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Update: RiffTrax Live Press

Update: Brandy McDonnell at NewsOK.com interviews Mike about tonight’s show.

Starship Troopers star Casper Van Dien has some thoughts about tonight’s RiffTrax Live show.

Alex Biese of the Asbury Park Press has a piece about the upcoming “RiffTrax Live” show, with fresh quotes from Bill.

striff

52 Replies to “Update: RiffTrax Live Press”

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  1. Seeing STARSHIP TROOPERS at the theater, I was somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of gore. In retrospect, it’s so over the top that the effect has diminished. Same is true for a violence fest such as KILL BILL VOL 1, where the nonstop dismemberment and decapitations just laps into cartoon territory. As for the satirical elements, that was and is STARSHIP TROOPER’S only redeeming quality. The scene where they censor the bug killing the cow but show the bug being killed is a fine example of satirizing social mores. If only they could have imbued a comedic undercurrent into the chunky, lifeless performances, it might have been a classic as opposed to sound riffing material.

       3 likes

  2. Goshzilla says:

    For anyone who didn’t pledge to the Kickstarter but is on the fence about going, this is a genuine one-time-only show. They couldn’t secure the rights to a video release so there will be no DVD or downloadable version to watch later. They’ll be recording a RiffTrax mp3 later on in the studio, but Thursday night will be our one and only chance to see the live Riffing.

       9 likes

  3. PBWeng says:

    I must admit I’m disappointed with a live event being an R Rated movie. My son and I bond over Rifftrax live events, and while he’s a good, mature kid, he is only 10 (my wife actually went into labor while I was watching the MST3k Tormented). He was really disappointed when he saw the Fanthom Events ad and I told him we couldn’t go because the movie was too “grown up.” In my opinion (free and worth every penny),I think it’s more appropriate to riff R-Rated movies on video or by audio mp3. The live shows should be more open to families. Even just in economic terms, Rifftrax is missing out on $30 from my family that they could pretty much count on for every show ($45 when we can talk my wife into going). I’m not a prude, and I am sure I would enjoy the movie myself, but it’s a real shame that I have to factor in parental responsibility to go to a Rifftrax Live event.

       5 likes

  4. Mike "ex-genius" Kelley says:

    I’ve said it before but this is the first RT event my wife and I will pass. Just not riffing material (I actually LIKE the movie) and I actually agree with those that think this might be a little too R rated (and I’m no prude but it just doesn’t seem like the kind of cheese I want to see made fun of).

    As to it not being released later on video — what the heck was the Kickstarter all about? Oh, yeah, right, they wanted the rights to Twilight. How did that work out? So instead they get a so-so movie (certainly not a big film by any stretch of the imagination — this ain’t no Twilight, folks) that’s age inappropriate AND they don’t even get the rights to release on video later. I’m sure Mike, Kevin and Bill are laughing all the way to the bank (where they are sure to have pocketed all the money they didn’t need to get Twilight).

    This is Rifftrax’ worst hour.

       5 likes

  5. Ang says:

    I like Starship Troopers as a fun, cheesy film and I think it was a good second choice. I donated to the Kickstarter and was actually a little happier that they got this instead. As fun as the Twilight riff would be, I’ll be fine if I never see that film. The Rifftrax guys made it clear that they might not be able to get Twilight as it’s still a somewhat current and lucrative franchise so I don’t think anybody should have been really surprised when that didn’t work out. I wouldn’t want them to keep doing R-rated films as a regular thing but I don’t mind them mixing it up from time to time. I’m looking forward to it and especially to the shorts: Mr. B Natural and A Trip to the Moon. Good stuff!

       6 likes

  6. casimar says:

    I kind of feel the same way as 3 and 4. I donated to the kickstarter, but this “R” rated film with nudity and excessive violence isnt what I expected somehow. I knew there was a chance they wouldn’t get Twilight, but really that was the reason I donated and I’m starting to feel like I made a mistake. I’m also not clear on why they waited so late to announce they wouldn’t provide the digital copy. Surely that was evident in the initial negotiation? Why even pick this film, then? Ah well, I’m not going to Indian-give, but I’m also not going to get to participate. Color me jealous I suppose. I still sincerely hope everyone who gets to go has a great time.

