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Post by mst3krom on Mar 13, 2008 14:45:53 GMT -5
522 - [glow=limegreen,5,300][shadow=limegreen,left,300]Teen-Age Crime Wave[/shadow][/glow] Thoughts on movie:Very interesting and surprisingly well-made movie, this one tells the story of an hyper-active punk, his hot girlfriend and a wimpy girl who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, as they take hostage a farm family. Directed by Fred Sears, the guy who brought us the very MST-able 'The Giant Claw, this is one of the better films shown on the show. But don't let that fool you, good as it is, it's still dated and contains quite a few laughable moments. The part when grandpa reads from the Bible out loud and the bad girl turn on the music and starts dancing is one of those "You've got be kidding me!" movie moments. Also, when they watch the news and information about the delinquents is shown, when they show a picture of the weepy girl, she's in a bathing suit. Hubba, hubba, looks like she had a few ... admirers among the production crew. Also I should also mention the moments when the phone rings and everyone stops and starts looking at it with uncertainty, I guess during these moments the film was supposed to build tension, but it looks just silly and awkward. Easy to digest flick this one. Shouldn't cause you any cinematic trauma. Thoughts on episode:I'm a little surprised this one isn't mentioned a lot more often, since it has some very good, steady riffing through-out. The moments I mentioned earlier inspire great laughs with our boys there to punch things up. I especially cracked up when the bad teen teases the good guy about having his girlfriend in his pants. That alone inspires some great recurring jokes from M&tB. Oh, and I should mention the final, predictable as always, fight between the bad teen and the good guy. I'll sum it up by just this: BOOOIIING. I immediately re-winded it a couple of times. Good stuff. The host segments are on the same level. This is the final invention exchange, I might add. Dr.F concocts the delightfully evil Mace Mousse and Mike and the Bots try to escape, but, as you guessed, it doesn't turn out that well. Next the SOL crew pays homages to the doughy guy from the film, the first deli store on the SOL is built and the gang does a little spoof on the Mentos commercial. Also the ending is similar to the one from 'Daddy-O', as Frank (Doughy Man?!) keeps getting a Mace Mousse to the face as he keeps slapping the button. All in all good teenage delinquent fun. An episode worth adding to your collection. Favorite riff from movie: "Yes, now you too can dance to the Bible." - Servo Favorite host segment: Segment 2, the comment about our moms and doughy guys had me on the floor. Grade: **** out of *****
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Post by mst3krom on Mar 14, 2008 12:41:09 GMT -5
601 - [glow=yellow,5,300][shadow=yellow,left,300]Girls Town[/shadow][/glow]
Thoughts on movie:
Same as my previously reviewed 'Teen-Age Crime Wave', this flick is just a good old-fashioned '50s teen movie. Only one big difference, this one is packed with known stars. Mamie van Doren plays a hot blond that gets sent to a reform school runned by nuns, taking the blame for her sister who accidentally pushed a guy off a cliff. There's also Paul Anka as singer who's persecuted by an over-admiring fan girl, Dick Contino as a gang leader who competes in drag races by driving with his area and, last but not least, Mel Torme playing (not that convincing) the bad teen.
I won't beat around the bush 'cause this one isn't worth calling a bad movie, it's a bit dated, but it's entertaining nonetheless.
Thoughts on episode:
A heap load of fun, this one. Our boys have a lot fun at the movie's expense and because of this, the riffing hits side-splitting levels. The scenes at the reform school, the restaurant where Anka sings and at the drag race had me on the floor. Whether you're into teen movies or not, this experiment will make you laugh till you cry, especially when dewlap-man Mel Torme tries to act tough. Let's face it, this guy is no Dick Contino (yet, judging by 'Daddy-O', he didn't do that splendid of a job, either).
The host segments sadly aren't on the level of our feature, yet they don't get in the way of the success of our episode. The more interesting aspect is the introduction of the Umbilicus, the link between Deep 13 and the Satellite of Love. Other than that, they're pretty much mild: Servo scatting, honor-based candy, women of the future. But it finishes strong with the guys sending Forrester a little 'surprise' down the Umbilicus.
Another winner in my book and a great start to Season 6.
Favorite riff from movie: "You have a weird theology, mother." - Mike Favorite host segment: Segment 1 is pretty much the best of this bunch.
