Smith’s drive-in theater in Lubbock combines contemporary improvements, nostalgia Most Popular Our Picks Ryan Smith had worked part-time at indoor movie theaters while growing up, but never had attended a drive-in movie theater. But he sure had heard a lot about them from his grandfather, R.A. “Skeet” Noret, a very well-known theater exhibitor who owned and operated both hard-tops (indoor theaters) and open-airs (outdoor drive-ins) in Lubbock and West Texas. By 2002, with Smith in his mid-20s, he could not stop thinking about resurrecting cinematic Americana, taking a contemporary approach to nostalgic family entertainment. Smith’s family knew the theater business, but some members may have been surprised when he took a career detour, realizing that his dream was for his grandfather to mentor him in the drive-in movie business. The first thing Noret did was advise Smith to go see a movie at the Sky Vue Drive-In, opened by Noret in 1948 and owned and operated by Sam Kirkland for almost a quarter century. Kirkland showed him everything, from the projector to preparations for the popular Chihuahua sandwiches sold at the concession stand. Drive-in ownership became a hands-on project for Smith. He recalled, “In January of 2003, we purchased a Lubbock cotton farm.” That is where the Stars and Stripes Drive-In would open, at 5101 Clovis Road in Lubbock, on Aug. 21, 2003. Space was left for later expansion to three screens, which brought overall capacity to 1,200 cars per night. On April 1, 2015, Smith saw an opportunity to keep sharing the drive-in movie experience, and built another three-screen Stars and Stripes Drive-In in New Braunfels. That project dictated that Smith and his family -- he and his wife are parents to four daughters, all younger than 10 -- live in New Braunfels for an extended time. However, he said they never sold their house in Lubbock, and are happy to again call Lubbock home. Somewhat remarkable is the risk recognized, and taken, by Smith. True, more than 4,000 drive-ins attracted American moviegoers in 1958. In the 60 years rhat passed, the number of drive-in cinemas in the United States dipped to approximately 325, with fewer than 20 in Texas. Yet the Stars and Stripes has met with support, and not just locally. Barely one year ago, Good Housekeeping magazine printed “unappreciated attractions” in the United States, specifically listing only one outside-the-box place to visit in each state. Considering all potential attractions throughout Texas, Good Housekeeping printed: “Today’s luxury theaters may grab headlines, but the simple pleasure of watching a movie from your car can be more enjoyable. However, drive-in theaters are hard to come by. “Not so in Texas, thanks to the Stars & Stripes Drive-In in Lubbock and New Braunfels.” Smith had not even seen this article before last week. Castle Rock, Colo. resident Amy Stephens mentioned on Facebook, “The Stars and Stripes was not there when I was growing up (in Lubbock). But going to the drive-in is now a huge part of our summer trip to Lubbock each year. My boys have grown up going to that drive-in with their cousins every summer for the last eight-plus years. “It provides some of our favorite memories, including the time a few years ago that a haboob rolled in during the show...” Carol Severe Koenig, of Lubbock, posted her favorite drive-in memory: “Dressing the kids in jammies, with pillows. Putting lawn chairs in the back of the pick-up.” Drive-in discussions prompted Kathy Hadaway, of Lubbock, to remark, “Gosh, the drive-in is where I fell in love with my high school sweetheart. He took me and my siblings to the drive-in on many occasions. We would have a picnic and play games before the movies started. “Now fast forward: I did not marry him, but I still take my grandkids to the drive-in for a picnic and games before the movie starts.” Smith would learn by experience rules that must be enforced, but said, “I really don’t think I even had any rules in mind when the drive-in opened. I knew I wanted the Stars and Stripes to be a place where people could enjoy a Family Night, and couples could turn to us for a special Date night.” The Stars and Stripes is open nightly. Different double features are on all three screens. Admission prices: $8 for those age 12 and older and $5 for children between ages 4 and 11, with those age 3 and younger admitted free. Members of the military and first responders are $6 with a valid ID. Unlike the early drive-in, Smith wanted his to offer new movies, on the same “day and date” as the city’s multiplexes. He longed to mix