       2 likes

  7. Cameron Gouda says:

    A few of the VODs have included language and nudity. Why didn’t anyone raise a stink over those titles? So they riff a hard R-rated feature in cinemas? Don’t go, wait for the next one. Make your voice heard by purchasing the Batman serials two times.

    Most Starship Trooper showtimes are already sold out around the country. I’m glad to see the complainers outnumbered on this one. Rifftrax should be covering ALL types of cinema, the spectrum of ratings. Especially this stinker, which is a howler of a movie. I understand the whole “family outing” concern, but it’s not like the event is a change of direction for the company. It’s ONE movie.

       14 likes

  8. casimar says:

    For me the difference is that the other films you’re talking about are VOD, and as part of the kickstarter we were initially supposed to also get a VOD. But, like I said, I hope you have a great time. I wish I could be there to see it.

       3 likes

  9. PBWeng says:

    And for me, the difference is the live shows are a group experience. It’s a fun night out with my son. VOD is something I watch on my own. Why make the most community based experience the most exclusionary?

    Look, I’m disappointed mostly because now I’ll never see the show, but more power to them, I’m sure it will be extremely funny. And I realize not everything has to be “family” oriented. It just seems like a strange turn to me to suddenly change gears and narrow your audience. It all started with a basic cable puppet show folks, and it’s been off the air for a decade now. It seems a strange way to get new fans.

       2 likes

  10. sirmike says:

    Can’t wait. And

       1 likes

  11. Lobster says:

    In response to the Rifftrax crew narrowing their audience: I’m not so convinced of that. My wife and I are going specifically because it’s an R rated movie. We tend to avoid family-friendly events as, frankly, we don’t like the environment that those event produce. It’s the same idea as a restaurant not allowing children. I understand that it’s a bummer for parents and their kids, but I’ll absolutely take advantage of the policy if the food is good. And in this case, the meal of Mike, Bill, and Kevin riffing one of my favorite terrible movies smells like it’s going to be delicious.

       15 likes

  12. Mike "ex-genius" Kelley says:

    Lobster — hate to say it but you’re WAY off track. Have you ever BEEN to any of the RT events? If there are kids there they are *very* respectful (what adult would ever take a kid to see RT? Only the ones who are knowledgeable, of course, and those who do bring those who would understand it).

    I get what you are saying about movies in general (although, truthfully, the worst offenders nowadays aren’t adults with kids but twenty-somethings with cell phones — THEY ought to be banned from theaters permanently).

    Oh well, I guess this is the divisive line that RT must want — those of us who grew up loving the original puppet show (that was at their funniest when they “hinted” at more adult stuff) and that RT did indeed seem to be aiming at for a while (why else would they bleep Kevin and Bill’s R-rated comments if not to make them more funny by their “hints”?) and those who want a more “adult” version of MST3K. As Leo once said, include me out.

       2 likes

  13. Cheapskate Crow says:

    Wait, they’re re-riffing Mr. B?!? Blasphemy!

       1 likes

  14. Goshzilla says:

    I’d like to point out that RiffTrax is not “excluding” anybody. If you choose not to attend because you don’t like or approve of the content, you’re excluding yourself. If I may paraphrase the brilliant Neil Gaiman, RiffTrax “is not your bitch.”

    Nobody’s forcing you to go or preventing you to go. If anything, I’d be annoyed that this is a one-time-only event and it’s on a Thursday evening. I hope they can finagle an encore showing on a later date for those whose schedules prevent them from going.

    And they made it clear on Kickstarter that Twilight was by no means guaranteed and that if you feel that you’re not getting your money’s worth they’ll refund your pledge, no questions asked.

    Anyway, I hope nobody takes what I say too personally. I just wanted to speak up on behalf of Mike and company. Cheers.

       12 likes

  15. Goshzilla says:

    Okay, one other thing and I’ll shut up. I haven’t seen Starship Troopers since 1998 or so when it first hit the shelves at Blockbuster, but as I recollect it, I don’t believe the movie would even earn an R rating these days if not for the brief (and utterly incongruous) bits of Verhoevean nudity. Some folks are making it sound like it’s Clockwork Orange or something. I don’t have children, but for what it’s worth, I wouldn’t have a problem taking them to see a Riff of Starship Troopers if I felt comfortable taking them to see the other movies they’ve done live.

