|
Post by kmorgan on Sept 25, 2023 22:56:30 GMT -5
Well, before I get to the new selections, let's look back at the last couple of weeks. You know, like I used to before I got lazy. We'll start with week 431...
I remember seeing "Bad Ronald" on the "ABC Movie of the Week", when it was first run. This story of a young & creepy kid who gets progressively crazier after accidently killing a girl is pretty unsettling. (I understand the novel the story is based on is even worse, but I have no interest in checking.) Scott Jacoby was good as the title character, as was Kim Hunter as his mom, who also is somewhat nuts. Had the movie been made today, Ronald would've really gone off the deep end. I guess I should be thankful for the modest restraint of early 70s ABC censors. MJ & Chris didn't think much of this movie. They kept picking apart logical flaws in the movie (like Ronald's use of the plumbing), but kept missing the obvious explanation for mother & son's behavior: they're both demented. Oh, well.
As for the RT Live riff of "Manos", they used the full version of the movie, which only added to the pain. They did do a good job on the riffing, though. And they also featured two shorts: "Welcome home, Norman" (UUUUUUGH!) and "At Your Fingertips: Cylinders" (from back when kids actually made stuff with found objects), as well as a prune juice commercial with familiar character actor Olan Soule (he did a lot of "Dragnet"). I did notice one difference from what I saw in the theater: the DVD has removed all traces of the mid-movie on-site visit of NotTorgo, and the end credit clips from the disputed "Manos" sequel which I'm not sure was ever finished.
And as for "Monster a Go-Go", it's in the same general boat as "Doomsday Machine" (money troubles result in production halt & resumption with cast problems). But, amazingly, "Doomsday Machine" has a worse ending. Still, "Monster a Go-Go" is one terrible movie, even discounting the phone noise. And the annoying soundtrack. And the nonsense plot. On the other hand, the opening song (which is on YouTube) isn't bad. And then there's the "Circus on Ice" short, which tries to be creative but manages to be bad. The guys did deliver some great riffing, though, and kudos to Frank for not cracking up during the "Johnny LongTorso" song.
Moving on to week 432...
"She Shoulda Said No" is just as preachy as "Reefer Madness", but with a somewhat more polished production. Like the earlier anti-pot screed, it features the most well-dressed drug pushers you'll ever see, and the standard 30+ year old "kids". And I'm still trying to figure out what the female lead was trying to say to us when, at the end, she faced the camera and started talking as the music drowned her out and the music overwhelmed her voice. Trace & Frank did a good job with the riffing, and the Q&A with Rachel Lichtman was interesting. They even used one of my questions: "What's the most realistic drug movie you've seen?" (They noted "Requiem for a Dream" and a scene in "Boogie Nights".)
Meanwhile, "The Giant of Marathon" has all the usual sword & sandal staples: sweaty guys in togas and/or loincloths, a love triangle, big action scenes, political skulduggery, and the rest. It's well made and obviously they spent a bunch of money on it, and Steve Reeves tries his best as the hero. But it just didn't impress me. For example, the hero is rather bland, and somebody should've figured out the villains' plot much earlier. The FC did a good job with the riffing, though. And I liked the special features of Mike's non-apology apology for offending certain groups, and an extra from the movie (Mike again) describing his experience.
As for "Hercules Unchained", it's a much better movie, with higher stakes in the plot, Herc being a better character than Reeves' "Marathon" role, and better action scenes. The riffing turned out well, the host segments were good, and Mike had a good turn as Reeves. And we even got the Steeve-O-Meter.
Stay tuned for this week's selections...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Sept 25, 2023 23:04:52 GMT -5
Now, onwards to week 433...
