|
Post by kmorgan on Apr 9, 2017 15:19:59 GMT -5
Oh, and even though I started this to keep things going until the revival (which I always figured would come), I'm going to keep it going. I'm not sure if the new season will be released in full or weekly. In any case, I'll keep it to one new show each week, along with the Outsiders selection, then I'll go back to the rotation for a bit. How's that sound?
|
|
Torgo
Moderator Emeritus
-segment with Crow?
Posts: 15,420
|
Post by Torgo on Apr 9, 2017 15:30:31 GMT -5
For the record, the series will be dropped all at once. It's how Netflix does things.
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Apr 15, 2017 22:01:24 GMT -5
So, let's see how week 101 went.
Regarding "RT Live: Samurai Cop", the movie is staggering awful. Crude, violent, poorly written & acted, and confusing don't even begin to describe it. I spent a lot of time with my face in my palm, making Normanesque grunts. ("Uhhhhhhhhhh!") And let's not get into the lead's hair situation. As for the short, "Manners in School", we have yet another creepy sprite (this time a chalk drawing with a mouth that reminded me of Clutch Cargo) counseling a hapless figure (this time a budding psycho kid). The short was far more tolerable than the movie, with a lot of frankly unintentionally disturbing moments. As for the show, it was one of RT's best. The riffing was top notch, and the guys worked well with the audience. I also liked the plug for their upcoming riff on "Are You Being Ser-", sorry, "The Five Doctors". And, in a classy move, they showed the trailer for the Relaunch. Oh, and if you're planning on seeing the repeat on Tuesday, be advised: this one is rated R. While I understand they cut some of the more objectionable stuff from "Samurai Cop", there's enough left to justify the rating.
As for 1101, which we now know features "Reptilicus", I've been asked to be careful re: spoilers in this thread. So, I'll keep my more detailed comments in the dedicated thread on the Relaunch-specific board. For this board, I'll say that it was a good start for the revived show, with a good choice of movie and fine riffing. They still need a bit of fine tuning, though.
These two definitely worked well. So, on to week 102. Once again, I'm going outside the rotation for both selections. For the Outsiders selection, it's..."Post-Screening Q&A, with Joel & the Cast"... - Let's see if their opinion of 1101 agrees with mine. ...and, since the titles are no longer under embargo, the Originals selection is..."Cry Wilderness" (Show 1102). - Didn't Rosie Greer say it's all right to cry?
We'll be right back...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Apr 23, 2017 3:31:42 GMT -5
Well, let's look at week 102, shall we?
The Q&A, provided to those who supported the Kickstarter effort, featured Joel, Jonah, Felicia, Baron & Hampton just sitting on a couch answering questions sent in via Facebook. They were very relaxed and clearly were having a lot of fun. The questions ranged from plot-centered ("How come nobody went to rescue Jonah?") to making-of ("How many takes to do the monster song?"). Near the end, Tom & Crow even got to answer some questions directed to them. It was all very interesting, I thought. Oh, and THEY ANSWERED MY QUESTION! If you can watch the Q&A, it's at the 42 min. mark.
As for "Cry Wilderness", I'll go into detail in the dedicated thread, again. For here, I'll just say it was very funny and showed some refinement from the first episode.
Another couple of good, new ones. So, onward to week 103. Again, I'm going outside the rotation both times. For the Outsiders selection, it's..."@midnight (with Jonah, Felicia and Hampton)"... - So let's see how TFNWSRN treats the new cast. ...and the Originals selection is..."The Time Travelers" (Show 1103). - First one that says "timey wimey" gets a demerit.
Stay tuned...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Apr 30, 2017 19:08:30 GMT -5
And, week 103, anyone?
I'd only seen "@midnight" once before, when Mike, Kevin & Bill were on. I gather it's meant to be a hip, edgy comedy quiz show. Personally, I didn't find it all that hip, edgy or funny. But, I guess the kids like it, so maybe I'm just out of touch. The new cast was pretty funny, given the format. Actually, the only thing that I really noticed was that the show's host gushed over how the Relaunch was very funny, but didn't add, "...and, boy, did this network give the original show the shaft!"
As for "The Time Travelers", I'll post that in the dedicated thread. I will say that it was funny, and nobody said "timey wimey".
Split decision this time. So, let's move to week 104. It's back to the rotation for the Outsiders selection with..."ConventioCon II Highlights: Cast Q&A"... - They didn't get to my question that night. ...and we continue with the new shows with this Originals selection..."Avalanche" (Show 1104). - Will they have to whisper the riffs?
We'll be right back...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on May 5, 2017 23:06:19 GMT -5
So, let's look at week 104.