a modern drive-in with the aura of older traditions. That meant offering the best in stereo FM radio sound, and purchasing digital projectors for the brightest possible images, just like indoor multiplexes. At the same time, he emphasized a different time period with his ’50s Cafe (concession stand), and an outdoor playground for use before the sun falls. Unlike an increasing number of outdoor theaters, the Stars and Stripes still allows the family dog at no extra charge, provided there is no woofing during features and the pet is either kept inside the car or on a leash next to the car. Nope, dogs cannot frequent the concession stand. Owners also must clean up after their pooch. Frequently asked questions, rules to remember and upcoming features are available at website driveinusa.com/lubbock/. Some rules Smith now enforces include: * Visitors can bring food from home, but no outside food/drink is allowed on the patio or at the ’50s Cafe’s seating. * Visitors can smoke at their vehicles, but not within 50 feet of the ’50s Cafe, patio or playground. “No smoking where others are bothered,” Smith added. * The two rows closest to the screen are reserved for smaller cars. There is a separate area further back for pickup trucks and SUVs that may block others’ sight lines. * Do not run cars during features. * Parking lights and headlights must be kept off. Keep in mind that many newer vehicles find headlights staying on even after the ignition is turned off. Smith explained, “That’s just one of the many parts of our employee training. If someone can’t get those lights off, we can help with that, too.”
Everyone appreciates a rockstar team: Peanut butter and jelly, Tom & Jerry, NSYNC. But when a team of your favorite superheroes bands together, there is nothing like it. There have been over 18 different Marvel movies and all plot lines will intersect in The Avengers: Infinity War.
The Avengers: Infinity War brings together more protagonists than any other Marvel movie. Together, the Avengers are on a quest to thwart Thanos, a humongous villain wielding a magical, metal glove in search of six, powerful infinity stones. If Thanos obtains all gems, he will be unstoppable.
Before you rush to the theaters, here’s a refresher on what do you need to know going into The Avengers: Infinity War.
1.Thanos
Thanos appears at the end of the credits of the first Avengers movie. He tasks Loki, Thor’s brother, to lead an army against Earth’s superheroes. After Loki fails, Thanos appears in Guardians of the Galaxy where he assigns Ronan the Accuser to snag a mysterious Orb. Fortunately, Thanos loses once again. Thanos then decides to take domination into his own hands and comes to our world to collect the infinity stones, which is where The Avengers: Infinity War picks up.
2.Infinity Stones
Infinity stones are an important part of the new Avengers movie. Here are a few reminders of where we’ve seen them before. In Guardians of the Galaxy, The Collector explains that the stones date back to creation itself and are composed of cosmic power that can only be handled by people of extraordinary strength. These stones have different purposes. They are:
-Space Stone: Opens portals in space show possible visions of the future, and fuel dangerous weapons.
-Power Stone: This stone can wipe out an entire planet’s civilization.
-Reality Stone: Brings the dead back to life.
-Time Stone: Give the wielder control over time.
-Mind Stone: This stone allows the holder to control others.
-Soul Stone: This is the only stone that has not been introduced in the Marvel movies. Noone quite knows the purpose of it or the powers it holds, but we might soon figure it out in the upcoming movie.
3.Where does The Avengers: Infinity War pick up?
Each stone is located in a different movie.
1. Loki holds the space stone and the collector is assumed to have the reality stone.
2. The power stone is being guarded by space cops
3. Doctor Strange has the time stone housed in an amulet.
4. The Mind stone is embedded into the forehead of, Vision, an Avenger.
5. As for the Soul stone, it’s hard to know where it’s located. There are rumors it is in Wakanda, the high tech African country.
The Avengers follows Thanos in pursuit of each of the stones. In order to protect the entire universe, The Avengers team up to save civilization as they know it.
When it comes to a movie with so many characters, it can be overwhelming to keep up. This refresher provides general knowledge to prepare you for this weekend! Buy your tickets at Stars and Stripes Movie Drive-In Movie Theatre in New Braunfels.
