Bikini Drive-in (1995) User Reviews (13)

Typical of its sort

[neil-476 · 5/10 · 3 April 2011]

Once upon a time this sort of movie was in black and white, loaded down with songs, made with earnest good nature, starred Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, and featured the line, "I know! Let's put on the show right here!" Yes, I'm talking about movies with plots involving a group of well-motived youngsters banding together in some sort of community effort to save some local facility from the clutches of rapacious developers.

Somewhere along the line colour came along, the songs got dropped, bad jokes and hammy overplaying replaced earnest good nature, Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney got replaced with unknowns and has-beens, and the community effort was no longer an astonishingly professionally produced musical show, instead becoming some sort of activity involving the copious display of silicon enhanced bosoms - "I know! Let's get our boobs out right here!"

Bikini Drive In does exactly what it says on the tin - no surprises here, and it is no better and no worse than you would expect it to be from the title and the name Fred Olen Ray attached to it as director.

An Anthropological Study

[huengmueng · 5/10 · 3 June 2018]

I watch a lot of Fred Olen Ray. A satirical take on 80's (?) end of drive-in culture before the fall of the Berlin Wall (yes this is a plot point). Nice flick with friends.

From the team that brought you Dinosaur Island....

[Smooth B · 18 November 1999]

Bikini Drive-In features most of the actors from "Dinosaur Island" (Peter Spellos, Ross Hagen, Richard Gabai, Michelle Bauer) plus some straight-to-cable softcore veterans like Ashley Rhey. It follows the classic STSWB (save the something with breasts) plot: Girl inherits grandpa's drive in, must raise money in limited time to keep it, dreams up idea of letting girls in bikinis work there. Sound familiar? You probably haven't seen this movie, but you've seen one like it. I give it a solid B for many laughable parts and lots of skin. Skin-O-Max master Fred Olen Ray directs this flick.

A Fun and Nostalgic Summer Escape

[dshannon1042 · 7/10 · 1 November 2023]

"Bikini Drive-In" is a delightful and light-hearted romp that captures the essence of carefree summer fun. This retro-inspired comedy, directed by Fred Olen Ray, takes viewers on a wild ride filled with humor, bikini-clad beauties, and a dash of nostalgia that will have you grinning from ear to ear.

The film's premise is simple and cheeky - a struggling drive-in theater, owned by the affable Jeff (played by the charming Blake Bahner), faces imminent foreclosure. In a desperate attempt to save the beloved venue, Jeff and his friends come up with the wild idea of turning it into a bikini drive-in, featuring swimsuit-clad attendants, as a ploy to attract more customers. The ensuing antics and misadventures that follow make for a hilarious and entertaining plot.

What makes "Bikini Drive-In" a joy to watch is its unapologetic embrace of nostalgia for the '80s and the golden era of drive-in theaters. The film's retro charm is evident in its music, fashion, and the general vibe, which will transport viewers back to a simpler time when drive-ins were the place to be. This nostalgic element is a warm and inviting aspect of the movie, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a dose of retro entertainment.

The ensemble cast, including the vivacious Michelle Bauer and the charismatic Gunnar Hansen, deliver performances that perfectly fit the tone of the film. Their chemistry adds to the humor and charm of "Bikini Drive-In," and you'll find yourself rooting for these characters as they strive to save their beloved drive-in.

The film's comedic timing is spot on, and it's filled with lighthearted and entertaining gags that keep the laughter flowing throughout. It's a refreshing departure from more serious and somber movies, offering a welcome escape into a world of laughter and lighthearted fun.

Fred Olen Ray's direction ensures that the film maintains its focus on entertainment and fun. He crafts a breezy and entertaining narrative that never takes itself too seriously, allowing the audience to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

The soundtrack and classic tunes featured in "Bikini Drive-In" add to its overall appeal, enhancing the experience with catchy melodies that complement the lighthearted atmosphere.

"Bikini Drive-In" is a throwback to a bygone era of cinema that celebrates the joy of summer, friendship, and good-natured humor. It's a film that doesn't ask for much, but it delivers a whole lot of fun. So, if you're in the mood for a feel-good, nostalgic escape, "Bikini Drive-In" is the perfect choice for a carefree movie night that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Bikinis and Babes

[queenb80 · 10/10 · 18 September 2005]

Bikini Drive-In is a proud contributor to the "we must save the (insert place here) by getting naked" genre. Ashley Rey stars as Kim Taylor a sexy young woman who inherits her grandfather's car wash and finds herself in danger of losing it if she doesn't come up with 25,000 dollars in four days. If she doesn't then a greedy land developer (David Friedman- hamming it up) will tear it down and build a super mall. He sends his handsome son (Richard Gabai playing it cool and funny)to strong arm her and they end up in a hot and steamy love scene (unrated edition only). They join forces with Sara Bellomo (or to all you porn fans out there "Roxanne Blaze")and a cast of busty bikini babes to put on a movie marathon to raise money. Nikki Fritz and Tom Shell play two nerds in love. Once Nikki Fritz removes her bathing suit and takes off her glasses then she and Tom have wild sex in the storage room.It's a shame that Tom Shell isn't acting anymore because he is adorable. Becky Lebeau makes an appearance and also contributes some great songs (Wild Fire, Point of Seduction, Lost Without You, Caught in the Middle of love) and it's a wonder why she hasn't gotten some kind of music deal. Fred Olen Ray contributes a funny cameo as Randy Rocket and Michelle Bauer as a scream queen. I have to stress that if you do see this movie then see it unrated. The steamy love scenes do not exist in their entirety in the rated version.