The Cast Q&A from ConventioCon II was a big highlight of the event, and this video reminded me of just how much fun it was. It opened with Bridget & Mary Jo choosing the winners of the shopping trip to the Mall of America (Hey, Donna Milay! How was the trip?), while Mike selected the "lucky" ones to play DOOM against him the next morning. I missed out on both of those. The Q&A was great. The questions ran the gamut from "What's your favorite episode?" to "Will you do another movie?" There was a fair amount of well-deserved abuse hurled at TFNWSRN, and several pleas for Trace to stick around. I'm pretty sure this also marked the first public appearance of Bill as a member of the team, though he's introduced as a writer, not as a cast member. All in all, this one was great. I laughed a lot, and I didn't mind the shaky camera work.
As for "Avalanche", I'll address that in the dedicated thread. I will say that it was OK, but not great.
Another split decision, to an extent. Moving right along, here are the choices for week 105. Once again, I'm going outside the rotation on both fronts (I'll explain later). Anyway...the Outsiders selection is..."CT: The Astral Factor"... - A lost CT show is found, in a way. ... and we're continuing with the new shows with the Originals selection..."Beast of Hollow Mountain" (Show 1105). - Is he related to the one from Yucca Flats?
Stay tuned...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on May 13, 2017 15:48:06 GMT -5
So, let's look at week 105.
I was really surprised to learn about the rescued "Astral Factor". I was disappointed that it wasn't recorded by CT, since I'd seen it live and knew the stuff was very funny. Fortunately, an enterprising fan put an audio recording of the riffing together with a lousy print of the movie and put it up on YouTube. So, I figured I'd better watch it while it was available. It's still very funny. For those unfamiliar with it, it's about a psycho strangler who figures out how to astral project his way out of a very low security asylum and starts killing off women. He's pursued by an angry, tantrum-prone cop, who's saddled with a pen-obsessed partner, a ditzy & oversexed girlfriend, and an annoyed & oversexed potential victim. There are gaping holes in both plot and logic, and it ends rather oddly. Still, it does deliver some great raw material for riffing. And the Titans do a great job, with Dave "Gruber" Allen filling in for an ailing Josh. While it's not as polished as CT's own recordings, this effort is definitely welcome. And I still hope the relaunch will tackle the other two lost CT movies.
As for "Beast of Hollow Mountain", I'll post about it on the dedicated board. I will say that it turned out fine. But what was the deal with the masked dancers?
So, let's move to week 106. For the Outsiders selection, it's..."CT: The Doomsday Machine"... - Where's Shatner when we need him? ...and I'm sticking with the new shows with the Originals selection..."Starcrash" (Show 1106). - Featuring Caroline Munro and...um...not much else.
We'll be right back...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on May 20, 2017 6:07:16 GMT -5
So, how'd week 106 go?
For those who haven't seen it, be advised that "The Doomsday Machine" is not just a bad movie. It's a very bad movie. It's pretty much in "Castle of Fu Manchu" territory, but without Christopher Lee to slightly improve things. It features a low budget, inconsistent characterizations, lousy production values, insufficient acting, inept filmmaking, and an ending that is just too awful to recount here. As far as the DVD is concerned, this was one of the CT in-studio productions, so we have the "electron scaffolding" sort-of storyline. I personally prefer the live shows, where the Titans can interact with the audience, but this one is still pretty funny. The riffing is good, as are the brief host segments, and Josh gets a pretty good bit near the end. It all very nearly saves us from one very lousy movie.
As for "Starcrash", I'll post about that on the dedicated board later on. I will say that it...somewhat bears a passing resemblance to a certain other movie, to put it mildly.
Anyway, let's move on to week 107. I'm going outside the rotation again, both times. For the Outsiders selection, it's..."The Mads are Back"... - Live TONIGHT at the Colonial Theater, Phoenixville, PA. ...and we continue with the new season for the Originals with..."The Land that Time Forgot" (Show 1107). - Hi, I'm Doug McClure, and they're riffing on another of my movies.
Stay tuned...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on May 26, 2017 22:23:23 GMT -5
So, let's look at week 107.
