Short answer: the decline of the drive-in.
In the 50s and 60s, B-movie producers had to make movies that were palatable to an audience that was largely 16 and over. Now, they only have to entertain 8-12 years olds dropped off at the 80-screen mall multiplex while mom toddles off to Victoria's Secret for an outfit to wear when she tells her lover that she's married...with a couple kids...who are watching the latest Frankie "Can-I-Please-Get-An-Education-Now?" Muniz* blockbuster.
As a result, adults are exposed to drek like the 2001 version Planet Of The Apes without being in a car where you can at least make out with your date in the backseat. (Where she tells you that she's married...with a couple kids...
(sound of car starting up and driving away while date is at the snack bar getting more Junior Mints.)
And not all drive-in fare was drek. There's no place like a drive-in to see a movie like the original Planet of the Apes. The drive-in was also the perfect venue for chase movies, action and horror flicks, sequels and sci-fi.
If drive-ins were still a player in the popular culture, any movie starring Vin Diesel, Keanu Reeves, Adam Sandler, David Arquette, Jackie Chan, Ben Stiller, Aniston, or cast members from Saturday Night Live would be seen only after dusk.
There. Now you know.
*The reasoned part of Knuckles' brain that relies on facts to make an assertion, disclaims this fictitious cheap shot.
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