GORDON MITCHELL PLAYS GOLIATH

[larryanderson · 7/10 · 2 March 2022]

Gordon Mitchell has a small role playing GOLIATH in this fun film about a drive-in theater in financial trouble. Gordon Mitchell told me he did this clip as a favor to a friend. I have added two photos to the gallery that Gordon sent to me years ago. Enjoy.

Ends abruptly, but great while it lasts.

[BlackJack_B · 11 February 2002]

Bikini Drive-In was the true unofficial sequel to the Bikini Car Wash Company films in my opinion. Interestingly, when I saw the credits at the start, Fred Olen Ray was the producer and Jim Wynorski was the director.

A movie with a familiar plot: someone has inherited something(namely an old drive-in theater) and she has to save it from bankruptcy. She and another man, who wanted to buy the property, choose to show old drive-in classics form the 50's and 60's and make it a party zone. This makes her happy because she is coming off a bad end to a relationship.

With this plot, who needs sex and nudity? But because the cast can't act, in comes the sex and nudity, and boy is it good. Ashley Rhey, former hardcore flash Sarah Bellomo, and Michelle Bauer strut their stuff. The sex in the Unrated version is pretty spicy. The movie lives up to being fun; you almost feel like you're there yourself. The only problem is that the film ends abruptly, like there wasn't a truly big climactic scene. Still, that doesn't deter that this is good fun, created during the golden age of MFV.

P.S. Don't diss nerdy people unless you see what's under their clothes. This movie will show you why!

Not bad at all

[wogboy-3 · 8/10 · 25 November 2001]

I have to admit when I first picked this movie up off the shelf at my local video store I didn't expect much, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The movie is full of absolute gorgeous girls, who never seem to be wearing much and aren't ashamed to show what their made of *girl power*. This flick is so much better than the very similar Bikini Driving School which really sucked. The only thing that it had going for it was that the super sexy Maureen Flaherty shows her great t**s a few times. Back to Bikini Drive In, for all you Michelle Bauer fans out there I think you'll be pleased to know that theres a really good scene in here when some servant guy rubs oil onto her t**s, and boy do they look good. The movie has some pretty funny scenes mainly toward the end. Good movie, Great girls. Here's an idea Mr Director how about Michelle Bauer and Maureen Flaherty in a movie together. It's a guaranteed success!!

Whole lotta fluff!

[dgordon-1 · 8/10 · 17 October 2001]

Searching to find a decent movie about drive-in theatres or movies that have a main plot around a drive-ins, I read about this one on the IMDB I was pleasantly surprised after watching it. The plot consists of the main character named Kim who inherits a drive-in theatre from her late Grandfather. In order to turn a profit, she enlists the help of her bodacious girlfriends to help turn the theatre around and generate some publicity which in turn makes the theatre one of the hot spots of LA. It's light entertainment, and has some funny moments in it. On the whole, it's an entertaining movie through and through with some good natured humour thrown in.

All together now: "We're just trying to have a good time."

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 4 March 2015]

Ashlie Rhey is our endearing leading lady in this amiable feature, playing Kim Taylor, a young woman fairly bored with her life. Fortunately, she's in for some excitement, as she receives word that her recently deceased grandfather has left her his (failing) drive-in theatre. She's genuinely interested in making a go of things, but she only has the weekend to come up with $25,000 or the bank will lay claim to the property. She doesn't want to let sleazy businessman J.B. Winston (played by the Mighty Monarch of Exploitation, David F. Friedman) bail her out, because he just wants to build a "super mall" on the premises. With the help of J.B.'s son, Brian (Richard Gabai), and assorted others - including scream queen Dyanne Lynn (Michelle Bauer) - she sets out to make this upcoming weekend as profitable as it can possibly be.

Only one scene, in which one character seems about to set another on fire, is at odds with the genuinely lighthearted approach taken by prolific B movie veterans Fred Olen Ray (director) and Jim Wynorski (executive producer) to this material. This viewer was expecting something explicit and trashy, and the movie delivers in that regard, but what he also got was a very loving tribute to drive-in cinema, and a nearly bygone way of experiencing a night out at the movies. "Bikini Drive-In" is very appealing, in its best moments, and is good for a LOT of titillation and some hearty chuckles. Certainly there is a great attraction in seeing a lot of vintage posters of B movies from decades past, ranging from "The Cremators" to "Invasion of the Blood Farmers". A cheery pop soundtrack is a plus. The finale is rather rushed, but it's sure to leave smiles on some faces.