Both of the Outsider selections are off-rotation. The first one is... "The Mary Jo Pehl Show: Jerry Pehl Gives a Tour of Menards"... - That's live on-line tomorrow night. And I guess Menards is a MN-area thing, since I don't know of any in NJ. Should be interesting. ... while the second one is... "The MJ Show Clubhouse Bonus: Chit-Chat & Tid-Bits"... - It seems this is on live on Friday morning at 10:00, so I'll have to catch it on tape delay. ... while the Originals selection is... "Ring of Terror" (Show 206). - Puma? Puma?
We'll be right back...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Oct 5, 2023 14:54:09 GMT -5
Oh, dear. Look at the time. That's what I get for not setting an alarm. If you don't mind, I'll post my review of last week's shows later. Right now, let's see what we've got for the remainder of week 434...
Both Outsiders are on-rotation items. And the first one is... "Return to Eden Prairie" (Pt. 1)... - Well, until I can actually, physically go back there, this'll do. ... while the second one is... "RT: Summer Shorts Beach Party"... - Um, the fact that it's autumn isn't a problem, right? ... and the Originals selection is... "Pod People" (Show 303). - Trumpy, you can rip-off Spielberg!
We'll be right back...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Oct 10, 2023 15:59:33 GMT -5
I'm late again and disorganized again. (To quote Mr. Ed, "Holler, but don't hit.") How disorganized? Here are the selections for week 435. The off-rotation Outsider is... "The Mads are Back LIVE: Night of Shorts 13"... - That's on live tonight. And what's with the bear on the poster? ... while the on-rotation Outsider is... TBA... ... and the Originals selection is... TBA. - I promise I'll have them picked and posted by tonight.
WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM, MORGAN?!
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Oct 10, 2023 22:24:34 GMT -5
As promised, the on-rotation Outsider this week is... "Frank KCAL Interview (1995)"... - This is an audio feature. Haven't heard it in a while. ... and the Originals selection is... "The Amazing Transparent Man" (Show 623). - Claude Rains, where were you when we needed you?
I hope I'm showing some improvement...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Oct 17, 2023 16:11:27 GMT -5
OK, I'm at work and pressed for time. So, I can only post the selections for week 436 right now. I try and get caught up ASAP. Anyway, the off-rotation Outsider selection is... "Movie Jo Night: Scream of the Wolf"... - That's live on-line tonight. Starring Clint Walker and Peter Graves (not at the University of Minnesota).... while the on-rotation outsider is... "CT: The Oozing Skull"... -The first CT offering, even before the "Time Tube" stuff. ... and the Originals selection is... "Tom Servo's Favorite Host Segments (Vol. 2)". - A clip show? Does it include the Ed Ames tomahawk bit?Enjoy!
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Oct 24, 2023 11:58:49 GMT -5
Sheesh, I'm so far behind on things it isn't even funny. (Well, Then again, if you're into that sort of humor...) Anyways, here's the selections for week 437. The first off-rotation Outsider selection is... "The Mary Jo Pehl Show Halloween Special"... - That's live on-line tonight, with vintage Halloween ads & clips. Let's see if they use that "Hilarious House of Frightenstein" clip I suggested. ... and the second off-rotation Outsider is... "The Mary Jo Pehl Show Clubhouse: Chit-Chat & Tid-Bits"... - The website says that's on this Saturday morning at 10 AM, but that may be a misprint. I'll check tonight. ... and the Originals selection is... "Ator, the Fighting Eagle" (Show 1206). - Outside the U.S., is the star called Kilometers O'Keefe?
Don't touch that dial...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Oct 31, 2023 19:08:07 GMT -5
Well, this is a bit time-sensitive, since today is Halloween and I want to capitalize on that. So, for the off-rotation Outsiders for week 438, we have... "RT: Bridget & Mary Jo's Halloween Safety and Monster Movie Mash-Up"... - Did this one pre-empt "Ironside", too? ... and... "RT: Halloween Party"... - Do I have to bring soda or snacks for everybody? ... meanwhile, the Originals selection is... "Boggy Creek II" (Show 1006). - Is tending the fires a Halloween tradition?
