It’s time for Rifftrax! Once again the trio of Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett delivered a night of entertainment filled with cheesy clips which they mocked relentlessly. This time they weren’t alone and were joined by their former cast members from the TV series Mystery Science Theater 3000. Attending the event was Joel Hodgson (The original creator), Jonah Ray (who will star in the new MST3K series, funded by Kickstarter), Mary Jo Pehl (Pearl Forrester), Bridget J. Nelson (Mr. B Natural), Frank Conniff (TV’s Frank), and Trace Beaulieu (Dr. Clayton Forrester). The cast took turns at the microphones and mocked different clips.
The Talking Car
First up was Nelson, Murphy, and Corbett ridiculing a safety video about how to look out for cars. The clip was from the late 60s and featured talking cars with cartoon faces. It was far from Pixar quality to say the least.
A Word To The Wives
Bridget J. Nelson and Mary Jo Pehl, took the stage and made light of a clip which was essential a commercial for Home Appliances. The film was made in 1955 and filled with the usually gender stereotype of the time such as men being unable to cook and women talking about little more than housework. It was easy for the pair to heckle how bland and boring the entire premise was.
More Dates For Kay
Next up was Conniff and Beaulieu who watched a clip about dating advice for young women, also made in the 1950s. Obviously the way to be popular was to be as outgoing as possible despite how it makes you look. In the words of Conniff “She’s writing her own riffs.”
Shake Hands With Danger
Stepping back up to the microphones, Nelson, Murphy, and Corbett teased at a favorite safety movie from their library. It was filled with its own catchphrase and theme song. You can listen to it below.
Barbers And Beauticians
Pairing the original host of MST3K with the new generation, Hodgson and Ray took to the podiums. If you thought the previous two films from the 1950s were dated, this one shows a guy smoking with his kid glued to his hip. Obviously they had a lot to go on.
Rifftrax 10th Anniversary Highlights
The evening not only served as a reunion for the MST3K cast but also helped to honor the 10 year anniversary of Rifftrax. The team presented a clip featuring some of their best material including some of their movie riffs like Twilight, Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban, and Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon and scenes from their live shows like Birdemic and Santa Claus Conquers The Martians. The selection was perfect and should be shown to anyone who wants to showcase to their friends the joys of riffing on movies.
Stamp Day For Superman
In a “Riffapalooza” the entire team went up and made from of a lost George Reeve’s Superman short. Superman must face the greatest challenge of his life: Showcasing the joys of collecting stamps to children.
Grass
The final clip of the night was another educational video looking at how much fun can be had with grass. The premise alone should have you smiling and the team was relentless on mocking this inane subject.
The event was a great night of comedy filled with laughs and memories of the show which started it all, Mystery Science Theater 3000. There will be an encore screening of the event on July 12th and you owe it to yourself to check it out. You will not be disappointed.
Rifftrax Presents: MST3K Reunion was presented by Fathom Events.