    Now, if they were riffing The Room (which I was hoping might be a possible alternative to Twilight) that would be different. You should be at least 25 before being subjected to Tommy Wiseau.

       9 likes

  16. Cameron Gouda says:

    “I don’t believe the movie would even earn an R rating these days if not for the brief (and utterly incongruous) bits of Verhoevean nudity.”

    You should watch it again. It’s a profoundly violent movie. R-rated all the way.

       3 likes

  17. hookemhorns says:

    Looking forward to it. Haven’t seen the movie, but I hear the concerns of the parents. My wife and I go and leave our kids (soon to be 14 and 16) at home, even though they are old enough now to handle most of the material. Some of the Rifftrax humor is definitely adult only stuff, and my kids aren’t into MST3K like I am. Although the younger one likes to watch Santa Claus at Christmas and giggles at Plan 9 when I watch it at Halloween …

    Here’s a consolation prize, possibly: according to Fandango, they will be doing Night of the Living Dead on October 24 on Fathom Events … another nice Halloween treat! Though if your kids could get grossed out by zombies eating flesh, you might want to skip it.

    I am getting spoiled with two shows per year. Can’t wait.

       2 likes

  18. Kenneth Morgan says:

    Well, I can understand why people may be disappointed or even upset by the content. But I’m not worried. I doubt that the guys would limit their audience by turning their focus solely to more adult-oriented movies. After all, MST itself varied from more family-friendly movies to others that were a bit stronger (though admittedly not approaching “Starship Troopers” levels).

    Besides, this should be good, even without the riffing. Neil Patrick Harris going, “It’s afraid!” near the end made my brother laugh harder than I’d ever seen him laugh before or since.

       5 likes

  19. Slicer says:

    I saw Starship Troopers when I was 10 back in 1997 in theaters and I still turned out okay. Heck the film even had a toyline by Galoob back then. Maybe kids back then were not shielded so much like now? People really baby kids these days.

    However I do like the film, and don’t see it as a good live riffing choice. I rather see cheesy “B” movies, not “A” movies like ST. Also I was very disappointed seeing Rifftrax Ebeg like they did on Kickstarter. I lost some respect for Mike, Kevin, and Bill over this and I see there are others who feel the same. Just a very bad move on their part. I didn’t “donate” to their false cause and glad I didn’t. Not sure I want to go because of their Ebegging BS they did for this live show. Kickstarter was the kind of crap they used to make fun of.

       3 likes

  20. PBWeng says:

    Ok, time for MY last word on this…

    First, “R” stands for restricted. Theaters by policy aren’t supposed to let kids under 17 into the theater, unless they are with a parent. Thus, kids under 17 are EXCLUDED from the show. And, in my personal opinion, parents that take kids to an “R” movie are just being selfish…they don’t care if the kid gets upset, and they don’t care if the kid disturbs others in the theater because they are upset. All they care about is getting to see the movie themselves, and be damned everyone else.

    Second, you are right, I’m sure if I took my son to the movie, he would not grow up to be a serial killer. But I remember being his age and having nightmares for a week because of a Dr. Who episode with its lousy special effects. I really could do without night terrors about giant bugs ripping him in half for a few weeks after. I don’t coddle him, but let me tell in on something as a 45 year old…real life can be crappy. I’d really like my kid to be a little innocent and a little happy before he finds this out for himself. I’d like him to be a kid for a while. So, yes, I am choosing not to see this film with him. And, because real life is crappy, I can’t get away to go on my own, and probably wouldn’t anyway, because I enjoy going to rifftrax with other people. My choice, very true.

    And finally, disappointed is not up in arms. Rifftrax is great, I’m sure it will be brilliant. Everybody that wants to go, GO! Have a great time. Wish I was there. Take time out from telling me how wrong I am to feel bad because I’m missing something I love and enjoy yourself. I’ll probably sit home and watch the Rifftrax House on Haunted Hill DVD with my kid and have a good time, too. And someday when he’s a little older, he’s struggled with a class, gotten fired for no reason, and his girlfriend has dumped him, he can watch any movie he wants.

       10 likes

  21. Neptune Man says:

    I thought the scene with the cow and the bug was a jab at propaganda. But I don’t know anymore, some say this movie was satirical, others that it was straight up propaganda.