Grade: ***** out of *****
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Post by mst3krom on Mar 14, 2008 15:21:08 GMT -5
610 - [glow=navy,5,300][shadow=navy,left,300]The Violent Years[/shadow][/glow] with short: [glow=blue,5,300][shadow=blue,left,300]Young Man's Fancy[/shadow][/glow] Thoughts on short:A sexually tensioned short in which a squishy girl gets the hots for a guy who just keeps talking and talking about electrical devices. This one lasts longer than it should and it's really, really boring. What the hell is this supposed to be about, anyway? Thoughts on movie:Our screen-writer's effort, the infamous Ed Wood, comes in loud and clear in this flick and, even if he isn't in the director's chair, the Wood-esque direction is there nonetheless. A dull movie with a long-winded message about juvenile crimes. Most of the action is nonsensical (why did the girl gang had to mess up a classroom) as well as incredibly stupid (a leisurely car escape while the police cars were just a few feet away). Plus, I really wanted to throw something at that moron of a judge at the end, the guy just wouldn't shut up. One of Ed Wood's forgotten flicks, but a pretty good evidence of his ... "talents". Tell you what, if Tor Johnson and Bela Lugosi were in this one, it would be right down there with some of his other "classics". Thoughts on episode:The crew's work on the short isn't the very best, but not of their worst, either. All it takes is a little sexual yearning for them to come up with some real zingers. But the jokes on the feature are even better. The bad dialog, poor acting, meager action, all get royally skewered, after all, this is Ed Wood we're talking about, let's give him the treatment he deserves. The one scene that really made me go "You've got to be kidding me!" is the guy getting raped by the four hot girl criminals ... while he screams in terror. ..................... Think about that while you're trying to go to sleep tonight, okay, folks? The host segments start out great, but get a bit offtrack by the end. The beginning with Servo's new head and the theme song contest cracked me up. Classic. The new radio station called Frank gets great laughs as well (Turn your crank to Frank, ). In the next one, I'm not really sure who Servo is supposed to mimicking, but even if I knew, it wouldn't get more than a chuckle. Next Mike turns into Keanu Reeves, but, since I haven't even heard of "My Own Private Idaho", I can't really comment on this one (I would've loved to see them mock Keanu's part in Dracula. I couldn't stop snickering whenever he talked in that fake english accent. Well, any of his parts in any of his movies would've worked just fine). Finally, it ends on the right foot, as Crow and Mike spoof the gas station hold-up from the movie and even Gypsy gets a good laugh when she wonders if 'driller' is a dirty word. A good episode with a few memorable moments you'd definitely don't want to miss. Favorite riff from short: "Standard sitcom joke coming on runway 7 ..." - Crow Favorite riff from movie: "Woah, excuse me, separation of Church and State!" - Servo Favorite host segment: Segment 1, no doubt about it, classic. Grade: **** out of *****
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Post by mst3krom on Mar 15, 2008 4:10:13 GMT -5
613 - [glow=brown,5,300][shadow=brown,left,300]The Sinister Urge[/shadow][/glow] with short: [glow=blue,5,300][shadow=blue,left,300]Keeping Neat and Clean[/shadow][/glow]
Thoughts on short:
The importance of a good hygiene is stated here as a narrator instructs a boy and girl on how to care of themselves. Useful information, but isn't this stuff that little children should learn from their parents?
Thoughts on movie:
Ed Wood makes a movie about the porn industry. Need I say more? This one too is packed with heavy-handed messages about how the smut picture business is the biggest crime humanity has done so far. Yeah, right. Other than that, it's pretty much the same: bad acting, bad story-line, bad splicing of stock footage, bad fight choreography. Ah, Ed, you glorious goof-ball, you not a legend among bad B-movies for nothing.
Note: Good ol' Ed even gets to do a cameo here (no, not with the wig and dress this time), he plays one of the picture pushers that have the lame fight at the bar. Also, keep an eye out during the office scene for some shameless product placement of some of Ed Wood's "masterpieces".
Thoughts on episode:
The episode starts with a big bang as the work on the short was a knock-out. A lot of a great situation jokes on our little messy duo made me laugh so hard, I re-winded it to watch it again. The work on the main flick is great as well, as a couple of middle-aged cops who mostly sit down, a cop named Kline, a raspy voiced porn queen, a stiff simple-minded porn producer, an over-acting knife killer and many more take some great blows (please, that's not related to our movie's subject). The riffs on the lame acting and the bad dialog are gold, as are the ones on the lame fighting scene in which our beloved director participates ("Raw power of a casual slap." - Servo).