BOO!!!
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Nov 8, 2023 23:57:33 GMT -5
Well, what's coming up for week 439? I'm glad you asked that. (You did ask that, right?) For the off-rotation Outsider, we have... "RT Live: Rad"... - They just released this. It's one of only two live shows (well, live remote shows) I've missed. ... while the on-rotation Outsider is... "RT: Wide World of Shorts" (2nd half)... - Does Jim McKay host this? ... while the Originals selection is.. "Teenage Caveman" (Show 315). - Thanks a lot, Roger.
Please stand by...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Nov 14, 2023 17:14:22 GMT -5
I'm at work again and, as usual, pressed for time. So, for those still following this, week 440. Both Outsiders are off-rotation, and the first one is... "The Mads are Back LIVE: The Incredible Petrified World"... - That's live tonight, and I have no idea about this movie. (Just like the filmmakers, I gather.) ... and the second Outsider is... "Manos Day"... - They're celebrating it over at Dumb-Industries, so I'll check out some of the festivities. ... so, I guess the obvious off-rotation original is... "Manos, the Hands of Fate" (Show 424). - We're celebrating this movie? Who'da thunk it?
Stay tuned...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Nov 21, 2023 15:19:16 GMT -5
Well, I'm on a break at work, so I'd better get myself in gear. And I hope to get caught up during the holiday weekend. So, week 441, folks. The first off-rotation Outsider is... "The Mary Jo Pehl Show: The Mary Jo Pehl Show QVC Special"... - That's on live tonight. I'll see if I have any credit left on my cards. ... while the second off-rotation Outsider is... "RT: Daleks Invasion Earth 2150 A.D."... - Happy Birthday, "Doctor Who". I'll celebrate with the movie version. ... and, for the Originals, I'm going to be lazy and rely on... "The Mega Turkey Day Marathon Telethon". - Stay up with the 'bots and watch the stars come out! There's also a live watch-along of "The Mask" (Show 1311), but it's opposite MJ's show, thus I'll miss part of the live feed. Oh, well.
Happy Thanksgiving!
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Nov 28, 2023 11:21:39 GMT -5
OK, I'm way behind on reviewing my past choices. But I can at least look back at Week 441. So...
MJ's QVC spoof went very well. She & Chris struck the "TV Salesperson" tone just right; obviously a takeoff, but not too heavy. The testimonial videos worked OK, too. I had a few video problems on the Clubhouse channel, but nothing major. About the only downside was they ran out of omelets before I could go for my credit card. Darn!
As for the 2nd Cushing/Who movie, it's faster-paced and has more action than the first one. (Which, by the way, I saw at the Colonial in Phoenixville a couple of weeks ago.) It's true that it's made for a juvenile audience, but so was the series, back then. Personally, I thought it turned out OK. Cushing was great as the Doctor, they did a good job boiling down a six-part story into a 85 min. movie, and it was interesting to see Bernard Cribbins in the Whoniverse, pre-Wilf. The riffing from the guys was OK, though it did get a bit harsh at times. I'll give them a pass.
As for the Marathon/Telethon, I got to see all or part of a bunch of the shows, including "Giant Gila Monster", "Pumaman", "Santo and the Treasure of Dracula", and "The Starfighters". I liked the plugs from Matt and a comically-subdued Joel, and the sound effects during the breaks weren't a bother for me. I did get a bit annoyed with the negative comments on the YouTube chat, but I just turned it off when it was too much. I was sorry to see them fall short, but a setback is not a defeat. (I'm a Rutgers football fan; I understand the difference.) I'm sure Joel will try again next year. Oh, and I did catch part of "The Mask". Very odd movie, but a good episode. And I also spent my Thanksgiving with Charlie Brown, WKRP, Bob Newhart, football, my family, and "Day of the Doctor".