Horror movies are associated with critically acclaimed directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Wes Craven, who changed the game in the cult genre. No one would have guessed that Jim Halpert, aka John Krasinski from The Office, a popular comedy tv series airing from 2005-2013, might be included in the discussion of classic horror films. Krasinski recently released A Quiet Place and it became an immediate box office hit, scoring $50 million in its opening weekend.
According to ComicBook, John Krasinski says that The Office had a lot to do with the film. Krasinski says, "I remember Greg Daniels --- the creator of the [The Office] --- telling me, 'Your job is not to deliver these lines funny. Your job is to deliver these lines and if people think they're funny that's up to them. And if people think that what you say to Pam is emotional that's up to them too.'" From that point forward, Krasinski says that he would have never done A Quiet Place if it weren’t for that advice.
The Plot
A Quiet Place is centered around a family living in a post-apocalyptic world infested with monsters that hunt based on sound. In order to survive, the family must stay as quiet as possible. Watch the action-packed trailer below.
The Heart Behind A Quiet Place
Originally, A Quiet Place’s original script was written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, but Krasinski was given free rein on changing the script. After finishing the script, Krasinski’s wife, actress Emily Blunt suggested he call a mutual friend for one of the main roles because she was finishing up a Mary Poppins sequel. However, after reading the script, Emily told John that he needed to call her and fire her because she wanted the role. Fortunately, Krasinski had never sent the script and Emily was cast.
Amazingly, A Quiet Place stars real-life couple, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski with a focus on family survival. In a recent interview, John Krasinski said that A Quiet Place is about the lengths he would go to protect his children. This fascinating movie has critics raving not only because of the brilliant premise, but the incredible execution and dimension.
A Quiet Place in Theaters
A Quiet Place is a fascinating story about a family that is not only trying to survive but fight for their right to bite, taste, and scream. Buy tickets to A Quiet Place at Stars and Stripes Drive-In Movie Theatre. It’s the perfect atmosphere to watch a scary movie. Showtimes available here.
Horror movies are associated with critically acclaimed directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Wes Craven, who changed the game in the cult genre. No one would have guessed that Jim Halpert, aka John Krasinski from The Office, a popular comedy tv series airing from 2005-2013, might be included in the discussion of classic horror films. Krasinski recently released A Quiet Place and it became an immediate box office hit, scoring $50 million in its opening weekend.
According to ComicBook, John Krasinski says that The Office had a lot to do with the film. Krasinski says, "I remember Greg Daniels --- the creator of the [The Office] --- telling me, 'Your job is not to deliver these lines funny. Your job is to deliver these lines and if people think they're funny that's up to them. And if people think that what you say to Pam is emotional that's up to them too.'" From that point forward, Krasinski says that he would have never done A Quiet Place if it weren’t for that advice.
The Plot
A Quiet Place is centered around a family living in a post-apocalyptic world infested with monsters that hunt based on sound. In order to survive, the family must stay as quiet as possible. Watch the action-packed trailer below.
The Heart Behind A Quiet Place
Originally, A Quiet Place’s original script was written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, but Krasinski was given free rein on changing the script. After finishing the script, Krasinski’s wife, actress Emily Blunt suggested he call a mutual friend for one of the main roles because she was finishing up a Mary Poppins sequel. However, after reading the script, Emily told John that he needed to call her and fire her because she wanted the role. Fortunately, Krasinski had never sent the script and Emily was cast.
Amazingly, A Quiet Place stars real-life couple, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski with a focus on family survival. In a recent interview, John Krasinski said that A Quiet Place is about the lengths he would go to protect his children. This fascinating movie has critics raving not only because of the brilliant premise, but the incredible execution and dimension.
A Quiet Place in Theaters
A Quiet Place is a fascinating story about a family that is not only trying to survive but fight for their right to bite, taste, and scream. Buy tickets to A Quiet Place at Stars and Stripes Drive-In Movie Theatre. It’s the perfect atmosphere to watch a scary movie. Showtimes available here.
I Can Only Imagine - Music, Redemption, and Easter
I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is before me
Were you singing the song? Well, if you were there is a movie perfect for you. And if you weren’t, it’s a bio-pic that will be sure to leave you inspired. I Can Only Imagine is a film based on the incredible true story of the chart-topping song, I Can Only Imagine. In the midst of life’s most challenging moments, this song has been a comfort to millions.
I Can Only Imagine is the song you know and the story you don’t. According to a synopsis about the movie, “the song was written in mere minutes by MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard. In reality, those lyrics took a lifetime to craft” (Source).
Millard grew up in a difficult environment that left him hurting and scarred. Most of those years he was left vulnerable and at the whim of his volatile father. To escape, he found comfort in songs that he held onto for years. His love for music did not age as he did – it stuck with him. One day, he was instructed to write about the pain he couldn’t process and kept running from.
As Millard grew older, he saw his father transformed by God. Starring Dennis Quaid, Cloris Leachman, Priscilla Shrier, and Trace Adkins, I Can Only Imagine is a story of redemption and hope that is a perfect story for this time of year: Easter.
I Can Only Imagine in Theaters – Watch it Easter Weekend
Warm weather is coming to Lubbock and what better way to spend time outside than to see I Can Only Imagine with your family, friends, Sunday school, or small group?
Easter is a time of hope. Celebrate with people you love and remember the heart behind this time of the year. Movie times for I Can Only Imagine available here.
A Wrinkle in Time is a highly-anticipated, book turned movie with an incredible cast. It was shot in the luscious forests of New Zealand where the scenery features Sequoias to create the famous, otherworldly story. It’s a story that has captured the hearts of children and adults for decades.
Madeline L’Engle wrote the book in the early 1960’s. She was rejected by dozens of publishers who said the themes were too complicated for kids. A rumored 26 rejections and a year later, the manuscripts landed in the hands of Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (Source). Eventually, the book was published and became an instant classic.
The book fell into the hands of a Los Angeles, fifth-grader, Catherine Hand. Catherine immediately loved the story and planned on sending the book to Walt Disney. The fifth-grader was too shy, but she made a promise to herself that when she grew up and make the novel into the movie. 54 years after she first read the book, she is now the producer of the $100 million-dollar film.
Hand has partnered with DuVernay.“When DuVernay became the first African-American woman to direct a movie with a budget over $100 million, it was her job to help create new worlds. That included hiring a diverse cast and crew” (Source). With a star-studded cast, A Wrinkle in Time is a highly anticipated film that hits movie theaters this weekend.
Notable Things About A Wrinkle in Time
“It was a dark and stormy night…”
The first line of A Wrinkle in Time is one of the most famous first lines of literature. It is a marker of the famous novel. We’ll see if it starts the movie as it does its predecessor.
Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit
Three of the most iconic characters in the novel add flare and poetry to the famous young adult novel. Watch for Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey, and Mindy Kaling as they star as the notable, eccentric guardian angels.
Incredible Cast
The star-studded cast includes Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey, and Chris Pine. And that’s just to name a few. The stacked cast is sure to blow the minds of movie goers everywhere.
These are just a few things that make A Wrinkle in Time a highly-anticipated movie. After the success of Black Panther, we’re excited to see what A Wrinkle in Time brings.
A Wrinkle in Time hits movie theaters this Friday.Check out A Wrinkle in Time movie times here. During Spring Break, we are open every night! Be sure to swing by during your break to celebrate in the best way possible.
Peter Rabbit: From Beloved Children’s Book Character to the Big Screen
A mischievous bunny will live forever in the hearts of children because of a creative and talented botanist. In 1893, the story of Peter Rabbit first appeared in a series of letters by Beatrix Potter to help her cheer up her late Governess’ son, Noel. He was often plagued with illness and wanted to brighten his day.
In a series of letters, Beatrix Potter wrote of a mischievous bunny and his shenanigans with the owner of a luscious garden. Potter modeled Peter after her real-life pet rabbit from whom Peter shares a name. Less than 10 years after even the idea of Peter Rabbit was even a blip in the screen, the stories were published into a book (source). Peter Rabbit was a part of the 23 tales which followed 23 different animals. The beloved rabbit had a book dedicated to him, but also appeared in 5 subsequent books.
Peter Rabbit: The Movie
In February 2018, Peter Rabbit hops into theaters as the nostalgic tale comes to life on the big screen. With an all-star cast, including James Corden playing Peter Rabbit, Margot Robbie as Flopsy, and Daisy Ridley as Cotton-Tail, Peter Rabbit is highly anticipated movie.
With contemporary twists, the writer and director explained that they tried to stick heavily to the story. They “didn’t change the story by any means, but the books are quite short, so [they] just kept it going,” (source). According to Will Gluck, the director of Peter Rabbit,
“Beatrix Potter was able to reach so many people with The Tale of Peter Rabbit because it’s a funny, timeless story that captures children’s imaginations…Beatrix understood the importance of talking to children on their own level and created a story, set in the natural world, that all children would recognize with themes that would be universally appealing way”
Movie Times for Peter Rabbit
Peter Rabbit is the perfect movie for a family outing. If you are looking for a fun activity for your kids that will keep them entertained in a unique and nostalgic way, buy tickets to see Peter Rabbit at Stars and Stripes Drive-In Movie Theatre in Lubbock.
It’s been 3 years since the 2015 opening of Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, and January 25th marks the opening of Maze Runner: Death Cure.
The Maze Runner series is adapted from the popular young adult novels. In the latest adaptation of James Dashner’s best-selling novels, we catch up with the group as they attempt to break into the Last City.
Don’t know what that means? Keep reading.
Maze Runner
In the first Maze Runner movie, it opens on a teenager, Thomas, waking up in an elevator with no memory of his identity. As the elevator comes to a stop, a group of male teenagers greet him in an area coined “The Glade.” Within the Glade, the boys have created a rudimentary society where each person plays a certain role. Surrounding the Glade are towering stone walls that form into a challenging and dangerous maze. It’s the only way out.
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials is the second in the series and follows the survivors of the first movie. Solving the maze was supposed to be the end, but the creators of the maze aren’t finished yet. Watch the trailer for the second movie below.
Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Lastly, Maze Runner: The Death Cure follows the main character, Thomas, who as at the end of his rope. After the dangers of the maze and the scorch trials, everything has been taken from him. Thomas beat the maze and survived the scorch trials, but can he beat the final mission?
Movie Times for Maze Runner: The Death Cure in Lubbock
Originally set for February 17, 2017, Maze Runner: The Death Cure was pushed back a year due to an on-set car accident that left Dylan O’Brien severely injured. After much anticipation, Maze Runner: The Death Cure is finally hitting theaters January 26, 2018. Buy movie tickets to Maze Runner at Stars and Stripes Drive-In Movie Theatre in Lubbock.
Smith’s drive-in theater in Lubbock combines contemporary improvements, nostalgia Most Popular Our Picks Ryan Smith had worked part-time at indoor movie theaters while growing up, but never had attended a drive-in movie theater. But he sure had heard a lot about them from his grandfather, R.A. “Skeet” Noret, a very well-known theater exhibitor who owned and operated both hard-tops (indoor theaters) and open-airs (outdoor drive-ins) in Lubbock and West Texas. By 2002, with Smith in his mid-20s, he could not stop thinking about resurrecting cinematic Americana, taking a contemporary approach to nostalgic family entertainment. Smith’s family knew the theater business, but some members may have been surprised when he took a career detour, realizing that his dream was for his grandfather to mentor him in the drive-in movie business. The first thing Noret did was advise Smith to go see a movie at the Sky Vue Drive-In, opened by Noret in 1948 and owned and operated by Sam Kirkland for almost a quarter century. Kirkland showed him everything, from the projector to preparations for the popular Chihuahua sandwiches sold at the concession stand. Drive-in ownership became a hands-on project for Smith. He recalled, “In January of 2003, we purchased a Lubbock cotton farm.” That is where the Stars and Stripes Drive-In would open, at 5101 Clovis Road in Lubbock, on Aug. 21, 2003. Space was left for later expansion to three screens, which brought overall capacity to 1,200 cars per night. On April 1, 2015, Smith saw an opportunity to keep sharing the