The host segments, on the other hand, aren't related to the movie in any way and deal with Frank as a mad bomber trying to blow up Deep 13. Nothing interesting about them, merely just a break until the good stuff comes up again.
An great episode that I love seeing from time to time. Wonder how an authentic episode with 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' would have turned up? Guess I'll need to pick up the rifftrax and find out.
Favorite riff from short: "Oh, man, what did I do last night?" - Mike Favorite riff from movie: "Ride the wild guy, only 25 cents." - Servo Favorite host segment: The intro with Gyspy's shower gets a few smiles but nothing else.
Grade: ****1/2 out of *****
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Post by mst3krom on Mar 15, 2008 7:23:30 GMT -5
And, now, our final entry in the teen movie set: 618 - [glow=orange,5,300][shadow=orange,left,300]High School Big Shot[/shadow][/glow] with short: [glow=red,5,300][shadow=red,left,300]Out of this World[/shadow][/glow] Thoughts on short:A devil and an angel fight over the soul of a bread delivery man. Who comes up with this stuff??! Anyway, the short gets as dull as a bad razor toward the end, as the delivery man keeps droning on about how hard his job is. So I'm left wondering what was the point of this anyway? If you're a lazy bum, the devil will own your soul? Thoughts on movie:Sad and depressing are the key words on this one. Poor Marvin, I could really sympathize with this character. This is Murphy's Law at the N-th degree. First, he falls in love with a girl, Betty, that tricks him into writing her school essay. Of course, the teacher catches on and he loses his college scholarship. But, that's not all, Marvin still has to cope with his unemployed drunk father at home. However, still not willing to give up on the girl just yet, Marvin plans to rob his dope-pushing boss of a million dollars, by seeking the help of a store clerk and his chunky brother-in-law who's an expert in safe cracking. Betty, willing to take in the money, but not Marvin, sends her bone-head boyfriend Vince to steal it for her. And in the end, it all backfires tragically and what was left of Marvin's life is ruined forever. Ah, yes, this was the feel-good movie of 1958. Thoughts on episode:With a crackpot short like this one, you'd expect a classic riffing, but, sadly, that's not the case. It's still pretty good, but not on the level that I expected. The movie riffing is way better, surprisingly. Considering, our movie's nature, I expected this one to flunk. Fortunately, it didn't and it's a gas. The 'Norman Rockwell' moment, as the guys call it, is my favorite from the entire episode ("You didn't leave any for me, you jerk.") The host segments are pretty much on the level of the short. The intro with Mike having a headache is a hoot. Next, science experiments take place both in Deep 13 and on the SOL (seems that Frank's new pet doesn't love Dr.F too much). Mike and bots imitating the bread delivery man from the short is great as well. Crow and Servo making like street hoodlums and then trying to read Gypsy's diary aren't the best segments ever but they're not bad either. Finally, the gang imitates the final shoot-out in the film, and, in Deep 13, Frank gets a pants-load full of dinosaur. Great experiment and one that I'd be checking quite often from now on. Favorite riff from short: "Never let the Devil dress you." - Crow Favorite riff from movie: "Let's see, how else can I scar him? Ah, son, you have a tiny winky." - Mike as dad Favorite host segment: The intro is great and I'm also glad to hear that Gypsy is a 'Seinfeld' fan. Grade: ****1/2 out of ***** Final grade on set: ****1/2 out of ***** The teen movie experiments are a success and a definite highlight of Mike's CC run. Well, I have some bad news and some good news. The bad news is the rest of the 5&6 Season Mike episode reviews will be postponed for a while. The good news is the next sets are Joel episodes. I think it's about time to see how the show was doing back then, when it was still trying to find its footing. Next set: 201 - Rocketship X-M 203 - Jungle Goddess 205 - Rocket Attack U.S.A. 206 - Ring of Terror 208 - Lost Continent 210 - King Dinosaur Comments are welcomed, as always. Stay tuned, we'll be back in just a while.
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Post by mst3krom on Mar 18, 2008 10:36:19 GMT -5
Sorry for the delay, I've been playing Neverwinter Nights this weekend and lost track of time. Anyway, here's:
201 - [glow=navy,5,300][shadow=navy,left,300]Rocketship X-M[/shadow][/glow]
Thoughts on movie:
Made way back when space travel was still in the realm of sci-fi, this flick may have been compelling, but watching it now it seems dated and cheesy.