Well, I hope you all had a good Holiday, too. Now, on to week 442. Both Outsiders are off-rotation again. The first one is... "Movie Jo Night: 'Trapped'"... - That's live on-line tonight. James Brolin & killer dogs. Looks interesting. ... and the second Outsider is... "RT Live: The Five Doctors"... - I'll explain later; I wasn't expecting this. ... while the Originals selection is... "Attack of the Giant Leeches" (Show 406). - Sorry, I donated platelets last Saturday. I have to wait a while longer.
We'll be right back...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Dec 7, 2023 12:26:22 GMT -5
Well, there's a little bit of week 443 left. But first, a look back at week 442...
"Trapped" was actually a pretty good movie, with James Brolin... well, trapped in a department store with their remarkably ill-advised security system: near-psychotic attack dogs. It was pretty suspenseful, and Brolin's character was reasonably smart. The scenes involving his ex-wife & devoted daughter were less interesting, actually. I was surprised, though, that her new husband (played by Earl Holliman) was not portrayed as a shallow jerk. MJ & Chris seemed to like this one, while noting several plot holes. And MJ did accurately predict the closing shot.
As for "The Five Doctors", I've (I'll be honest) whined about how the BBC have blocked RT from releasing even a just-the-jokes version of this live show, for whatever reason. I'd hoped they'd relent for the show's 60th birthday, but no dice. And a fan-made combo of the commercially released episode & a fan-made audio recording put up on Facebook has been taken down. Then, to my surprise, I found it reposted on Archive.org. (But you didn't hear that from me. And don't spread it around!) So, I did get to see it this year, after all. The episode, itself, has problems, what with the lesser VFX, the lack of Tom Baker, the need to fit in everybody into the plot, and so on. But I've seen much worse. (At least they don't short circuit the entire backstory.) And this was my first exposure to any of the other Doctors on TV. So, it's certainly worth a watch. And the accompanying short, a British safety PSA called "Play Safe", does NOT kid around. The riffing from the guys was good, if a bit sharp at times. I think they'd have a field day with "Vengeance on Varos", though.
As for "Attack of the Giant Leeches", it's not one of my favorites. I'm not really sure why. Maybe the movie is just a bit to dark in tone and gray in picture. And the first part of "Undersea Kingdom" isn't one of the better serial chapters they've done. Still, the riffing was fine and the host segments were OK. The holo-clowns were deeply disturbing, though.
So, let's move on to week 443. We've got two Holiday-themed Outsiders this week. The first one is... "RT: Charlie's Christmas Secret"... - I think this has MJ & Bridget, if I recall correctly. I don't even remember what the secret is. ... and the second Outsider is... "RT: Santa & the Ice Cream Bunny"... - This is the studio version. I'm in trouble. ... and the Originals selection is... "Phantom Planet" (Show 902). - This is both good & beautiful, I hope.
Stay tuned...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Dec 12, 2023 16:25:11 GMT -5
I'm a trifle pressed for time right now, so we'll go right to the selections for week 444. The off-rotation Outsider is... "The Mads are Back LIVE: The Creeping Terror"... - That's live on-line tonight, and it's gonna be a slog for everybody, folks. ... while the Holiday Outsider is... "RT: Beyond Christmas"... - Featuring Bridget, MJ and HOLLYWOOD ACTOR RICHARD CARLSON! ... and the Originals selection is... "The Sword and the Dragon" (Show 617). - Russo-Finnish Fantasy, Vol. 3.
Don't touch that dial...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Dec 19, 2023 17:07:17 GMT -5
Well, once again I'm remarkably unprepared for reasons that are too transparent to be recounted here. But, I can post a little bit of what's set for week 445. The off-rotation Outsider is... "Movie Jo Night: When Michael Calls"... - That's live tonight, and let's hope he isn't calling collect. ...while the Holiday Outsider is... TBA... - I have to check which one I haven't seen lately. ... while our Original selection is... TBA. - See above.
I am filled with shame...
|
|