The Drive-In: A Double-Feature Omnibus
"There is a certain glee in my work," says Joe R. Lansdale. "But for me, it heightens the horror."The Drive-In: A B-Movie with Blood and Popcornand its sequel (The Drive-In 2)--both well known to Lansdale fans--are back in this welcome omnibus edition. The story is about a bunch of affectionately described characters in small-town Texas who go to a horror-movie marathon at the local drive-in. While they're watchingThe Toolbox Murders,a bright red meteor with a toothy smile swoops down and traps them in the drive-in for all time. Then the fun begins: endless re-runs of the same movies and fights over concession food, followed by anarchy, religion, cannibalism, bodily transformation, crucifixion, mad bikers, and a supernatural Popcorn King. It's not just silly, though; it's social commentary. The lesser (but equally surreal) sequel further explores the end-of-the-world scenario. As Lansdale himself says, "The Drive-Inis quirky as hell. It's kind of a cult book, and it's not for everybody."The Drive-Inwas nominated for a 1989 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel.