Midnight Special

I have issues when it comes to the midnight movie thing. Movies with bugs, muscle cars or big-breasted chicks are worthy of the campy timeslot -- not former Hollywood blockbusters. I can see Aliens on DVD anytime and E.T. doesn't strike the same chord it did when I was a wee youth. On the other end, Pink Floyd's The Wall and Heavy Metal are such obvious choices that their midnight factor is now cliché. Perhaps last year's intentional double feature, Grindhouse, will get us back on track. Robert Rodriguez directs the way-over-the-top Planet Terror with Rose McGowan sporting a machine gun prosthetic leg. And Quentin Tarantino apes Steven Spielberg's Duel with Death Proof, which revs up to a thrilling car chase and twist of fate ending that is both laughable and awesome. Even though you're going to be up late watching this B-movie homage, it is well worth it to catch on the big screen. The previews in between are legendary in themselves. And cross your fingers for similar midnight movies in the future. Grindhouse (the original theatrical release) screens Friday and Saturday at the Inwood Theater, 5458 W. Lovers Lane at, um, midnight. Visit landmarktheatres.com.
Fri., July 4; Sat., July 5, 2008