ESTILL SPRINGS —Watching a classic blockbuster again on the big screen enjoys a certain cool factor. Beginning on Friday, the Montana Drive in will play a trio of iconic eighties flicks: Ghostbusters (1984, rated PG), Karate Kid (1984, rated PG), and The Empire Strikes Back (1980, rated PG).

Starting Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Sigourney Weaver, the original Ghostbusters is a hoot. Released on June 8. 1984, Aykroyd conceived the films plot as a comedy device for John Belushi and himself. When Belushi died, he partnered with Harold Ramis to re-write the film – setting it in New York City. In 2015, the Library of Congress selected Ghostbusters for preservation in the National Film Registry. It will show nightly at 8:30 p.m.

Wax on … wax off. Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, and Elizabeth Shue star in this first installment of the Karate Kid franchise. The plot follows a teenager as he learns karate to protect himself against a couple of bullies. The film earned critical acclaim for its action sequences, writing, storyline, acting, and music. Morita earned both Academy Awards and Golden Globe nods for his role as Mr. Miyagi. It will show directly following Ghostbusters each night.

Easily the most popular of the Star Wars franchise, The Empire Strike Back follows the original Star Wars as Luke Skywalker and friends pursue Darth Vader. It stars Mark Hammil, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, and others. It was the highest grossing film of 1980 and was also selected for preservation by the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry. It will play nightly following the 2015 Disney Pixar film Inside Out.

Through the summer, the drive in showings are $10 a carload. The restrooms are open but only two individuals are allowed in the at one time. To encourage social distancing, they’ll serve a reduced menu at their outside concession stand only. For more information, visit their website by clicking here. •

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