       1 likes

  22. Goshzilla says:

    MPAA ratings are at best arbitrary, at worst political, and always irrelevant. If your hellish drop can’t sit still and quiet for two hours I don’t care if it’s Caligula or the Care Bears movie; you’re ruining it for everyone else who paid twelve bucks a ticket.

       4 likes

  23. Neptune Man says:

    #13: They are re-reffing Santa Claus Conquers the Martians! Blasphemy! Somebody call Torg!

    #22: GET OFF MY LAWN!!!
    “Hellish drop”, if I had one dollar every time I came across one of these attempts to be witty, I would be able to secure the rights to the Mario Bros. film.

       4 likes

  24. Triple_sSs says:

    Reposting this message from RiffTrax’s Facebook page for posterity’s sake:

    “Some of you have asked (and many we’re sure are just understandably curious) if we’re doing an edited version of Starship Troopers. We are not. The standard R-rated version is the only one Sony makes available for licensing.

    For those trying to make a determination about whether or not to bring younger or more sensitive viewers, some information about content may help: there are two moments of nudity in the film and a great deal of excessive, one might even say, cartoonish violence (this is Paul Verhoeven, after all!).

    We believe the three of us up there adding our commentary undercuts the impact of the material quite a bit. But we will also take special care to comedically mute those few moments that earns it its R, and creatively make it as PG-13 as possible.

    We hope this helps, and once again offer our sincere thanks for your support!”

       12 likes

  25. Anthony W. says:

    Parents who won’t take their kids to see Rifftrax will be known from now on as Starship Poopers.

       13 likes

  26. happyinmywork says:

    Wow. A lot of Rifftrax hate here.

    Full disclosure: I have never seen Starship Troopers, mostly because it was not my thing. I’m not a huge fan of violence, nudity, and the like. That said, I’m going to the Rifftrax show tomorrow because I know the guys are gonna have a ball with this one. Other than Twilight, I’m not sure what other movies they could have done. Most action movies are too busy, Titanic is too long, comedies are not very riffable (I would probably add Super Mario Brothers to that list), superhero movies are held by multiple rights holders, The Room is WAY too graphic and Wiseau tried to sue them a while back, and the B movies have been done. I can respect them trying to change it up and give us something new for the live shows, and I think Starship Troopers was a good get. The rights holders of the movie know its crap, so they had no qualms about giving it over – not to mention it was made more than fifteen years ago.

    I was also a little curious about the Kickstarter thing, but the more I thought about it, I understood. Crowdfunding has been used by people far more well-off than the Rifftrax guys (Zach Braff, Rob Thomas [of Veronica Mars fame]). Also, from the beginning Rifftrax has used technology and innovative methods to sell their product and riff more movies. While Cinematic Titanic stayed in the old-fashioned MST3k format and only offered downloads out of necessity (in my opinion), Rifftrax became an MST3k for a new generation. From my perspective, they only went back to the B movies because their sales went up and they realized people still wanted to see the old stuff. The best part is that they still riff the big titles when appropriate (read Breaking Dawn). Since it was financially disadvantageous to spend all that money on the live show, they decided to try Kickstarter as an experiment, and it worked amazingly well.

    This is all just conjecture, of course, but I am glad this new method worked out in the end. I don’t see them hitting people up for money again anytime soon, but I would be happy to give again if they can promise to get something else (and not be so specific so people don’t feel cheated). I am happy with their decision to offer compensation to the folks who are unsatisfied with their movie choice, and I think it was a good move on their part. I still love Rifftrax, and I believe Rifftrax still loves us (in their own way). That said, I think they will handle things differently in the future.

       9 likes

  27. Sugar Magnolia says:

    Wow! Lots of unhappy people, or at least a very vocal group of them. I’m not sure why, the Kickstarter had no guarantees that they could : 1) Get Twilight, 2) Secure a specific movie if Twilight fell through (as they had quite a list of second string possibilities, some of which I wouldn’t have wanted to see either) and 3) get a VOD of it as rights can be tricky to secure. I donated, and while Starship Troopers isn’t my favorite, I’m happy to know that I helped them put on a show others will really enjoy and I get to support Rifftrax which has provided me with lots of laughs.