Packed with nowadays-well-known stars like Lloyd Bridges and Hugh O'Brian, as well as specific genre actors like Morris Ankrum (who, thankfully doesn't play the general in this one), I understand this flick is well regarded among old sci-fi movie fans as it was probably one of the first movies to show space to be a dangerous frontier. Well, I'm an old sci-fi movie fan and I'm not that excited about Rocketship X-M, not because it was on featured on the show, but because it's simply dull, uninteresting and boring.
Most of the movie is spent in the rocket, where the characters stand around discussing the mission, Lloyd Bridges tries to hit on the young lady scientist and Hugh O' Brian keeps droning on and on about how great Texas is. And by the time they reach Mars and get attacked by cavemen (the HELL?!), I lost all interest. Good thing because everyone dies later in a fiery crash.
Note: I remember a Sci-fi Channel special in which Mike Nelson and Mary Jo Pehl were criticized by some guy named Eric Wallace for mocking Rocketship X-M. So, what if it was the first movie to show the consequences of a nuclear disaster? Sour grapes, Eric, sour grapes!
Thoughts on episode:
A great episode to open up a new stage of the show. Not only does this mark the introduction of Kevin Murphy as Tom Servo's new puppeteer and TV's Frank as Forrester's new henchman, but the riffing improved considerably by Season 1 standards.
A cheesy '50s sci-fi feature is all it takes to inspire some really good work from our guys and this is no exception. I had a lot of fun with this one and it seemed that the guys were more comfortable in the theater segments. Joel, especially, goes high on the screen interactions and that's always a plus.
The host segments are also great, but having Dr.Erhardt simply listed as 'missing' wasn't a good way for the character to make an exit (luckily, in a later episode they somewhat find a reason for his disappearance). But, other than that, the introduction of Tom Servo's new voice and TV's Frank is a classic. Also as a big 'Aliens' fan , I couldn't help but chuckle at Joel's BGC-19. The 'reporters montage' and the 'Things which are funny floating' also add to the fun of the episode. The Valeria segment is a bit of a filler, as it would have been more appropriate in 'Robot Holocaust' (Mike's first on screen appearance). Nevertheless, the episode ends better as the guys feel depressed about the movie and Frank learns how to push the button.
A very good episode from the beginning period and a must-see for devoted fans.
Favorite riff from movie: "H-E-L-P. Pronounced: HHHEEEEEELLLLLPPP!!!!" - Crow Favorite host segment: Segment 1, a great start to a new beginning.
Grade: **** out of *****
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Post by mst3krom on Mar 18, 2008 13:12:58 GMT -5
203 - [glow=green,5,300][shadow=green,left,300]Jungle Goddess[/shadow][/glow] with short: [glow=purple,5,300][shadow=purple,left,300]The Phantom Creeps Chapter 1[/shadow][/glow] Thoughts on short:Bela Lugosi plays a mad scientist (not surprisingly) that tries to take over the world with exploding spiders, a big robot and an invisible dance belt. It's hard to believe people actually took these serials seriously, even back in 1939. Thoughts on movie:Robert Lippert (producer of Rocketship X-M) brings us another adventure movie. This time two pilots (one of them played by George Reeves, the original Superman) search the African jungle for a lost rich girl which became the goddess of a native tribe. The plot bares a small similarity to 'Apocalypse Now', doesn't it? Well, don't get excited 'cause that's where the similarities end. I don't know if the copy the Brains had was this way or if they tampered with it, but it looks like hell. In some parts it's too damn bright and you can't tell a thing (scratch that, most of time). And it's a good thing because there isn't anything to look at. Some could consider this movie racist nowadays, given its portrayal of the native people. We also have to cope with the trigger-happy 'White Devil' as he is called by the natives, as he shoots at nearly everything: people, animals, coconuts, you name it. Throw in a couple stock footage of animals (some not even native to Africa), a cheesy jungle set and you've got yourself a wreck of a movie. Think this is the worst Lippert has to throw at you? You're wrong. Thoughts on episode:It becomes apparent that the only reason this serial was chosen was so the guys could do their Bela impersonations (wish they could've picked "Devil Bat" for that). But, you can't really fault them on that, since they do quite a few funny ones once in a while. The movie is about the same as the short. Dated junk, that