Friday, September 10, 2010

Ryan Watches A Motion Picture #62: The Film Crew: Hollywood After Dark (2007)


Lovers of Mystery Science Theater 3000 rejoice. Mike Nelson, Bill Corbett, and Kevin Murphy graced our screens for a handful of films under the alias of 'The Film Crew.' And they certainly haven't lost their utterly unique charm. For those unfamiliar with MST3K, the concept is this: three friends watch a terrible movie together and poke fun at it as you watch along with them. I find few things in life more entertaining than this indestructible arrangement. So sticking pretty close to the MST3K formula, they give you a comically scrutinised and ridiculed B-film, peppered here and there with short asides where the guys gather together for lunch and tomfoolery.

Hollywood After Dark (1964) is their film under review this time, and stars the late Rue McClanahan (Blanche from Golden Girls). The Film Crew doesn’t let you forget that. The film itself is a warning to young would-be actors thinking they’ll find success in that dismal place second only to dread Mordor: HOLLYWOOD. Well, the two may in fact be the same place, since it’s dirty and people will betray you and do evil things. And the bigwigs have taken to dressing in black robes and riding matching black dragons.

There are a few others in the Film Crew series, and they’re all worth checking out. On top of that, you can visit www.rifftrax.com to see their latest project – downloadable commentary tracks to watch along with new DVD releases! Highly recommended.

So: Can't think of a better 'night with friends' kind of plan.

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