       4 likes

  28. Mike "ex-genius" Kelley says:

    Well, I’ll make MY last word here (although I notice that pronouncing that didn’t stop Goshzilla from blathering on): clearly this move by RT was divisive, and in oh so many ways, but to me the biggest issue is this: they eBegged the vast amounts they did BECAUSE of Twilight. Folks, if they had stated up front saying they were going to try to get StarShip Troopers there is no way they would have gotten the money they did.

    Oh, they weaseled words their way around it in the small print by saying, yes, they might not be able to get Twilight and if they didn’t they had some other movies in mind, but, again, that weren’t the headline, and that weren’t the idea of the begging. Plus a LOT of folks figured they get the VOD — again, not a “promise” per se but definitely up front (how many would have donated if they said “well, you *might* get something in return but don’t count on it”?).

    So — bad on them all around. This is the kind of corporate greed thing that, even if their intentions were good, just stinks to high heavens. I kind of feel like the old Groucho line (which I really thought Mike and company subscribed to) — “I wouldn’t want to join any club that would have me as a member.” RT has joined a club that I don’t really want to be a part of.

    But I’m voting with my dollars, as are all of you, and I’m sure if they make a boatload of money from this personally (and I have no doubt they will) then they will hype their next big event (and fail to deliver) until they don’t. That’s the way it works in corporate America — you keep doing your thing until people get wise. What I’m looking for more than ever now is for Joel and Company to make fun of RT — now THAT would be an event I’d pay good money to see.

       1 likes

  29. sirmike says:

    If you don’t like something and don’t take part, that is one thing. But if you don’t want others to have the opportunity to take part also, that is something all together different. It is called censorship. “Special thanks to the authors of the First Amendment.”

       5 likes

  30. Brian says:

    #28: “Oh, they weaseled words their way around it in the small print by saying, yes, they might not be able to get Twilight and if they didn’t they had some other movies in mind, but, again, that weren’t the headline, and that weren’t the idea of the begging”

    Demonstrably false. They couldn’t have been more upfront about the possibility that they’d have to go with a backup. They laid it out clearly at every opportunity, including interviews. Calling their repeatedly stated caveats “small print” designed to deceive the punters is a deliberate mischaracterization to sustain this bizarre and baseless narrative you’ve latched onto about the RT guys being “greedy corporate raiders.” See also, “I’m sure Mike, Kevin and Bill are laughing all the way to the bank.” (you @#4) Unduly harsh, don’t you think? They took great pains to convey what they were doing, their chances of success, and what their contingency plans were. So why this character assassination? Unless you think they dangled Twilight in front of us with no intention of even trying to acquire the rights to it, this character slamming is pretty off the rails.

    “This is the kind of corporate greed thing that, even if their intentions were good, just stinks to high heavens.”
    If their intentions were good (and we have no reason to think otherwise), then it wasn’t about “corporate greed.” Now you’re just being incoherent.

       19 likes

  31. Graboidz says:

    See, this is what comes with invoking the “Twilight” brand, it’s sure to produce whining and angst. I’m gonna pass on “Starship Troopers” as well, as a previous poster noted I enjoy sharing these shows with my daughter, and the movie isn’t appropriate for her age group. But it’s not a big deal, I’ll catch the next one.

    As far as the kickstarter campaign, it’s your choice to donate or not. I think it’s pretty cool, not only for Rifftrax, but for any artist. It’s giving them a whole new avenue to secure funds, or at least clear the first hurdle in getting something the fans will probably enjoy, off the ground. (See Adam Carolla’s “Road Hard” as well). Rifftrax stated right up front that they were attempting to secure rights to “Twilight”, but no gaurantees. The couldn’t get their first choice, but secured another horrible big budget movie. Worst case scenario we’ve padded the Rifftrax coffers with a few extra bucks so they can keep things rolling for future releases. Everybody wins. Now that Cinematic Titanic is closing up shop, I’m hoping the Rifftrax live shows begin popping up quarterly, and I’ll happily support the guys.

       4 likes

  32. Derek Jerkssen says:

    #28:

    Are you sure you’re not a Derek Jannsen/Eric J sockpuppet? Because you sound a lot like him these days.

    It’s amazing that people are whining about this. You think fans of the show would be a little more higher-thinking of the live Rifftrax changes, but I guess they’re just like any other fan base; full of mouth-breathing fools with jerking knees.

    “What I’m looking for more than ever now is for Joel and Company to make fun of RT”

    Cinematic Titanic is over. Deal with it.

