Post #90894 by AquaZombie on Wed, May 12, 2004 7:02 PM

I've already posted an apology in another forum page here, but ironically, the only aspect of the whole weekend that left me feeling disappointed was my own - the dive-in movie. I've heard one actual reference to it, and that was in a private email, so apparently the overall reaction was apathy!

In any case, the decision to use video came because I don't have a print of "From Hell It Came" - the only "tiki" monster movie in history, I believe, and even then, that's my own interpretation of it - in 16mm. I much prefer film over video
as a rule (I book and host films at a "real" movie theater, the Parkway, here in Oakland), and only resort to other formats when there's no choice, depending on the context (I showed a crappy DVD of "She Gods of Shark Reef" at a tiki show here last year, but at least it was on the big screen, and wasn't the only entertainment of the evening, we also had the Devil-ettes, short films from Otto, etc.) Finding South Sea island flicks can be a tall order, kids.

I love the whole concept of the dive-in and was honored to host it this year - Monica and I had a lot of fun giving out prizes on stage, and I'm grateful to Mig (Gorilla X) for his cameo) - but the murkiness of the video on a small waving sheet couldn't even hold my attention, much less anyone else's. Too bad, because indoors these kinda flicks are a lot of fun to watch as a crowd, especially a drunken one.

Next year, if Otto asks me to bring Thrillville back to the Oasis, I'll have to arrange something in 16mm, (I have a guy I use for local road shows, but's not into tiki and has no tiki stuff on 16, really), get a bigger screen and move it to a more strategic location.

In fairness, under the circumstances, it was the best we could do. But now we know better, so next time, the presentation will be better.Can't promise the movie will be, though....

As for everything else, I personally loved the retro-futuristic theme (which fit my B movie schtick perfectly, and vise versa), and of course I can't get too much booty-shakin'. But then I'm not a Polynesian Pop purist, I like combining my retro interests (tiki noir, sci fi tiki, robot tikis, burlesque exotica, it's all works for me, like a mixed cocktail). As for the sophistication of the content and its suitability for families, maybe next year there should be a "cut off" time for more adult themed aspects of the program so parents will know in advance what's coming. No reason to cut out the sexy stuff, though, at least from my perspective. For a lot of us, tiki is a sensual experience, especially after your fourth Mai Tai.

I found parking easily enough, too, and I wasn't even staying at the Tropics. But that' s just me. Other than my own technically challenged gig, I have no complaints with any of the merchants or performers. I met a lot of very friendly, like-minded folks from all over, and for me, that's what it all comes down to. Whether I host the dive-in again or not, I plan to return next year. Kudos, Otto.