I'd been hearing about Trace & Frank's live show for a while, and I was glad they were performing at a venue relatively close by. (Okay, it's a two-hour drive, but that's somewhat acceptable.) And I knew the Colonial quite well from BlobFest and other shows (including one with Joel a while back). So, I got my ticket as soon as I could. And I wasn't disappointed. After a cool, UNCLE-inspired opening, the Mads riffed on a short ("Office Etiquette") and Ed Wood's "Glen or Glenda". As with the CT shows, the live riffing was even funnier than in-studio, as they worked with the crowd. The jokes were also more sharply political (especially from Frank) and more adult (particularly during the once-racy footage during Ed's nightmare sequence). I didn't mind, though; if it's funny, there's leeway. Afterwards, there was a good Q&A with the audience. The questions ranged from the usual ("What's your favorite episode?") to the less-usual ("You don't really want to decide who lives and who dies, do you?"). The guys were gracious throughout, especially after the Joe Besser reference got a big laugh. I understand they were also good-natured during the meet & greet before the show. I didn't go to that, though, since I always sound like an idiot whenever I try to talk to celebrities. (Well, more of an idiot than usual, actually.) In any case, I really enjoyed the show. I understand they'll be performing in Bethlehem, PA this fall, which is also within my range. I'll let you know if I can make it. Oh, and you guys who caught the show they just did in Minneapolis with the special guests, you have earned my envy.
As for "Land that Time Forgot", I'll head over to the dedicated board. I will say that the movie was good, but I'll pass on the restaurant.
So, what's on tap for week 108? For the Outsiders, the selection is..."Exploring the Look of MST3K"... - Just a brief talk with Jeff Stonehouse. ...and the new season goes on with the Originals selection..."The Loves of Hercules" (Show 1108). - Did Cinemax produce this one?
Keep those cards & letters coming in folks...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Jun 3, 2017 21:26:34 GMT -5
So, let's look at week 108.
"Exploring the Look of MST3K" is just a brief, ten-minute interview with Director of Photography Jeff Stonehouse. He talk about how he was brought into the show by Jim with the aim of trying a new approach to the filming (well, taping). So, Jeff managed to give the show a more polished look, while retaining the home-made feel of the series. He speaks fondly of his time with BBI and the cast & crew, and mentions that he still runs into fans, even among other show-biz pros that he currently works with. It's a pretty interesting segment.
As for "The Loves of Hercules", I'll comment over on the dedicated board. All I'll say here is that Mickey Hargitay is no Steve Reeves. He's not even a Reg Park.
So, let's go forward to week 109. The Outsiders selection is..."RT: Gravity" (with Bridget & Mary Jo)... - So, if they go below 50 m.p.h., will the Earth explode? ...and we continue with the new eps with..."Yongary, Monster from the Deep" (Show 1109). - Not even Zigra will return this guy's calls.
Stay tuned...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Jun 9, 2017 13:59:47 GMT -5
Let's look back on week 109.
As far as "Gravity" is concerned, the movie is very good. It has fine VFX, a good script and characterizations, and a fair amount of suspense. That doesn't mean it doesn't provide riffable material, though. Bridget & Mary Jo do a hilarious job, commenting on everything from the effects of George Clooney's presence to the long list of problems Sandra Bullock faces. (I really laughed it up when, during a tense moment when Sandra's life is in danger, our riffers started singing the theme to "Mary Tyler Moore".) They also provide a couple of callbacks to some puppet show they worked on, and I liked how they were able to play off one another when making the jokes. Great stuff! Though, re: the film, I'm still not sure why it was necessary for Clooney to make that pivotal decision. Hey, if Matt Damon could figure out a solution to a similar problem, why not Clooney?
As for "Yongary", I'll address it over on the dedicated board. Suffice it to say, I agree with Jonah & the 'bots; Yongary should've squashed that kid.
Anyway, onward to week 110. This time, I'm going outside the rotation for both selections. For the Outsiders, the choice is..."RT Live: Summer Shorts Beach Party"... - Beach party? Will Eric Von Zipper be there? ...and for the Originals, we continue with the new season, with..."Wizards of the Lost Kingdom" (Show 1110). - I know nothing about this movie. Should I be worried?
Keep those cards & letters coming in, folks...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Jun 17, 2017 20:54:43 GMT -5
Aaaaaaand, let's look at week 110. The "Summer Shorts Beach Party" was a real blast. Very funny stuff with an all-star cast. Once again, we saw that shorts just seem to inspire some of RT's best work. Mike, Kevin & Bill riffed on "Ricky Raccoon" (safety tips from a mascot to a really dim kid), "Rhythmic Ball Exercises" (education in the 70's was odd) and "Sentinels of Safety" (everything is going to kill you). Trace & Frank riffed on "Office Etiquette", the same short from their live show, and it was still very funny. Bridget & Mary Jo took on "The Griper" (jerk annoys even his own conscience), and Paul F. Thompkins joined the guys for "A Touch of Magic" (Nuveena returns...sort of). And the whole gang got together to riff on "The Baggs" (HUH? ?). There was also a shorts highlight reel, a poem from Bill, Mike having mic problems, and the source of Kevin's head. Oh, and there were a few sound problems, but I'm sure it'll get fixed for the re-broadcast. Anyway, I doubt I'll be available for the repeat, but I'll certainly get the DVD release, should there be one (and there should). Great stuff. As for "Wizards of the Lost Kingdom", I'll post on it on the dedicated thread. Basically, it made me think better of "Quest of the Delta Knights". (Oh, and I know I've fallen behind on those new episode posts. I'll catch up ASAP.) Anyway, we've reached week 111. For the Outsiders, the selection is..."RT: Superargo and the Faceless Giants"... - Is Superargo from the DCU or the MCU?...and for the Originals, it's the next new episode..."Wizards of the Lost Kingdom II" (Show 1111). - Dear heavens, why?We now pause for station identification...