       9 likes

  33. Goshzilla says:

    Mister Kelley, would you please indicate on this doll where Kickstarter inappropriately touched you? A business asking its customers for money? Disgusting. What has this world come to?

    @Neptune Man: “Hellish drop” is from one of the Master Ninja host segments in case you missed the reference.

       5 likes

  34. Droppo says:

    Mr. Kelley, you seem to not be enjoying Rifftrax. I would stop worrying about them and enjoy something else that doesn’t make you so upset.

    In the meantime, I bought my ticket and can’t wait for tonight’s show! See, because….I like Rifftrax. And thus, I’m talking about it….on a fansite….dedicated to MST3K….a show that Mike, Bill and Kevin starred in and wrote for.

       8 likes

  35. Cheapskate Crow says:

    I see a very odd attitude with some posters here where they seem to think that they have to buy every single thing that Rifftrax does and then act like they are being dragged against their will to watch riffs that they really don’t want to see or fret about missing a show if they can’t take their kids to an R rated riff.

    To paraphrase the great Jon Lovitz voiced Critic, if you don’t like it then just don’t go! Nobody is forcing you to pay money and watch these events. You don’t have to see/buy everything Rifftrax puts out. Anyone who felt cheated by the Kickstarter in any way can get their money back no questions asked.

    Back to the topic, I am not a big Rifftrax fan but I think it’s great that Rifftrax does different types of films, I might never have heard of the genius of The Room otherwise. If they were doing The Room, I would be going tonight.

    My big problem with Rifftrax is I think they emphasize quantity over quality and I can’t keep up with all their releases. And when you ignore one, it gets a lot easier to ignore more of them.

       5 likes

  36. Bill Haverchuck says:

    That’s quite the willfully misinformed narrative you’ve created to demonize the Rifftrax guys with, Mr. Kelly. You should really consider a career in political talk radio!

    You also seem to fail to grasp / are flat out ignoring that they are offering a pretty great consolation reward for not being able to license ST for VOD – donors aren’t getting stiffed on content just because they couldn’t license the event through Sony’s separate home video division. Getting the yet-to-be-released live Manos VOD & the in-studio ST riff are both fine in my book, as I would have purchased them anyway. And, hey, I also get a gift certificate I can use for an upcoming riff! I actually feel like I’m walking away with more than I was expecting, but let’s not focus on that – let’s focus on the fact that they were unable to secure the home video rights because they are such bad, deceptive people (even though not getting VOD rights was plainly stated as a possibility in their Kickstarter pitch & they offered to refund donors money if they were unhappy with the results)! GRRR!!

       9 likes

  37. klisch says:

    Awesome, co-ed showers! Now I can get riffing and breasts at the same time.

       2 likes

  38. itsspideyman says:

    I’m not going to the live RT, although I’ve been to every other event, but for a different reason. I’m a fan of Robert Heinlein and I couldn’t stand what they did to his book. I’d rather remember the book and leave the bastardized version of a film in the dust.

       2 likes

  39. schippers says:

    Holy God, Starship Troopers wouldn’t be R-rated today without the nudity?

    The movie earns it R rating just from the scene where Zander gets his head impaled by the brain bug and his brains (natch) visibly sucked up through the slimy, gross proboscis.

    Don’t get me wrong, I like violence. I DEFINITELY wouldn’t take any kid younger than, say, 12 or 13 to see this movie, though. That’s for sure. Actually, scratch that, I wouldn’t take ANY kid to see this movie. It’s the kind of thing the kid should see on his own, to, you know, FULLY appreciate (who wants to see co-ed showers in the presence of his parent or guardian?).

    Is Starship Troopers a good movie? Absolutely not. It never realizes its own satire, not even to a tenth of the level that Verhoeven’s brilliant Robocop does. Plus, it’s loaded down with such awful performances (but not awful in a Tommy Wiseau way, sadly) that it’s hard to watch.

    I won’t be attending this show, simply because I have no real desire to subject myself to Starship Troopers ever again.

       2 likes

  40. Goshzilla says:

    Well, as I said, I haven’t seen Starship Troopers in over a decade – I was that impressed by it – but I remember the violence being cartoonishly over the top (Part of Verhoeven’s tenuous grasp of satire?), and the MPAA doesn’t seem to be overly concerned by violence these days. Of course, I could be completely wrong in my judgement. I never would have expected, say, The King’s Speech to get an R when The Dark Knight gets a PG-13, so what do I know? Gotta protect the children from rude words and women’s nipples, but wanton death and destruction is good for the tykes.

