Last Night Comic Con@Home took attendees on a deep dive into the world of Mystery Science Theater 3000. The long running show has taken on many incarnations over the decades and the panel included show creator Joel Hodgson as well as former cast members J. Elvis Weinstein and Bill Corbett.
The vibe was distinctly different for this comic con as everyone met at home through video conferencing. The effect is a panel that feels distinctly intimate though occasionally lacks the electricity of the standard convention. But no level of a pandemic can take away the pleasure of watching three great comedians get together and talk about the history of one of the most innovative shows ever created.
Their combined history spans the entire length of the show giving some fascinating insights into the evolution of the characters. Tom Servo, for instance, started out as Beeper an R2D2-style character that only really shows up in the first few episodes of KTMA. The character then took on a Pee-Wee Herman persona but after that didn’t gel he eventually turned into a kind of radio show host voice. Though they may seem like minor tweaks those choices went on to influence to the trajectory of the character for more than two decades.
Joel, on the other hand, notes that he wasn’t sure how to originally approach the role of host on the show. For avid viewers of MST3K the host role evolved the most through the decades. With three (four if you count the COVID Riffathon that went on Youtube) hosts and counting each one has approached it in a new way. Hodgson laid the groundwork by treating the bots like a father or an uncle.
Courtesy of Comic-Con International youtube
Though fairly common now (thanks to MST3K, whether you know it or not) the act of riffing was breaking new ground as the show was created. After watching the show for years the ability of a riff to land or not land is key. Joel, Bill and J. Elvis shared insight into what makes it work and it’s not what you would expect.
“I think there’s a myth that we only wrote riffs for ourselves and that’s just not true,” noted Corbett. “Very often I’d write riffs for the others and it wasn’t even something you think about.” This is in contrast to the Joel era where it went in a round-robin fashion. “If you notice I got every third line in the show, we wanted to pass the joke around,” said Hodgson.
The unifying factor among all of their experiences was, unsurprisingly, the film itself. “In the beginning, we were much quieter and didn’t realize you had to riff through the whole thing,” Hodgson explains. “Once we got to Comedy Central we knew you had to do wall-to-wall jokes and treat the film like an acting partner,” Hodgson notes that you had to treat the film like it was Margaret Dumont in a Marx Brothers film. You had to make fun of it like it was in the room with you. That adds a whole new layer to shows.
Watching them all interact is always fun. Despite the gap in their experiences with the show they all more or less knew each other from Minnesota and treat each other like life long friends and colleagues. Something about the format of the show continues to give it new life and allow it to evolve. Even though no one on the panel is currently working with MST3K they continue to riff through mediums like Cinematic Titanic and Rifftrax. They are constantly creating new content and evolving the art of the riff. It’s a sight to behold. Watch The Full Panel Here
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.
A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.
The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.
Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.
Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.
The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.
For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.
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