Drive-in theaters, to their credit, invoke a staggeringly intense sense of nostalgia (even if you’ve never been to one). However, for all the adventure you can have while watching a movie under a near-luminescent blanket of stars (and we all know the Flintstones had the time of their lives there), the time for drive-in has long since passed, having been eclipsed by the glitz and glamour of the indoor silver screen, digital surround sound and 3-D/IMAX cinematography.

As part of this movie-inspired lifestyles page, I was tasked with reviewing the Milton-Freewater Drive-In Theater. With springtime in the air (somewhat), it was time for the drive-in to play movies on its outdoor screen for the amusement of the locals. So, I ventured out to Milton-Freewater to watch the double feature of “Rango” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roddick Rules,” all atwitter because I had never been to a drive-in theater before. (Note: This drive-in is one of four left in the state, so kudos all around.) Sadly, that excitement was short-lived.

Perhaps it was because I live in a world where I’m constantly immersed in and bombarded by digital data (whether it’s by hourly pushes from my iPad, non-stop emails from my Blackberry or nightmarishly frequent IMDb updates though BOTH my iPad and smartphone), but I found the whole situation a bit … underwhelming. Maybe it was the never-ending tinkering I had to perform in order to keep hearing the movie properly through my car’s speakers or maybe it was the uncomfortable seating for the duration of the double-feature (my car is not exactly plush). Either way, I felt completely out of tune with the viewing experience. Not to mention I already had seen “Rango” and had no desire to watch “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” By the end of the double feature, I sincerely missed the Pendleton theater (which says spades about how I felt).

But that’s not to say I didn’t appreciate the drive-in for what it was: a group endeavor.

The multitude of families, with youngsters running amok, were having a grand ol’ time. And why wouldn’t they? Being able to watch somewhat-recent movies while not having to strictly abide by the normal rules of theater etiquette (not that everyone does at an indoor theater) definitely has its perks. And going with a group of friends may be an excellent way to spend a weekend night. And the prices are a steal ($6 for adults, $1 for children 5-11, free for children younger than 5). You have to pay almost $9 to see a late showing here in Pendleton, so catching a double-feature for a third cheaper (even more so if you are taking children) is definitely a deal.

But for a guy who saw “Avatar” in IMAX more times than he cares to admit, it just doesn’t compare. And maybe thats a pity for me. Maybe, because of the never-ceasing digital maelstrom that surrounds me, I?find it hard to enjoy the simple pleasure of just watching a movie on a big screen outside on a nice night.

But dont take my word for it. Visit the drive-in yourself. Besides, words on a page never come close to the actual experience.

Dominic Baez is the copy editor/paginator for the East Oregonian. Follow his movie blog, Silver Screening, for the latest trailers, clips and extras at silverscreening.wordpress.com.