Every Sunday this summer (and into fall), The W Los Angeles is hosting Sunday Summer Cinema, a weekly poolside film series that’s kind of like a drive-in, but without all the cars and awkward make-out sessions. No popcorn or Milk Duds here, but gourmet picnic baskets and a selection of summertime cocktails can be ordered directly to your private cabana from the hotel's outdoor restaurant, aptly named The Backyard.

The films: The W will be showing 20th Century Fox and MGM Home Entertainment movies including "Juno" (June 8), "Annie Hall" (July 20) and "The Usual Suspects" (Aug. 17).

The accomodation: "Queer Eye’s" Thom Filicia recently reappointed the private cabanas, which are cozy, comfy and cabana-y. Each comes with ample seating for a small group, a set of speakers and a personal flat screen TV. The only problem: the TV has been positioned so high (think hospital room) that unless you’re seated in one of two seats directly opposite the screen, the film’s as good as a radio play.

The scene: Stars love watching stars under the stars: you can spot celebs in adjacent cabanas, enjoying films with their entourage.

The grub: Moviegoers are prohibited from bringing in their own food (note: no bag check), but a selection from The Backyard’s menu—including grilled rib-eye ($23), prosciutto pizza ($16) and sweet potato fries ($10)—is available poolside. Special picnic baskets, priced between $16 and $32 per person, can also be delivered to your cabana. Inside, Tupperware containers are unceremoniously stuffed with an assortment of meats, cheeses and brined veggies. The cold cuts and cheeses fit the picnic theme, but the lackluster presentation and paltry bread-to-cheese ratio were disappointing.

The booze: The Backyard offers a menu of bizarre, childhood-inspired mixed drinks that seem to have become the norm at finer hotels (see: The Beverly Hills Hotel’s cereal milk martinis). Both the Backyard Mai Tai and Blackberry Mojito were decent, but the Root Beer Fizz—essentially a root beer popsicle dunked into a creamy alcoholic concoction—quickly turned into spiked curdled cream. Ew.

The lowdown: Sunday Summer Cinema is completely free, and open to the public (no reservations needed—somebody tell Catherine Zeta-Jones!). The limited cabanas are first come, first serve; a large screen is also set up poolside to accommodate overflow. Show up early to avoid lounging with the UCLA pack looking for some cheap Sunday night entertainment.

Insider tip: I spied a Lamonica's delivery guy in the lobby on our way out. Here's a thought: having a pizza delivered to your cabana isn't technically bringing your own food, is it?

Amir Kenan is contributing editor for Metromix Los Angeles.

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