With the exception of Season 5 of
Mystery Science Theatre 3000, where we got the best of both worlds in two hosts when the show was at the height of its humor and wit, there really hasn't been a better time to be a fan of riffing.
The trio of Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy and Mike Nelson are currently in their 10th year of running
Rifftrax, one of the spiritual successors to
MST3K, spun off from the three primary players of the show in its final years. The trio records audio riffing tracks that you can purchase cheap and download to play over popular movies—both fulfilling the wishes of fans for them to do modern flicks, as well as being able to enjoy new jokes with mixed company.
One of the biggest success stories of their riffing adventures has been the live performances, presented by
Fathom Events, where the trio will gather (occasionally with guests) in a big theater and live-broadcast the show to movie theaters across North America. Tonight, Rifftrax will present a new live performance, as the group tears apart the horrible sci-fi adventure
Time Chasers.
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The group actually commented on the film before, in an
MST3K episode from Season 8, but has returned with updated jokes and references for a new set of fans to laugh over. Which is almost fitting, as the group will be returning in June with another live show, this time an
MST3K reunion featuring members from the show's entire history. As part of the reunion show in June, the gang will be riffing on a yet-to-be-announced film, as well as several educational shorts.
Last week, a giant press call was held with the main members, as well as Trace Beaulieu (Dr. Clayton Forrester) and Jonah Ray, who will serve as the new human host of the
MST3K revival. When asked about why they hadn't done a proper reunion until now, Beaulieu commented that “it's actually easier, because we live in the same town.” Murphy added,“The timing never seemed right before, as busy as we've all been and focused on other things. It's just sort of an alignment of the stars.”
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As for the live Rifftrax show tonight, you can watch it locally at 7 p.m. at Century 16 and Union Heights 16 in SLC, Cinemark in Farmington, Tinseltown Newgate in Ogden, and at the University Mall and Cinemark 16 in Provo. Arrive early to watch the custom slides and fake movie trivia across the screen.