is. The riffing is a bit good in some parts, but the movie drags it down a couple of times. Still I had some good laughs and that gets it the passing grade. The host segments are a bit better. The hide-and-seek opening is a bit weak, but the invention exchange with Joel's remote control saw and Frank's Dr. Sax elevate the mood a bit ( how did they do that trick with Forrester's head? I still haven't figured it out). The selling segment drags way too long, but the Gobo scopes and the visit from the two white devils (Mike Nelson and Jim Mallon) raise the grade a bit again. Finally it ends with a funny "My White Goddess" sitcom and Frank mocking Dr. F. Decent episode, but not one you'll be revisiting again and again. Favorite riff from short: "AH, don't do that, you scared the pants off me." - Crow as Bela Favorite riff from movie: "...the poison works slowly, the victim suffering a horrible death."/ "Kinda sounds like the plot of this movie." - White Goddess/Joel Favorite host segment: Segment 3, Pope Scope ?! Grade: **1/2 out of *****
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Post by mst3krom on Mar 18, 2008 15:38:11 GMT -5
205 - [glow=red,5,300][shadow=red,left,300]Rocket Attack U.S.A.[/shadow][/glow] with short: [glow=purple,5,300][shadow=purple,left,300]The Phantom Creeps Chapter 2[/shadow][/glow]
Thoughts on short:
Well, it's more of the same. Bela tries to take over the world and so on ... blah, blah, blah, you get the picture. The most annoying aspects about these serials that the cliff-hangar ending as it is called is so badly done (We saw them put their parachutes in the last chapter, think they're gonna use them? Well, what do you know, they did.).
Thoughts on movie:
Just like my previously reviewed "Invasion U.S.A.", this one is just the same, only with a little twist. This time it's more of a spy story, with some spy guy meeting a russian lady spy that obtains secret information by sleeping with the russian equivalent of Tor Johnson (EEEEWWWWW!!!). They find out that the commies are building a missile to destroy New York, so they try to sabotage it but fail miserably. Guess what happens next? Yep, total carnage.
I'm gonna go on a limp and say that "Invasion U.S.A." was a way superior film than this. At least it had some decent acting, if not much else. "Rocket" has some of the most wooden and uninterested performances ever, from almost all the cast members. Also, when the sabotage mission fails, the movie goes crazy and swings all over the map, before we get to the supposedly unhappy ending.
Yeesh, what a pathetic piece of cinematic garbage! I'd rather watch paint dry.
Thoughts on episode:
On our second serial chapter, there's isn't much to go on really. The Bela imitations are good as always, but other than that, there aren't much more than a few laughs. Though I loved it when Joel made a reference to "Arachnophobia". The main feature stands way better and gets some really hilarious riffing. From mocking the narration on the russians, to taking down the lame characters of the movie. Also the guys get ticked off during the last act where nothing makes sense. Crow, especially, lost it a couple of times.
The host segments are in league with the movie, so you know they're good. I personally think that Servo's new look wasn't really necessary and it's a good thing it lasted for only two episodes. The invention exchange was cute as Joel invents the Candy Adding Machine (instead of the Mexican Beanbag Chair which Gypsy ate) and the Mads play Water Foosball (love those mini Franks and Forresters). The Charlie McCarthy segment is interesting to watch, especially for me since we didn't have any of that here. The Civil Defense Quiz Bowl and Mike's visit as a russian astronaut are a hoot. In the end, the crew gets really upset at the movie and let all of us know in a really funny resume.
Note: Be sure to stay after the credits from now on. The first stinger is in this one, as a blind man says 'Help me!'.
A good episode and one of the best from Season 2.
Favorite riff from short: "Stunned?! He took six bullets!" - Crow Favorite riff from movie: "Spit it out, man, you sound like a manure salesman with a mouthful of samples!" - Joel Favorite host segment: Segment 2, DUCK AND COVER!!!
Grade: ***1/2 out of *****
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Post by Diet Kolos on Mar 18, 2008 21:49:28 GMT -5
and Frank's Dr. Sax elevate the mood a bit ( how did they do that trick with Forrester's head? I still haven't figured it out). If you notice, the sax is on a box. The box is a mirror box so it only looks like the box is empty. Trace is in the box with his head coming up through a hole. Watch for the box again in 309 and...211, I think.
