|
Post by kmorgan on Apr 25, 2023 14:28:55 GMT -5
OK, I'm really slipping here. Not only did I mislabel last week's number (it was 410), but I still haven't done the reviews of the previous weeks. Well, as I try to get myself straightened out, I can at least put up the selections for week 411. The first off-rotation Outsider is... "The Mary Jo Pehl Show: Pictionary"... - That's on-line live tonight. Still waiting on D&D, though. ... while the second Outsider is... TO BE ANNOUNCED... - I was planning on "TV Wheel", but there may be another special event this weekend. I'll check. ... while for the Original selection, I noticed they're updating the Episode Guide over on Satellite News, so I'm rewatching Season 13 to add my comments. Thus, the episode is... "Munchie" (Show 1304). - I'm not looking forward to this.
Don't touch that dial...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on May 4, 2023 22:47:42 GMT -5
Well, for those who are still here, let's get (slightly) caught up.
Starting with week 408…
The third edition of Chris & MJ’s “Chit-Chat & Tidbits” went pretty well. It ran about half-an-hour and was just them talking about whatever occurred to them. The subjects ranged from Trader Joe’s & Five Below to MJ going on a date. There were also a couple of questions from the audience. I enjoyed it.
As for the Gateway Con session, this was the 2nd of two they did. The previous night we’d been treated to a showing of the original “X-Men” movie, from the days before the MCU truly started. There were a few references to the movie, along with some standard questions. A couple of lucky audience members got TimmyBigHands hats (which are now a lot more valuable). I tried to look closely at my copy of the video, and I didn’t notice my getting into a shot. If any of you watch it, look for the average-looking guy with a reddish beard and a cool PCTV jacket.
As for “Million Eyes of Su-Maru”, this is the worst of the spy movies the show has done, to date. As I’ve noted before, I’m not sure of who to root for: the attractive yet murderous women out to take over the world, or the good guy spies who are quite, quite dim. The riffing was generally OK for a KTMA ep, though J/J.E. not being in the later theater segments is very noticeable in terms of laughs. The host segments were OK, as well.
Turning to week 409…
“Night of Shorts XI” was very, very good. There were only four shorts this time, but they all lent themselves to riffing. They were “The Pursuit of Profit” (in which capitalism is explained in the style of either “Twilight Zone” or “Insight”), “’Round & ‘Round” (where capitalism is further explained via stop-motion toys), “A Touch of Magic” (the semi-sequel to “Design for Dreaming”, with Nuveena once again showing off new model cars & kitchen appliances), and the long-awaited “Mylar: What’s It To You?” (where we discover that Mylar is the greatest invention in the whole of human history). The guest for the Q&A was critic Walter Chaw, whose work I’m not really familiar with. The session went OK, with questions ranging from “Have you ever walked out on a movie?” to “Do you prefer Disney cartoons or WB?” (That was my question.)
As for “Grey’s Anatomy” (Season 1, Episode 1), I think I may have seen one or two episodes of this series in passing, besides the shows that were riffed. My general opinion is that I’m very glad none of the doctors I’ve dealt with have been like the supposed medical professionals on this series. The riffing from Mike & Bridget really helped as I watched Mary Tyler Doctor (as Bridget called her) and her pals.
And turning to “At the Earth’s Core”, it’s third of the Edgar Rice Burroughs adaptations Amicus did in the 70s. It’s actually pretty good, though a bit cheap-seeming, at times. It’s the usual plot of finding a pre-historic civilization under the Earth’s crust, but it works. Doug McClure and the priceless Peter Cushing are great as the leads, and Caroline Munro is worth the price of admission, alone. The plot has a few problems, and the cuts in the movie don’t always work, but it’s OK. The riffing was good, though they still had trouble with the pacing at that point. The host segments were generally OK, though I’m not really a fan of the whole “Kinga marrying Jonah” arc. Oh, well.
I'll post the look back at the next two weeks tomorrow. (I promise I will!) But I can at least post the selections for what's left of week 412. Both Outsiders are from the rotation. The first selection is... "TV Wheel" (TFNWSRN version)... - See, I told you I'd get to it! ... while the other Outsider is... "Three Stooges in Color" (w/ the Film Crew)... - Why soitenly! ... while I'm still re-watching Season 13 to keep up with the Satellite News episode guide, so the Originals selection is... "Doctor Mordrid" (Show 1305). - As long as he's not on 'Grey's Anatomy".
To be continued...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on May 5, 2023 21:41:52 GMT -5
Well, as promised, the rest of my catching up.
