If this show existed independently, it would likely be moderately successful. Carrying the MST3K brand, it seems to have picked up undeserved kudos - we're all so thrilled to see MST3K back, and with such dross surrounding it on TV these days, I think we're being quite forgiving.
There are a few niggles for the classic MST3K fan. The presentation is far too slick, for one thing. EvenIf this show existed independently, it would likely be moderately successful. Carrying the MST3K brand, it seems to have picked up undeserved kudos - we're all so thrilled to see MST3K back, and with such dross surrounding it on TV these days, I think we're being quite forgiving.
There are a few niggles for the classic MST3K fan. The presentation is far too slick, for one thing. Even the 'numbered-doors' transition to watching the movies contains a remarkable amount of detail: detailed mini-sets, lights, moving parts...it looks like when a professional is trying to make something appear charming and amateur - it is very forced. It almost looks like it was done with half an eye on a "making of" YouTube meta-series, because modern and internet and community and things. There is also the fact that there is a "skeleton crew" of dancing people and musicians in the new base, for no reason, whereas MST3K has always been a small group of odd characters. Har Mar Superstar is as irritating as ever, and I really have no idea why a band dressed as skeletons belong in the mad scientist base. The main character has always been a lovable, loafing loser, whereas this time around, he is set up as some kind of uber-hero, which again, doesn't really make sense. More importantly, it absolutely does not match the delivery of Jonah Ray.
The sketches between acts of the movie are hugely overworked. There is a massive amount of detail, preparation, and materials which were clearly produced over time, with skill, and by a large team. The rap about monsters in the first episode is really, really clever, and has loads of props to go along with it. You would never have seen anything like it in classic MST3K, and it robs the current rendition of that feeling of the show being really made by this small team of eccentrics. It is far too clear that the show is a large production with money and people behind it, there is no feeling of cult-ness, or intimacy, something which made the classic so special to those who loved it.
All of the above are, as mentioned, just niggles. If the show was good enough, it could all be chalked up to a perceived need to avoid simply recreating what was done before, though I don't really see a problem with that when the "riffing" is the single most important thing. And there is the real problem - the riffing is not great. The comments in classic MST3K were spaced out, captialising on genuine moments of comedy, strange features in the film, bad delivery, bad lines, resemblances to famed people, obscure references, etc., but only as they arose naturally. In this version, it feels like every single scene, movement, spoken word, and object MUST be commented on, every time, regardless of how natural the humour, or whether there is actually anything funny going on. The comments are just non-stop, and it feels like a huge team of writers dissected every moment and had to deliver a mandatory quota of jokes. Sometimes, the guys on screen begin delivering the joke BEFORE the thing they're referencing is even on screen - because the scene in the movie isn't long enough to accommodate this next incredible zinger, but we HAVE to get it in!
Overall, the effect is a much less laid back, very hit and miss sort of experience, far too energetic and desperate to actually capture the feeling of the original. Joel, Mike and co were sufficiently happy with a regular chuckle and occasional peaks of greatness. The scattergun joke approach is a bad fit, and makes for uncomfortable watching. We are not watching the movie with the cast, laughing along with them. We are being told what is funny, what we should be laughing at, even if sometimes it has nothing to do with the movie.
The problems with riffing, the jarring changes from classic MST3K, the over-production, and the lack of that cult feeling all work together to make this mediocre at best.… Expand
Mystery Science Theater 3000Your Score0 out of 10User Score
