Classic 1970s and 1980s Films Selling Out At Cranford Drive-In

CRANFORD, NJ — Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the theater.

After the first two evenings of socially distanced drive-in movies in Cranford — two showings of "Grease" — sold out quickly last week, the township added several more, which sold out quickly too.

This week, the outdoor movies at the closed Cranford Movie Theater will be "Back to the Future," "E.T.," and "Jurassic Park," slated for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. They sold out soon after being posted, at $25 per car.

And three new movies have been added for July 4 weekend: The Goonies, Footloose, and Jaws, all at 8:45 p.m. But they, too, are sold out.

When released in the 1970s, the last film's sequel had a tagline that may prove appropriate for these times: "Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water."

The 1970s and 1980s thriller classics, which loomed large in the childhoods of Generation X, are proving popular to bring people back into theaters across the country this summer, according to a story the Hollywood Reporter. Several are associated with director and producer Steven Spielberg, including Jaws, Jurassic Park, and E.T.

"Steven Spielberg Had the Two Highest-Grossing Films in the US Last Weekend," noted another entertainment website.

In a newsletter a week ago Monday, the Cranford Township Committee told viewers not to despair if they didn't get tickets to the first few nights: "Mayor Patrick Giblin and Township Administrator Jamie Cryan worked with township professionals from Police, Fire, and Recreation to assist the Cranford Movie Theater in finalizing plans for a very special entertainment experience at the Orange Avenue Pool parking lot. Though this weekend's showings are sold out, continue to check the movie theater's website for upcoming showings."

So, keep checking this link.

If you're looking for something else to do, you can always take advantage of the newly permitted outdoor dining in Cranford.

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