       2 likes

  41. Mike "ex-genius" Kelley says:

    Wow, what a lot of folks who just don’t get it.

    Sigh — no need for this old man to continue to try and educate the young’uns. But I assume at this very moment you’re all out at the theater anyway, so you won’t be able to comment until tomorrow morning. Still, the point I made is irrefutable — if they had advertised this, in bold, as being all about Starship Troopers, they would not have raised 1/10 of what they did.

    OTOH, as someone else observed, there’s one born every minute who is willing to part with their money under all kinds of circumstances, and if those of you who did have no issues then that’s fantastic. I’ve wasted my money on lots of things in life and will continue to do so — just not so much RT anymore (and I’ve attended all their shows and bought all their VODs up until now). Again, it’s all a choice as one of you pointed out. It just makes me sad that RT seems to have chosen a dark path (they did not choose wisely, as someone else again has said before). Not uncommon, just sad.

       1 likes

  42. The Bolem says:

    On taking our Heckish Drop to R rated movies, you can do what the young couple in front of me did 13 years ago at a campus preview of American Psycho: every time the sex started up, they just told their 4-5 year old son, “Uh oh, the monsters are back again Timmy! Cover your eyes!” Foolproof system.

    I couldn’t work up the enthusiasm or spare time to see this tonight, and I might never see the VOD if there was one, but since there isn’t, I guess makin’ a few bootlegs won’t deprive anyone of any revenue! Of course, there surely is a professional recording being saved just in case they do secure the rights someday…

    Hey, before you respond with a blanket condemnation of piracy, find a legit way to acquire those last 2 CT titles. Preservation is all that matters. Period. IP thief and archivist are labels to be doled out retroactively, after the original master copies have turned to dust. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to pray for vengeance against those who wronged Megaupload as I cry over the rubble of the last video store in a 10 mile radius.

       1 likes

  43. darthservo says:

    Just got home from the event, and as everyone who was there knows how they got past the R rated nude shower scenes. Our theater was a sell out. My only problem was that the riffers mics were at the same volume as the movie which made it hard to hear them during the noisier scenes. Was this everywhere or just my theater?

       4 likes

  44. Pulatso says:

    I was a backer, didn’t get to see it due to other commitments and I guess now never will. Not really pleased with the whole endeavor, frankly. If they couldn’t get VOD or DVD rights, they really should have passed and gone to the next on the list.

       3 likes

  45. crowschmo says:

    Just got back, too. I also couldn’t hear every joke when the movie was too loud. People laughed, though, so SOME folks must’ve made them out.

    Riffers did a good job, it was funny for the most part, though this kind of film doesn’t lend itself to constant riffing, since there aren’t as many pauses as in old, cheesy flicks.

    No shorts, they jumped right in to the main event, I guess ’cause it was long enough and any more stuff would’ve been a long night.

    People actually booed in frustration with the way they handled the nude scenes, heh. (The guys, mostly).

    They put up on the screen before the thing started that this will be shown again in theaters, but I forget the date.

    “…until I die or find someone better.” (Mike: “Ah, my wedding vows.”)

       1 likes

  46. dad1153 says:

    ^^^ September 12 is when they’ll repeat it.

       0 likes

  47. Cornjob says:

    My fiance and I had a great time. The theater was pretty packed, and the audience had a good time. I’m sorry so many of you are in such a foul mood. may the peaceful blessings of the Satellite of Love be with you.

       5 likes

  48. Daveo says:

    Mr.Kelly,my advice is to get your refund and go away.From all indications this event was WILDLY successful.And you can pout and petulantly call people who understood and ACTUALLY READ the kickstarter page fools all you want.Go back in the basement and work on your sinister Rifftrax conspiracy theories.Rifftrax-and we-will be fine-and laughing without you.

       6 likes

  49. Travis says:

    I had fun last night, but it would have been better with kids cryingand a guy screaming “Thieves! All of ’em thieves!” really loudly. Alas, no such luck

       5 likes

  50. PTomreeves says:

    I went and enjoyed. Thanks rifftrax!

       1 likes

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