The Last Drive-in With Joe Bob Briggs

The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs is a captivating horror anthology series, which premiered in 2018, on the American subscription-based internet streaming service 'Shudder'. A contemporary version of Briggs' long-established drive-in movie review shows, 'Joe Bob's Drive-In Theatre' and 'MonsterVision', this series is distinctively marked by the eclectic mix of old and new horror movie reviews, served with the iconic Joe Bob’s sardonic commentary.

John Irving Bloom, also known by his pseudonym Joe Bob Briggs, presents the series as a fervent and knowledgeable horror enthusiast. This affable host makes the show a true spectacle, not just by the films he reviews but also the engaging anecdotes, trivia, and social commentary he provides. His love for genre films, idiosyncratic backstory narrations, and humorous breakdowns of the films elevate the program to a unique experience that is not just about accompanying some forgotten horror gems, but also about a fun-filled and enlightening ride through the history of the genre.

The Last Drive-In stands out with its format, which is both nostalgic and innovative. It gives viewers the reminiscence of the old school late-night horror shows format. Each episode features a double-bill of horror or exploitation films which are meticulously selected by Briggs. These range from cult classics, B-movies to some unique offbeat flicks that probably didn’t even form a blip on the mainstream horror radar. The films are interspersed with Briggs’ segments, wherein he delves into facts, behind-the-scene stories, explanations about certain scenes, and even snippets about the social, political, or cultural context in which the film was made.

Besides the anthological nature of the show, what keeps the audience hooked, more than anything, is Briggs' engaging storytelling style coupled with his wicked sense of humor. He integrates the episodes with insightful (and at times hilarious) analyses of the films to tell some interesting stories about the cast, directors, and the film production. Armed with cowboy hat and a bottle of beer, Briggs operates in a laid-back manner but never fails to impart his wide knowledge about the films and industry. These interspersed segments don’t interrupt the cinematic experience, instead, they elevate it to a form of shared communal viewing experience.

One of the most charming aspects of The Last Drive-In is the nostalgia it evokes in the audience. The idea of a host introducing and discussing movies in between segments is reminiscent of the old days of television, adding a cosy and throwback aspect to the experience. However, it cleverly modernizes the concept with a digital platform for a new generation of viewers. The couch becomes the drive-in theatre and the audience is transported back to the good old days of watching late-night horror flicks with an enthused and humorous host.

Beyond the films, The Last Drive-In reaches a new level of relevance by bringing in special guests. Over the episodes, Briggs hosts a range of cast and crew members, filmmakers, writers, and other horror industry professionals. These interactions contribute to a deeper understanding of the genre and bring an additional layer of charm to the show.

Further, what sets the show apart from the standard horror content available, is how it embraces the essential fun of the genre and the associated fandom. Unlike most critical review shows, it doesn't seek to tear films apart for cheap laughs or elitist dismissals. Instead, it approaches each film with an inherent respect and excitement that lesser-known or less prestigious films often don't receive.

In retrospect, The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs gives the audience a quaint yet insightful picture of drive-in culture. The show can be broadly classified as a discussion thread for B-movie aficionados, horror film truckers, and late-night road warriors. It is a virtual campfire where Briggs and company sit around, dissecting, glorifying, and honoring the lesser and greater-known works of the genre. It's the perfect show for genre enthusiasts with a taste for the weird, wonderful, and terrifying, and comes with a big heart for all things horror.