Turning to the temporarily mis-labelled week 410…
The “Movie Jo Night” offering of “Legends of the Superheroes (Pt. 1)” was…bad. It was just…bad. I know a gig’s a gig, and an actor has to take whatever work there is, but you just wonder if Adam West needed this job that badly. I mean, didn’t Frank Gorshin have a club date in Vegas he could’ve done instead? Isn’t Howard Morris already enough of a TV legend that he could pass this? (OK, maybe Burt Ward or Jeff Altman needed the cash, but still…) Not even MJ & Chris enjoyed it, it was so lousy.
As for the later Clubhouse exclusive “Chit-Chat” segment, Chris & MJ discussed “Legend of the Superheroes” and compared it to the infamous “Star Wars Holiday Special”. They also talked about birthdays (particularly Chris’ 40th), vacations (including an adorable story about MJ’s trip to Baltimore), and questions from the chat. (I got two questions on: one about the theme music, and one asking if Marvel would get equal time after the DC-centered “Legends…” Turns out they will, sort of, later this month.)
Turning to the notorious “Sidehackers”, the more I see it, the more I realize just how dark this flick is. I mean, there are, what, three survivors among the cast at the end? Maybe four? And you just have to wonder why Rommel didn’t catch on at once that JC was a nutcase and get out of Dodge ASAP. It would’ve saved everyone a lot of pain. The riffing is good, though, including what may be Cambot’s only in-theater riff. The host segments were good, including the catchy “Sidehackin’” song, the sidehacking terminology, and Frank’s only appearance on the show as someone other than TV’s Frank.
Almost done. Let’s look at week 411...
The Pictionary segment on MJ’s show seemed to work OK, for those who could play it. To actually participate, you had to log into a game-playing site that I am completely unfamiliar with. So, I just kibitzed during the show. I’m usually pretty good at this sort of game whenever it pops up on Svengoolie’s show, but I was lousy this time. The quick sketches (described as “chicken scratch” by someone on the chat) were more-or-less lost on me. Well, maybe we’ll try Battleship on a future show.
As for To Be Announced feature, it was something I’d not been aware of until it was mentioned on Svengoolie. He mentioned the then-upcoming broadcast of the Chicago-based radio show “Those Were the Days”, which celebrates old-time radio. As part of the show’s 53rd anniversary show, they were going to include segments from their 52nd anniversary show, which was meant to be their 50th anniversary show. (It’s COVID-related.) And how does this qualify here? Because among the guests were Kevin & MJ. They were heard in some OTR recreations, including the “Question Man” bit from Henry Morgan (no relation), one of the Bob & Ray “Anxiety” sketches, and a new performance of the Norman Corwin work “The Undecided Molecule”. I enjoyed all of them, and I’ll have to listen to the show again. Oh, I was surprised when they also played a bit from the show’s 45th anniversary show, when Trace helped out with the Bob & Ray “Odd-Shaped Fruits & Vegetables Collector” bit.
Looking back at “Munchie”, this movie was painful for me. The characters were chiched, the pranks unfunny, and the dialogue was lousy (especially for the bullies). And this annoying animatronic pest somehow influenced human history for centuries? That’s a very disturbing thought. At least the riffing was good, though I’d have expected at least one “The B*st*rd” reference when Andrew Stevens was on the screen. (Yes, I’m middle-aged, people.) The host segments were good, including the return of Dr. St. Phibes, and Jonah actually calling Kinga’s bluff (though it didn’t work).
OK, I think we're up to date. We'll be right back...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on May 9, 2023 14:15:31 GMT -5
I'll post the look back at Week 412 later tonight. (Honest I will!) But, right now, here's what up for week 413.
The off-roation Outsider is... "The Mads are Back LIVE: Teenage Zombies"... - Well, after the werewolf & outer space variants, you have to expect this. ... while the on-rotation Outsider is... "RT Live: Samurai Cop"... - Not starring John Belushi. ... and for the Originals, we're continuing the Season 13 review with... "Demon Squad" (Show 1306). - Oh, dear.
Stay tuned...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on May 9, 2023 22:17:26 GMT -5
So, how was week 412?
The TFNWSRN version of "TV Wheel" differs from the HBO version in that it includes an opening segment where Joel (while dealing with a puppet rebellion!) explains the whole TV Wheel concept, including a look at the X-Box prototype. Beyond that, it's the same show, with bits that are funny, or odd, or odd & funny. It's still worth watching.
As for the Stooges, the DVD includes four colorized, PD shorts. One with Curly ("Disorder in the Court"), and three with Shemp ("Sing a Song of Six Pants", "Malice in the Palace" and "Brideless Groom"). The shorts are good, particularly the Curly one. The Film Crew intros are OK, though I disagree with their low opinion of Shemp.