drive-in movie experience, and built another three-screen Stars and Stripes Drive-In in New Braunfels. That project dictated that Smith and his family -- he and his wife are parents to four daughters, all younger than 10 -- live in New Braunfels for an extended time. However, he said they never sold their house in Lubbock, and are happy to again call Lubbock home. Somewhat remarkable is the risk recognized, and taken, by Smith. True, more than 4,000 drive-ins attracted American moviegoers in 1958. In the 60 years rhat passed, the number of drive-in cinemas in the United States dipped to approximately 325, with fewer than 20 in Texas. Yet the Stars and Stripes has met with support, and not just locally. Barely one year ago, Good Housekeeping magazine printed “unappreciated attractions” in the United States, specifically listing only one outside-the-box place to visit in each state. Considering all potential attractions throughout Texas, Good Housekeeping printed: “Today’s luxury theaters may grab headlines, but the simple pleasure of watching a movie from your car can be more enjoyable. However, drive-in theaters are hard to come by. “Not so in Texas, thanks to the Stars & Stripes Drive-In in Lubbock and New Braunfels.” Smith had not even seen this article before last week. Castle Rock, Colo. resident Amy Stephens mentioned on Facebook, “The Stars and Stripes was not there when I was growing up (in Lubbock). But going to the drive-in is now a huge part of our summer trip to Lubbock each year. My boys have grown up going to that drive-in with their cousins every summer for the last eight-plus years. “It provides some of our favorite memories, including the time a few years ago that a haboob rolled in during the show...” Carol Severe Koenig, of Lubbock, posted her favorite drive-in memory: “Dressing the kids in jammies, with pillows. Putting lawn chairs in the back of the pick-up.” Drive-in discussions prompted Kathy Hadaway, of Lubbock, to remark, “Gosh, the drive-in is where I fell in love with my high school sweetheart. He took me and my siblings to the drive-in on many occasions. We would have a picnic and play games before the movies started. “Now fast forward: I did not marry him, but I still take my grandkids to the drive-in for a picnic and games before the movie starts.” Smith would learn by experience rules that must be enforced, but said, “I really don’t think I even had any rules in mind when the drive-in opened. I knew I wanted the Stars and Stripes to be a place where people could enjoy a Family Night, and couples could turn to us for a special Date night.” The Stars and Stripes is open nightly. Different double features are on all three screens. Admission prices: $8 for those age 12 and older and $5 for children between ages 4 and 11, with those age 3 and younger admitted free. Members of the military and first responders are $6 with a valid ID. Unlike the early drive-in, Smith wanted his to offer new movies, on the same “day and date” as the city’s multiplexes. He longed to mix a modern drive-in with the aura of older traditions. That meant offering the best in stereo FM radio sound, and purchasing digital projectors for the brightest possible images, just like indoor multiplexes. At the same time, he emphasized a different time period with his ’50s Cafe (concession stand), and an outdoor playground for use before the sun falls. Unlike an increasing number of outdoor theaters, the Stars and Stripes still allows the family dog at no extra charge, provided there is no woofing during features and the pet is either kept inside the car or on a leash next to the car. Nope, dogs cannot frequent the concession stand. Owners also must clean up after their pooch. Frequently asked questions, rules to remember and upcoming features are available at website driveinusa.com/lubbock/. Some rules Smith now enforces include: * Visitors can bring food from home, but no outside food/drink is allowed on the patio or at the ’50s Cafe’s seating. * Visitors can smoke at their vehicles, but not within 50 feet of the ’50s Cafe, patio or playground. “No smoking where others are bothered,” Smith added. * The two rows closest to the screen are reserved for smaller cars. There is a separate area further back for pickup trucks and SUVs that may block others’ sight lines. * Do not run cars during features. * Parking lights and headlights must be kept off. Keep in mind that many newer vehicles find headlights staying on even after the ignition is turned off. Smith explained, “That’s just one of the many parts of our employee training. If someone can’t get those lights off, we can help with that, too.”