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Post by mst3krom on Mar 19, 2008 12:48:56 GMT -5
and Frank's Dr. Sax elevate the mood a bit ( how did they do that trick with Forrester's head? I still haven't figured it out). If you notice, the sax is on a box. The box is a mirror box so it only looks like the box is empty. Trace is in the box with his head coming up through a hole. Watch for the box again in 309 and...211, I think. Boy, I wished I had one of those magic boxes. <sigh> Well, I guess I'm gonna have to settle with: 206 - [glow=yellow,5,300][shadow=yellow,left,300]Ring of Terror[/shadow][/glow] with short: [glow=purple,5,300][shadow=purple,left,300]The Phantom Creeps Chapter 3[/shadow][/glow] Thoughts on short:Need I say more? If you've seen the first two, you know what to expect. Good thing this is the last one. For those of you who want to know what's gonna happen next, check this compiled version: video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7597646737253668779Thoughts on movie:Boring, uninteresting and poorly-made, that's the keywords. The movie starts with a long-winded scene where a Vincent Price wannabe keeps looking through a graveyard for his cat. Then it switches to some old medicine student as he hangs out with his friends, goes on dates and assists autopsies. Then at the last moment the movie finally remembers what its point was and the student goes to retrieve a ring from a dead body, but dies of fright. So, .... where's the 'Terror' part? Thoughts on episode:Decent episode this one. You get a good round of laughs during the feature, as the gang seems to prefer to point out that the actors playing the students were really adults. The riffing slows down near the end, but the theater segments are good overall. Then, in the true definition of 'evil' the gang has to sit through the third and last 'Creeps' short. Basically, I just couldn't pay attention, nothing funny there. The host segments are some of the best ever done. The intro where Joel gets tricked by the bots is really funny, as is the invention exchange: Dr.F's Operation Game and Joel's Pin-Bollus. The Old School segment and the operation scene spoof are truly grand. Then, the guys complain that they had to go back in the theater and Frank sings the glorious "When Chauffeurs Ruled the World". Great host segments, good theater segments sadly marred by a short that's worn out its welcome, make this a very good episode of Season 2. Favorite riff from short: "Oh, great, I have the source of ultimate power and I'm trapped like a rat." - Joel Favorite riff from movie: "Wait a moment, Cupid didn't have a flashlight." - Servo / "Maybe he was a movie usher." - Crow Favorite host segment: Segment 2, funny and really spot on. Grade: ***1/2 out of *****
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Post by quinnmartin on Mar 19, 2008 13:13:08 GMT -5
I agree about the Phantom Creeps short at the end of Ring of Terror. Maybe the most unwatchable section of MST I've run across. And I like the rest of the episode a lot.
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Post by Diet Kolos on Mar 19, 2008 14:24:18 GMT -5
Yes. That short really marrs the episode for me as well. I said in my review in my thread (note: go read it!) that if the episode had ended in Segment 4, I would've given the movie a B+ or an A-. But...there's that short...
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Post by mst3krom on Mar 19, 2008 15:01:54 GMT -5
Me too. I already pushed the grade as far as I could, but what you gonna do? Well, anyway, back to: 208 - [glow=brown,5,300][shadow=brown,left,300]Lost Continent[/shadow][/glow] Thoughts on movie:Lippert is back, and this time Sam Newfield is in the director's chair, bringing us a wreck of a movie. Despite featuring actors like Cesar Romero and Hugh Beaumont, nothing exciting happens, the rock climbing scenes are ridiculously extended to reach the 90 minutes length and we have to sit through Sid Melton's unfunny punchlines and watch as his butt gets fondled. Well, at least it had the stop-motion dinosaurs. But where the hell are the carnivores? No T-Rex? What a ripoff! Thoughts on episode:This one is pretty well-known among fans, especially for its shameless padding sequences, and sometimes quite well regarded. I used to like it too, but, as time went by, I found it to be more and more dull. The beginning has a few good laughs spread around (though the guys refuse to retire a couple of unfunny repetitive jokes), but by the time the rock-climbing sequence is almost over, most of the good stuff has gone by quickly. The host segments are little better. Joel and the bots prepping up for the movie was cute and shows that there was a little bit of competition between Joel and the Mads. The invention exchange is one-sided, however, as Frank presents his completely useless treadmill and Joel doesn't get a chance to show his invention. Hugh Beaumont's visit as a Horseman of the Apocalypse (played by Mike Nelson) is very funny. The Quinn Martin Explorers segment is decent enough and the Cool Thing contest is introduced in the next one. In the end the guys discuss the movie and Dr.F gets a great closing line for the episode: "God opens a door and closes a window". The passing grade is suitable for this one. There are laughs but not enough to make it a classic. Favorite riff from movie: "Brain the size of a walnut..." - Crow / "The dinosaur?" - Joel / "No, the director." - Crow Favorite host segment: Segment 4, got a big laugh from Crow's description of the director. Grade: **1/2 out of *****