Ray and Wynorski have great success peppering the cast with many new and old faces from cult cinema. These actors couldn't be more engaging. Ross Hagen, Peter "Orville Ketchum" Spellos, Nikki Fritz, Conrad Brooks, Gordon Mitchell, Hoke Howell, Forrest J. Ackerman, director Ray himself (playing DJ Randy Rocket), Becky LeBeau, Tane McClure, and Wynorski all make appearances; McClures' "car dance" and Bauers' massage are unqualified highlights. The assets of our female cast members are stressed at any and every opportunity, and some of the males get into the act, too, as there are a few sex scenes.

If you're a fan of the filmographies of Messrs. Ray and Wynorski, this is pretty much essential viewing.

A head shot of John Carradine is used for a key photograph.

Eight out of 10.

The Citizen Kane Of Bikini Movies!

[Mvpkinger · 10/10 · 18 June 2014]

Fred Olen Ray's homage to the drive-in movie theaters of years gone by is his masterpiece. It boasts an all-star cast of B-movie babes with Ashlie Rhey playing the main character Kim Taylor, and Michelle Bauer playing Scream Queen Dyanne Lynn. Nikki Fritz's transformation from plain concession worker Susan, to bikini-clad beauty Susan, is amazing. Candy (Sharona Bonner), and Mandy (Tane McClure), are the bikini models hired to bring the customers into the drive-in. Candy's best scene is with the sheriff, when she's dressed and acting like a dominatrix. One of the best scenes in the whole movie is Mandy's car dance for some lucky drive-in patrons. If all remaining drive-ins offered car dances, drive-in theaters could make a big comeback! The uncensored and uncut version of this cult classic is definitely the one to buy. The Drive-In Intermission Spots, and Fred Olen Ray's Nite Owl Theater teasers, are short but sweet bonus features.

One of Fred Olen Ray's best and most enjoyable movies

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 20 March 2013]

Sexy young gal Kim Taylor (winningly played by the luscious Ashlie Ray) inherits her grandfather's drive-in movie theater after he dies. However, Kim has to raise twenty-five grand over the weekend or else the bank will take the place away from her. Plus greedy rich land developer J.B. Winston (a delightfully robust and rascally portrayal by the legendary David F. Friedman) wants the property for himself. Director Fred Olen Ray pays breezy, funny, and affectionate homage to both blithely trashy low-budget exploitation fare and the beloved outdoor picture show of yore: The constant snappy pace, engaging good-natured tone, rollicking rock soundtrack, abundant tasty female nudity, and joyously silly humor all add up to up immensely appealing and entertaining romp. The cast have a ball with the screwball material: Ross Hagen and Peter Spellos are hilarious as Winston's bumbling flunkies, Richard Gabai contributes a likable turn as helpful nice guy Brian, Conrad Brooks does fine work as amiable projectionist Oscar, and Michelle Bauer cheerfully sends up her 80's scream queen persona as vacuous B-movie siren Dyanne Lynn. Better still, a bevy of smoking hot honeys that include Sarah Bellomo, Nikki Fritz (as sweet bespectacled nerdette Susan), Becky LeBeau, Deborah Dutch, and Tane McClure -- the latter's car dance routine seriously sizzles in no uncertain terms -- all bare their gorgeous bodies. Popping up in nifty bits are Gordon Mitchell, Steve Barkett (a riot as an uptight killjoy sheriff), Forrest J. Ackerman, Hoke Howell, and even Jim Wynorski. A total blast.

Essential viewing for Fred Olen Ray fans

[PhysicalMedia4Ever · 10/10 · 7 January 2024]

The basis for this review is the 2023 Blu-ray.

Fred Olen Ray fans will be very happy; the results he achieved with this restoration are stunning. The movie looks like it was shot yesterday. Colors that were dull and muddy on the old version now pop. The clumpy grain and pixelation that marred the old DVD? Gone, replaced by a clean and crisp image, one that has not been DNR'd to death. The original 4x3 aspect ratio has been preserved, so no worries about image cropping. Frankly, I've seen releases by big Hollywood studios that didn't look anywhere near as good as this. Mr. Ray did not ignore the sound quality, either. Dialogue is clear, and the under appreciated soundtrack can be heard in all its glory. The movie is also completely uncut and uncensored. And oh, boy...it's a veritable feast for the eyes, featuring an impressive roster of early 90s T&A actresses.

"Bikini Drive-In" is a 1993 incarnation of an old trope: a failing business that is saved by the timely intervention of a group of attractive women. It's simple, effective, and provides the groundwork for ninety minutes of goofy, sexy fun. One scene in particular, featuring Michelle Bauer and Richard Gabai, exemplifies this. Trust me, you'll know it when you see it.

I couldn't write a review for this film and not mention Sarah Bellomo, of "Beach Babes From Beyond" fame. She's hotter than Texas asphalt during a heat wave in August.

Do not ignore the special features; every single one of them is worth a look. The commentary track with Fred Ray and Richard Gabai is both funny and interesting. I would argue that this is one of Mr. Ray's best movies, and one of the best discs released under the Retromedia label. Highly recommended. Hopefully, he will do the same for "Bikini Airways" one day.