“Summer or year-round, these films have managed to entertain yours truly time and time again… 

1) “AT THE DRIVE-IN” (2017) 

Nothing says summertime cinematically better than a drive-in movie. Director Alexander Monelli and company document the continuing legacy of a Lehighton, Pennsylvania-based drive-in theater: The Mahoning Drive-In, with its noble crew and their hunger to thrive in this digital world. 

Warm, inviting and essential viewing for lovers of the drive-in movie-going experience. It makes me wish that I had a Mahoning in my neck of the woods. 

2) “FAST BREAK” (1979) 

I’m not one for sports, but I do love a good sports movie. Along with “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh” (also ’79), this basketball flick has been an unsung favorite of mine since I was a kid. 

Directed by Jack Smight, this Gabe Kaplan vehicle tells the story of a delicatessen manager getting a chance to live his dream of coaching basketball at a university. The catch is, it’s a university that no one has heard of. Will Kaplan jump to the occasion and lead his team to victory? I’ll never tell! 

Also on hand is a great supporting cast, which includes Randee Heller, Harold Sylvester, Bert Remsen and Reb “YOR SSSSSSSister Is A Werewolf” Brown! Also, this film is definite drinking game material. Just take a swig every time your hear the name, “Cadwallader.” 

3) “THE METEOR MAN” (1993) 

Imagine an era where superhero movies were a novelty: few and far between, unpretentious and definitely not computer generated. Once upon a time, just 30 years ago, such an era did exist! 

From Robert Townsend, the brilliant mind behind “Hollywood Shuffle” and “The Five Heartbeats,” comes this lighthearted and endearingly comedic superhero origin story (written, directed by and starring Townsend). 

All in all, it’s a film with a lot of heart, an epic soundtrack and a truly impressive cast. (The rogue gallery alone consists of Tiny Lister, Another Bad Creation, Luther Vandross AND Frank Gorshin!) With an initial lukewarm reception, the movie has since garnered a bit of a cult following and, I say, it’s ripe for rediscovery. 

4) “MIKE’S MURDER” (1984) 

A noir-ish mystery from director James Bridges, which has nearly been forgotten over time. Debra Winger, the breakout star of Bridges’ previous film, “Urban Cowboy,” portrays Betty Parrish, a rather together young woman who finds herself in a fling-type relationship with the far-from-together Mike (portrayed by Mark Keyloun). 

As Mike reappears in and out of her life, the more Betty learns of his troubles, which eventually result in his murder. (OOPS… spoiler alert!) Betty’s anguish turns to obsession as she delves into Mike’s world to satiate her curiosity. And, as one might guess, antics ensue. 

Bridges’ film suffered its share of post-production quarrels, leading to the studio’s insistence that the film be put together in a linear fashion, rather than the backward approach that Bridges intended. (The studio may have been right here, as I’m not quite sure how Bridges’ approach would have worked as a rewarding narrative.) Also, Joe Jackson initially composed all the music for the film, which, for the most part, was replaced by a score from the great John Barry. 

The end result is an absorbing and underrated slow burn, with Winger in top form (as always) alongside a superb supporting cast including Paul Winfield, Darrell Larson, Brooke Alderson, Dan Shor and William Ostrander.

5) “PIRANHA, PART TWO: THE SPAWNING” (1981) 

Yep, I’m going there. Since @yetihideout previously highlighted Joe Dante’s original, I’m here to croon the praises of its overachiever sequel! James Cameron’s directorial debut about the perils of unleashing hordes of genetically engineered nibble fish (by sea AND by air) on unsuspecting attendees of a Caribbean resort. 

The film boasts a great score from Stelvio Cipriani and a cast headed by the underrated Tricia O’Neil, Steve Marachuk and the always reliable Lance Henriksen (who broke his hand, yet soldiered on, whilst shooting the film’s helicopter finale). 

Cameron’s difficulties with producer Ovidio G. Assonitis are the stuff of legend (and some would argue more fun than the film itself)! I’ll take this early “way of water” from Cameron any day. 

Well, there you have it, gang. Thanks for reading!

Happy viewings & Happy trails… 

-Nathan Martin

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