A word of advice, if you are forced to adjust your review mirror to watch a movie, return it to its original position before you exit the theater.
As this was Labor Day weekend, this report concludes the "usual" summer season at the Mission. Additional reports will follow, however I will now be using the current state of the Mission as the new baseline.
To paraphrase a famous movie, "they're back"!
Not the mysterious visitors, but rather mosquitoes! How did I handle the assault of these bloodsucking insects? Simple, I reached into my drive-in deployment bag and pulled out a vial of 'Deep Woods Off'. Yes, 'Deep Woods Off'. This stuff gets the job done.
Other patrons, less well prepared, sought me out after seeing me rubbing myself with this incredible product. I was happy to share as I am a subscriber to the 'drive-in code of conduct'. I was embarrassed by the repeated attempts of grateful patrons to pay me for the relief this product brought to their lives.
For the second time in recent memory, the Mission opened three new films the same week - 'Rock Star' (Screen 1), 'The Musketeer' (Screen 2) and 'Jeepers Creepers' (Screen 3). In an extreme case of parallelism, 'Jeepers Creepers' was also in its second week of release. As was, 'The Others' when it opened at the Mission as part of a group of three new films. Since these two films were paired together, I decided to see them as my first double feature in several months.
After parking my car, I made the usual trip to the snack bar. Hear, I learned from the security guard that 'standing water' had been a problem in Screen 2 all week. He told patrons were being 'eaten alive'. Here, the Mission missed a great opportunity to make money from human tragedy. They were not selling 'Deep Woods Off' or any other mosquito repellant. The staff was advising people on were to go to purchase this necessity. They stressed the need to have a ticket stub available for no charge re-admission.
After purchasing the usual food products, I completed my survey of the property and returned to my car. 'Rush Hour 2' was packing in the people in Screen 4. Once again, the 'honkers' were out in force as Screen 4 was the last to begin playing. 'Rock Star' just couldn't get the job done. I counted no more than a dozen cars in Screen 1. 'The Musketeer' was doing much better in Screen 2 as I counted over 40 cars. I find it interesting that since school has started, Screen 2 has repeatedly out drawn Screen 1. When I arrived in Screen 3, there were only five cars. By the time the movie started, there were over twenty cars. During my two trips to the bathroom, I noted the number of cars in Screen 3 had continued to grow. By the time 'Jeepers Creepers' was over, the lot must have been over 60% full. I can only surmise that the general public is not yet attuned to the new, earlier start time for the fall season. I can think of no other reason why so many people would arrive after the movies have started.
A few quick words about the films.
'Jeepers Creepers' is typical of the "lite" style of horror film being released by Hollywood today. In the '70s and '80s, this film would have been a total gorefest. Today, we're lucky to get an on camera dismemberment. Obvious pluses for this film are the use of the 'Herkimer' from 'Mystery Men' (you can't miss that grill) and the use of 'toss off' lines to cover obvious plot issues. In less than 60 seconds, the entire cell phone issue gets dealt with in a realistic way. The 'psychic' in the film serves primarily as narrator to fill in the back-story and essential plot elements. In short, better than I expected.
I admit to be taken by 'The Others'. I won't say anything else because it would reveal the entire plot except to say that there are four clues to what is really going on in the film.
Four hot dogs were consumed.
This Friday, I skipped the first feature and arrived at 10:15 to see 'Rat Race'. There were no lines at the ticket booths and I was able to drive straight through.
After parking my car, I walked over to the concession stand. Screen 3 (The Musketeer/Rat Race) and Screen 2 (Rush 2 / Jurassic Park 3) were doing good business. I'd estimate nearly 60% full.
Activity in the concession stand was strong. No hot dogs were available for purchase. The two coke machines in the restroom breezeway are now operable. I think $2.50 for a 20-ounce bottle is a bit much.
Passing through Screen 1 (Jeepers Creepers/The Others), I noticed much better attendance than last week. 'Rock Star' just couldn't get the job done in a screen this large. On the other hand, 'Rock Star' and 'American Pie 2' were a good drawn in Screen 4.
I'd estimate this was the highest attendance at the Mission on a Friday since school started on the South Side. This supports my theory that the general public is still unaware that the Mission has remained open past Labor Day.
There were some mosquitoes in the Screen 3 area. 'Deep Woods Off' was applied.
'Rat Race' has been in general release for several weeks. This continues a recent trend to bring in an "old" movie in those weeks with limited new releases. In the previous cases of note, 'The Others' and 'Jeepers Creepers', the films brought in had done well in other places. 'Rat Race' doesn't fit that category. Perhaps it was just a cheap rental?
'Rat Race' is an uneven film. The director clearly hasn't mastered the art of character development without the suspension of the action. I'm a big fan of those 'face sliding down the glass' scenes. The key scenes had both the 'squeegee' sound and spittle. Other scenes didn't. This lack of attention to detail hurt the film.
This was a positive experience and I may attend just the 'second feature' in the future.
The Friday ad for the Mission told the whole story.
No new releases. Just two previously released films, "Pearl Harbor" and "Atlantis".
It comes as no surprise that in these tough times, Disney would turn to drive-in patrons for assistance. Not this writer, at least not this week.