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Post by mst3krom on Mar 20, 2008 12:13:49 GMT -5
Well, in honor of this review of my "forum-name" episode, got a brand spanking new avatar. One of my favorite movies ever, too. And now, without further ado: 210 - [glow=limegreen,5,300][shadow=limegreen,left,300]King Dinosaur[/shadow][/glow] with short: [glow=blue,5,300][shadow=blue,left,300]X Marks the Spot[/shadow][/glow] Thoughts on short:A dumb careless driver dies in a car accident and has to stand before God's New Jersey driving accidents court, accompanied by a guardian angel with a lumpy face, who also acts as his driving conscience. Goofy doesn't even begin to describe this one. Now I knew there was a Jersey Devil, but I never knew there was a Jersey God as well. Well, at least it has a good message for all of us and, for that, I'll let it off the hook. Remember, drive carefully! Thoughts on movie:So, you braved through Lloyd Bridges' boring speeches from 'Rocketship X-M'? The supreme white race attitude from 'Jungle Goddess' didn't bring you down? You barely survived with your life from the hellish padding experience that is 'Lost Continent' and you think you're in the clear? Well, guess again 'cause Lippert has another pain parade all ready for you. This time in the director's chair is non other than cheesy Bert I. Gordon. If you've seen some of his films like 'Amazing Colossal Man', 'Beginning of the End', 'Magic Sword' or 'Tormented', you're thinking: "Well, these aren't that BAD, so this one should be a piece of cake, right?" .... WRONG!!! This is one of his early films and, boy, is it bad! Right, from the start we're forced to listen to some narrator as keeps droning on and on about some rocket stuff and how four experts are sent to some new discovered planet (which looks remarkably like Earth). Experts, huh? Give me a break! If these guys are scientists, then I'm a chinese jet pilot (which I'm not, of course). The two female scientists are just there to scream loudly, whenever dangerous stuff happens (isn't that what women did most of time in the '50s?) and one of the male scientists tries hitting on the blond lady scientist, but their love story doesn't go that well, since, during a walk he stupidly trips on a small rock and ends practicing wrestling moves with an alligator. The other bulk-head is even worse. He also keeps hitting on the women,.... literally! What a moron! Also this guy is mean to his pet lemur as well. The moment he grabbed it by the tail and flipped it over his back like he was carrying his coat or something, I really wanted to punch the guy. Of course, this movie has to live up to its name and we get our King Dinosaur in the end. Well, a blown-up iguana more accurately...... which is forced to fight violently with a baby alligator and a monitor lizard. This is why I'm glad animal protection laws exist. And as the cherry above the crap pile, the "scientists" use a nuclear bomb to blow up every living thing in the area, yet somehow they manage to survive. Lesson learned today: never send NRA members dressed up as scientists armed with nuclear devices to a new planet. Shame on you, Bert I. Gordon, and even more shame on you, Robert Lippert! Note: The Ed Wood connection: Music from this movie was used in "The Violent Years". Also some of the python stock footage appears in "Bride of the Monster" (just before Lobo fights with the snake). Thoughts on episode:This turd of a movie has no reason to exist, but I'm glad the Brains got a hold of it, 'cause they really rip into it like it's nobody's business. The riffs during the feature are outstanding and I found myself laughing out loud quite a couple of times. The guys do however make a couple of unfunny jokes that stretched too long, but doesn't hurt the experience at all. Especially, during the last act where the stock footage simulator is out of control, the gang shoot a good number of great ones. Crow, particularly, has some of the best lines in the entire episode and I love Joel's lemur voice. The short is even better. No more repetitive serials, this time we've got the real deal. The guys have a lot of fun, and because of that, so did I. A classic that every MSTie has to experience for himself. The host segments aren't on the same level as the short or the feature, but they're still pretty good. In the intro, Joel, Crow and Servo make like beatniks and read