Hey everyone. Capone in Chicago here, with my postscript on the whole X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE leak, and how at least one theater owner is attempting to turn this slightly depressing turn of events into a positive.

For the record, I have never in my life downloaded or streamed a movie from the Internet in my life. It’s not even that I’m morally opposed to the practice; I just can’t ever imagine a scenario where I’d want to watch a film with sub-par video quality on a tiny screen. Doesn’t interest me, and likely never will. I haven’t read a single review of the WOLVERINE footage, nor will I. As much as I’m forced sometimes to watch sanctioned screeners of films in order to review them, simply because there aren’t enough hours in a day to attend all the screenings that take place in Chicago, I still cherish the experience of going to a theater more than just about anything else. And I, unlike a lot of critics, love watching movies with the general public, whether it’s at an advanced screening or going back to see a movie I liked the first time around with a paying crowd. The minuses are many—chatty patrons, phone lights and ringers, bad parents who bring their infant children to THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, bad sound and picture quality—and they seem to happen in various combinations today more than ever. But damnit, I still love see a movie big, loud, and with the smell of concessions in the air. That’s never going to change.

So when I saw the news that a quality print of WOLVERINE had leaked, my first thought was that perhaps Fox would really benefit from doing everything in its power to promote the practice of seeing film—any film—in the theater setting. Perhaps they would book more advanced press or paid screening of WOLVERINE, something, anything, to get butts in seats and remember how much fun the beginning of the summer movie season can be. Hell, I even asked if we could do an AICN screening in Chicago, but I’ve heard nothing definitive, so I’m guessing it ain’t happening. But the offer/request is still out there.

Growing up on the East Coast, one of my fondest memories of the summer was driving the extra distance to one of two drive-in theaters near the city where I grew up. I recall seeing most of the Disney classics for the first time on what seemed to be the biggest screen I’d ever seen at one of the local driven-ins. I always loved piling in the car with the family and checking out these films on the weekend, and I’ve held a great sadness in my heart at the virtual extinction of the drive-in movie-going experience. It pains me that there are a couple of generations behind me that have never seen a film this was, under the stars. I remember seeing one of the FRIDAY THE 13TH sequels at a dive-in, and finding it hilarious that you could hear screams coming from across the parking lot. Watching horror films outdoors is the most glorious experience in the world.

Now, I’m sure most of you are aware of the contest that X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE is having a contest to determine where the film’s premiere will be held. You just go to This Site, type in your zip code, and if your city gets the most votes, that’s where the premiere happens—with Hugh Jackman attending. Last I heard, Chicago was in the Top 10, but I actually had an idea in mind to revive, at least temporarily, two great traditions: see film in theaters and seeing them at the Drive-In.

There’s this wonderful, rehabbed drive-in theater in Dixon, Illinois (birthplace of Ronald Reagan!), due west of Chicago in the center of the state. It’s called the Midway Drive-In, and I just want to throw out the idea to the folks from this part of the nation that I’d love to watch X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE at a drive-in theater. The zip code for the Midway is 61021, and even if you don’t live around Chicago, you can still vote. The contest ends Friday, April 17, and the city where the premiere will be held will be announced on Monday, April 20. The actually screening is supposed to take place on Monday, April 27.

Now, obviously, if you don’t live around here, this doesn’t do you much good. So here’s what you should do: find out if there’s a drive-in near you and submit that theater’s zip code. My purpose here is not just to promote the Midway Drive-In, but the few remaining drive in's in existence. I guess the real question is, will Fox honor their commitment to showing films on the big screen even if that big screen is outdoors. I sure hope so, because I can’t imagine having a better time at the movies than seeing Hugh Jackman introduce WOLVERINE in front of hundreds of people at a drive-in.

Thanks for your indulgence. Good Luck 61021!

-- Capone
capone@aintitcoolmail.com