And as for "Doctor Mordrid", it's actually a pretty good movie, with Jeffrey Coombs as NotDoctor Strange. Yes, the plot is familiar and it's fairly low budget, but it's still OK. The acting is good, there are some good VFX, and Full Moon usually makes movies that are at least entertaining. The riffing froim Emily & the SimBots was great, and I liked the host segments. We even got a return appearance from Larry. Not bad, I thought.
Things went pretty good last week. So, who else played along?
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on May 16, 2023 16:37:12 GMT -5
I'm a bit pressed for time right now, due to my being away this past weekend. So, I can at least put up the all off-rotation selections for week 414. The first Outsider is..."Movie Jo Night: Fantastic Four (Corman Version)"... - I'll be at a baseball game tonight, so it'll have to be Clobberin' Time on tape delay. ... while the second outsider is... "Mary Jo Clubhouse Exclusive: Chit-Chat & Tid-Bits"... - Which ones are chit-chat and which are tid-bits? ... while the Orginals selection continues to re-run of Season 13 with... "Gamera vs. Jiger" (Show 1307). - Featuring the return (sort of) of Cornjob!
Don't touch that dial...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on May 23, 2023 16:35:35 GMT -5
Behind schedule again. (Yep, skipping record time, folks.) I'll get caught up ASAP. In any case, here are the selections for week 415. All are off-rotation. (I'm starting to wonder why we even have a rotation, at this point.) Anyway, the first Outsider selection is... "The Mary Jo Pehl Show: Trader Joe's Challenge"... - There's a location near me, but I've never gone there, so this'll be a preview, I guess. Oh, that's on live tonight. ... while the second Outsider is... "Jonah Ray Goes on the Internet"... - That's live on-line on Friday night. I'll have to skip Carson on Antenna TV, though. ... and the Originals Season 13 offering is... "The Batwoman" (Show 1308). - What the DC Cinematic Universe *should've* looked like.
We now pause for station identification...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on May 29, 2023 20:02:58 GMT -5
WHOOPS!
It seems the special with Jonah was cancelled at the last minute, pending rescheduling. So, we're going to the rotation for this Outsider substitute... "Mike on 'The Fkux" (9/2006) and 'TeeVee Pod' (10/2006)". - Two audio interviews that are, I believe, pre-RT.
Please stand by...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Jun 1, 2023 17:17:06 GMT -5
Well, for those of you still following this (and are forgiving of my lateness), here's what we have for what remains of week 416. The Outsiders are from the rotation, and the first selection is... "RT: Grey's Anatomy (Ep. 2)"... - I need humorous commentary STAT! ... and the second selection is... "The History of MST3K (Pt. 2)"... - I don't remember which era this part covers. ... while the Originals continue the re-watch of Season 13 with... "The Million Eyes of Su Maru" (Show 1309). - Didn't we already do this?
Please stand by...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Jun 8, 2023 14:51:49 GMT -5
OK, you have my word as a member of NJALA that I'll start reviewing the past selections later tonight. While you're waiting for that momentous occasion, here are the selections for week 417. Our two Outsiders are from the rotation. The first Outsider is... "RT: The Scarlet Claw"... - Bridget & Mary Jo, and Rathbone & Bruce. Together again! ... while the second Outsider is... "DragonCon 2002 Masquerade (w/ Mike & Kevin)"... - I'm pretty sure I still have this disc. It's been a while. ... and for the Originals, we're continuing the Season 13 rewatch with... "The Shape of Things to Come" (Show 1310). - Very, very, VERY loosely based on the H.G. Wells story.
We'll be right back...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Jun 9, 2023 1:18:56 GMT -5
OK, first there's another last minute change re: the Outsider selections. I'm putting the DragonCon event back one week, because I found out about this off-rotation item... "The Best of 'The Mads are Back': A Night of Shorts". - It's on-line later today, with live comments from Chris & Matt, with shorts selected by fans.
As for the reviews, I was prevented from going on earlier by being blocked from access. (What does ProBoards have against me?) But, let's go in reverse order with a look back at week 416...
The second episode of "Grey's Anatomy" featured such riveting events as (using the RT terminology) Mary Tyler Doctor proves another fellow doctor to be incompetent, while lugging around a...bit of biological evidence of a brutal assault, and indulging in sexual tension with the obligatory handsome, ultra-skilled surgeon. Plus other, less important characters do stuff. All in all, it made me hope real hospitals aren't run this way. Fortunately, Mike & Bridget did a great job riffing away.