poetry. Then Dr.F's invention exchange goes wrong and he turns into the pocket scientist, while Joel gets out his stinky sweat socks. After-wards, Crow, enlightened by the short, decides he can make a difference. Now Joel's lemur bit is considered one of the worst segments, but I didn't find it that bad. I always start chuckling when Joel keeps waving that rag doll around and comes up with weird lines out of nowhere. The emotional scientist is also good as it really brings the guys together. And in the end Joel tries to explain Robert Lippert, but the bots don't let him (I agree, Lippert is not worth it), we get a letter from one of the first episode reviewers ever and Frank pushes the button ... with his head. Possibly the best offering from Season 2, and a classic episode on its own. I can't praise this one enough. Favorite riff from short: "Boy, God sure has a crummy office." - Servo / "That's 'cause all the decorators are in hell." - Joel Favorite riff from movie: "Hey, get me, I'm a hasidic rabbi. Shalom!" - Crow Favorite host segment: Segment 1, Crow's monologue is a classic moment. Grade: ****1/2 out of ***** Final grade on set: ***1/2 out of ***** With grades stretched across the board, this one is a pretty good set, even though some of the movies could put you in a cinematic coma. Wow, that was my longest review, yet. Well, now I have two sets planned for reviewing. Guess which episodes I'm thinking of? Of course, Sandy Frank and his dopey japanese movies. Toss in a little Godzilla and Joel's Christmas episode and let's get to it. Next set: 213 - Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster 302 - Gamera 304 - Gamera vs. Barugon 308 - Gamera vs. Gaos 312 - Gamera vs. Guiron 316 - Gamera vs. Zigra Next set v.02: 212 - Godzilla vs. Megalon 306 - Time of the Apes 310 - Fugitive Alien 314 - Mighty Jack 318 - Star Force: Fugitive Alien II 321 - Santa Claus Conquers the Martians See you later, alligator!
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Post by mst3krom on Mar 20, 2008 15:35:19 GMT -5
213 - [glow=orange,5,300][shadow=orange,left,300]Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster[/shadow][/glow] Thoughts on movie:Recently I saw the original Gojira and I must say that it's a very compelling and interesting movie. And Godzilla himself is one cool monster. Well, for one who lasted so far with just the impression from the 1998 American Godzilla, this change is like a breath of fresh air. Though, I have to say, by looking at today's experiment, I'm not that eager to look after the other Godzilla movies. First thing's first, the characters: who the hell are these people and why are we forced to watch these wieners, I have no idea. Apparently, from what I understand some guy went looking for his brother, who was lost at sea, and, along with his two dopey friends and a burglar, end up on an island where some soldiers are doing nuclear research and force some slaves to make some yellow liquid so that the crab monster that lives near the island won't attack them. Oh, and there's also some islanders who worship Mothra. Of course, Godzilla doesn't come in until half of the movie is over, and even then, it's a disappointment. The costume looks like hell and most of the time, he seems to be behaving like King Kong (what's the point in throwing rocks, why didn't he use his atomic breath?). I'm no Godzilla expert, but, if you care about the big lug, avoid this one. Thoughts on episode:Funny as hell, this one. The guys speak their lines in a very fast manor, trying to mimic the english dubbing and, by doing so, they inspire some big laughs. A very funny running gag is that the guys don't know the title of the movie (they came in late, right after the credit sequence ended). However, Crow's "a planet where apes evolved from men" gag gets dull really quick, and, personally, I don't see what connection it had with the movie anyway. But, all in all, the gang hit home run on all fronts on a very bad Godzilla movie. I ask you, how many movies you know where some guy tells a guy with an eye-patch: "You must be losing your sight." The host segments are in tune with the movie as our guys hit home run in this one too. Joel reading a children's story to the bots opens up the episode, then we move to the music dominated invention exchange. The Mads invent Squeeze Toys Guitars, while Joel comes up with the Mind Control Guitar. Next we get the hilarious "Godzilla Genealogy Bop", Joel's building model insanity and a visit from Mothra (voiced by Mike Nelson). In the end the gang discuss inaccurate lines from famous movies and Frank and Forrester contemplate a change. Another brilliant episode from Season 2. So you know it's only going to get better from now on. Favorite riff from movie: " Ahhh .... just a couple minutes on the thunder bucket." - Servo as Godzilla Favorite host segment: Segment 1, love Godzilla's made-up genealogy. Grade: ****1/2 out of *****
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