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Jun 24, 2017 22:58:38 GMT -5
So, shall we proceed?
"Superargo and the Faceless Giants" was a new one for me. Years ago, I saw "Superargo vs. Diabolicus" on TV, but I don't remember much of it. Thus, I went into this one cold. The movie has a cool yet odd title sequence, and things go downhill from there. Our hero, played up as being some big-time superhero/secret agent keeps blowing his assignments. His pseudo-Indian sidekick keeps getting needlessly put in danger. The big villain is uninteresting, both female leads are ill-used, and I'm still not sure just what the evil plan is supposed to be. Oh, and there's the costume thing. And the wrestling. Basically, El Santo does this better. Still, the guys do a good job riffing on this one. They really get a kick out of this one and how goofy the movie can be. I just hope they can try the other Superargo movie.
As for "Wizards of the Lost Kingdom II", I'll get to that on the dedicated board. In short, it was...less than good.
So, that's week 111. Moving to week 112, the Outsiders selection is..."Darkstar: The Motion Picture"... - Featuring a whole lot of the MST cast. ...and the Originals features the next new episode..."Carnival Magic" (Show 1112). - Isn't that supposed to be spelled with a "ck" now?
Oh, I'd like some advice: the next new episode after this is "The Christmas that Almost Wasn't". I'm tempted to hold off on this one until December. However, if we're doing some sort of story arc, should I watch it in sequence?
What do you think, sirs?
|
|
Torgo
Moderator Emeritus
-segment with Crow?
Posts: 15,420
|
Post by Torgo on Jun 25, 2017 0:00:04 GMT -5
I don't recall Christmas That Almost Wasn't having much of an impact on the story arc of the season. If I'm remembering right, the most it does is casually mention the pending nuptials several times as a reminder of what's going on in the context of its placement in the season. Most of what's relevant to the payoff in the final episode had already been set up.
I could be wrong though.
|
|
|
Post by kmorgan on Jul 2, 2017 16:07:57 GMT -5
Sorry, running a bit late. It's been kind of busy lately. Anyway, week 112...
"Darkstar: The Motion Picture" is a bit tough to judge. It's condensed from a computer game featuring live action footage coupled with CGI backgrounds & VFX. I've never played the game, and I understand it's pretty extensive. Plus, since it was largely the product of one person (writer/director/producer/editor/animator/co-composer J. Allen Williams), it took many years to put together. Anyway, what I saw was pretty good. The plot features Capt. John O'Neill (Clive Robertson), who's just woken up from centuries of cryosleep. As a result, he now has little memory of why he's there, what he's doing or even who he is. As a result, he has to explore his ship (the Westwick) to find out. Unfortunately, nearly everyone else on board is dead, and he's got a very important job to do, and he's still in danger... The script is pretty good, as is the acting, including parts for Joel, Josh, Mary Jo, Frank, Trace & Beez. There's even Peter Graves, in his last role, on hand to provide the narration. The CGI looks primitive compared to today's ILM standard, but I thought it was OK, especially for the work of a small, independent group. Now I just have to track down the original game and try it. Anybody familiar with it?
As for "Carnival Magic", I'll get to it over on the dedicated board. I will say that the movie has made me want to stay away from small carnivals with talking chimps. Good episode, lousy movie.
I'm going to say things turned out well. So, let's move on to week 113. For the Outsiders, the selection is..."RT: Plan 9 from Outer Space" (Mike-Only Version)... - I'm watching an Ed Wood movie? My stupid mind! Stupid! STUPID! ...and I'm continuing with the new episodes for the Originals. I figure I'll go with the oddly-popular idea of "Christmas in July" Sales and watch..."The Christmas that Almost Wasn't" (Show 1113). - Simply having a wonderful Christmastime-during-the-summer-when-we-in-the-Northern-Hemisphere-would-be-nuts-to-do-so.
Don't touch that dial...
|
|