The second part of "The History of MST3K" covered the move to TFNWSRN, and the concurrent cast changes, along with the highly-unusual amount of creative freedom. I'd heard much of it before, but it was still very interesting.
And as for "Su Maru", by the end of the movie, I wanted to taunt the two blockheaded heroes with a Bill Murray-style, "Big deal! You beat a bunch of girls." And I still wasn't sure who to root for, with the choice being said blockheaded good guys and the very attractive yet murderous women. But, while the movie was bad, the episode was good. Jonah & the Satellite 'bots did a good job riffing, and the host segments were good, including Max's coffee vision and Kinga's song. A considerable improvement over the KTMA experiment.
I'll do more reviews later on. Please stand by...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Jun 13, 2023 14:42:20 GMT -5
OK, I fell behind again. I'm working on it, I promise. Anyway, here's what's set for week 418. The off-rotation Outsider selection is... "The Mads are Back LIVE: 'The Phantom Planet'"... - That's live on-line tonight. We'll see if it's good and beautiful. ... and the off-rotation Outsider is... "DragonCon 2002 Masquerade (w/ Mike & Kevin)"... - As TV Guide used to say, "Postponed from earlier date". ... and the Originals continue the Season 13 re-watch with... "The Mask" (Show 1311). - Presented in 3-D, without Dr. Tongue.
We'll be right back...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Jun 20, 2023 11:57:32 GMT -5
Before I get to my oft-delayed updates, here are the selections for week 419. The off-rotation Outsider selection is.. "Movie Jo Night: 'Dying Room Only'"... - It's an ABC Movie of the week with Chloris Leachman, and it's on-line tonight. Looks pretty good. ... while the on-rotation Outsider is..."RT: 'Swing Parade'" (Mike-only version)... - Well, at least Joe Besser isn't in this one. ... and the Originals Season 13 re-watch continues with... "The Bubble" (Show 1312). - Turn off-a the bubble machine-um!
Stay tuned...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Jun 27, 2023 14:52:14 GMT -5
So, for those still paying attention, here are the selections for week 420. They're all off-rotation this time. The first Outsider is... "The Mary Jo Pehl Show: Mary Jo & Chris Learn to Play Dungeons & Dragons"... - This one's been postponed more than an old Project Mercury launch, but it's finally on tonight. ... while the second one is... "The Mary Jo Pehl Show Clubhouse Bonus: Chit-Chat & Tid-Bits"... - How do I tell one from the other? ... while we're finishing up the Season 13 re-watch on the Originals with... "The Christmas Dragon" (Show 1313). - Christmas in (nearly) July!
Don't touch that dial...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Jul 3, 2023 22:25:17 GMT -5
So, how did week 420 go? The new episode of MJ's show went well. She & Chris went to a Minneapolis gaming shop and got the help of the owner to run the game. For a while, I couldn't tell if MJ was utterly lost by the game's complexity, or utterly riveted by it. (She'd say it was the latter.) I'm pretty much a novice at RPG stuff, but it was still an interesting segment. MJ's response to Chris' Han Solo question was very funny. And they noted my comment in the chat over MJ's use of "grok".
As for the new Chit-Chat segment, there was a problem. I was sure it was set for last Friday, but it seems it's actually this Friday. I don't know of I read the calendar wrong, or if they changed it. But, I've had to make an adjustment (see below).
As for "Christmas Dragon", I agree with those who think it has a "Delta Knights" vibe, but with slightly higher production values and no David Warner (and he's sorely missed). Still, it's very much yet another Christmas story with magic but no manger. The characters are pretty much the same as any other similar movie, and it follows the same story beats, as well. And where the heck did they get eye shadow in whatever era this takes place in? The riffing was great, though. I liked how they managed to get, basically, four riffing teams on the show with lots of good material to go around. The host segments were very good, especially Patton as Fr. Nolte, and more stuff with M Waverly & Growler. The big finish worked great, though I'd like to see how they work around it for Season 14. I re-watched this from the live presentation at the Colonial, and the audience reaction & the post-show Q&A were a big plus. Nice finish to the season.
So, what do we have for week 421? Well, both Outsiders are off-rotation. The first Outsider is... "RT: Patriotic Shorts"... - Just in time for our nation's birthday. ... while the second Outsider is... "Chit-Chat & Tid-Bits"... - Well, maybe it'll work this week. ... while this week's Originals selection is... "Track of the Moonbeast" (Show 1007). - What were those stew ingredients again?
We'll be right back...
|
|