I arrived at the Mission at my usual time, 2015, only to find the movies already in progress. Show time has been moved up to 1950 in response to the ever decreasing daylight. I selected 'The Musketeer' as my entertainment for the evening.
As the movie was already in progress, I did "the right thing" and parked in the first available parking space. This space being in the last row, two spaces over from the entrance to the lot.
Leaving the car, I set out to perform the usual survey. Screen 3 ("Rush Hour 2" and "Jurassic Park 3") was at least 40% full. Once again, I am forced to admit my surprise at the staying power this combination continues to exhibit.
Crossing the sway bridge, I entered Screen 2 ("Jeepers Creepers" and "The Others") to find this lot was also at least 40% full.
I went into the concession stand. Business was light. I purchased two hot dogs. I think it important to point out that the hot dogs at the Mission continue to improve. The same cannot be said for their popcorn. As I was about to leave, I heard this exchange over the guard's radio.
"We may need to start taking volunteers."
"When?"
"Let's wait until 9:30. We'll know for sure by then."
I took this to mean that if total attendance did not increase, some workers would be sent home -- volunteers first -- non-volunteers second. I'd buy a scanner if I knew the frequency in use at the Mission.
Leaving the concession stand, I entered Screen 1 ("Pearl Harbor" and "Atlantis"). I saw less than two dozen cars.
Returning to my Screen 4, I settled in to watch the rest of 'The Musketeer'. I don't think I ever want to park in the back row again. I was surprised at the number of people walking to and fro between the lot and the concession stand. I felt like I had to remain alert at all times because of this foot traffic.
After the movie was over, I made a quick second survey. I was surprised at how many additional cars were in Screen 2. "The Others" is another film with drawing power! Attendance had also picked up in Screen 1. Perhaps "Pearl Harbor" was more interesting than "Atlantis"?
Even after this second survey, I was heading home before 2200.
In summary, attendance was down from last week, but it remained higher than the first few weeks after Labor Day. Given that the Mission had no new release films, this is even more impressive.
This week, the Mission had two new films, "Zoolander" and "Don't Say A Word", and the still first-run, "Ghosts Of Mars".
I arrived late again at 20:00. Did I miss anything? No. I had previously decided to see "Zoolander". On arrival, I saw that it was being exhibited on Screen 4. Previous Friday evenings have established that Screen 4 always starts last.
At the ticket booth, I was asked if I wanted a trash bag. This is a slight twist from the week in which everyone was given a bag.
I arrived at Screen 4 before the previews started. I made my way up to the second row and parked the car. I immediately set out on the mandatory survey mission.
You won't be surprised to learn that Screen 3, featuring "Rush Hour 2" and "Jurassic Park 3", was moderately attended. The same was true for Screen 2, featuring "Don't Say A Word" and "Ghosts Of Mars".
Business was very brisk in the concession stand. The line was long and the faux butter machine was in use. For some unknown reason, nearly every person wanted to buy a pickle. This week, I passed on popcorn and purchased four hot dogs.
Having spent so much time in the concession stand, I was in a hurry to get back to the car. Screen 1, featuring "Jeepers Creepers" and "The Others", was once again doing well. I think it finally took the attendance title back from Screen 2. I would estimate three times as many cars for these two films than for "Pearl Harbor" and "Atlantis" the Friday before.
On reaching Screen 4, I was shocked to see the number of cars had easily tripled in the ten to fifteen minutes that I was gone. I would never have expected "Zoolander" to do this well.
Firing up the car radio, I was treated not to the sound of the previews, but to the Corpus Christi Tejano station. Some of you may believe that I've encountered poor sound nearly every Friday. That is not true. I would estimate that I've had problems approximately 20% of the time.
What to do? I knew from past experience that grounding the car antenna onto the car body would allow me to hear the movie. That's okay unless you have four hot dogs to eat. I quickly reviewed my options. I couldn't hold it down and eat. I had no tape. I couldn't think of anything heavy enough in the car to hold it down either. Necessity is, of course, the mother of invention. I reached into the car and lower the rear passenger window. I then bent the antenna down and forced the tip through the open window and into the car. Raising the window up gently, I was able to trap the antenna between the doorframe and the glass. The movie sound replaced the Tejanno sound. Being a subscriber to the drive-in code, I cranked my volume way up so that other patrons could enjoy the film.
The only comment I have about "Zoolander" is that too many scenes reminded me of being at work.
After the movie was over, I made another sweep through the lots. The car counts in all lots had increased considerably. Cars were still coming into the theater at a respectable rate. What happened? Why the attendance increase?
I can think of two reasons. First, the ever increasing awareness among the public that the Mission remains open. Second, the temperatures have dropped considerably from the previous week. I'm sure many "soft-core" drive-in fans (not to be confused with fans of drive-in "soft-core" movies) won't come out in "the heat". I was glad I had worn long pants as it would have been too cool for shorts.
As I drove away, I could hear the cars begin to honk their horns. I guess they didn't know the antenna trick!
This concludes the Weekly Summer Reports for 2001. For more reports go Fall Reports 2001.
If you have any comments, corrections, or additions you can reach me Here.
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