Mystery Science Theater 3000: Robot Monster

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Robot Monster produced by Best Brains.


Plot: Two mad scientists seek to conquer the world by exposing the population to terrible movies. They hope to discover the ultimate bad movie capable of rendering the viewers comatose, preventing any form of resistance. To test their movies, the scientists subject their former janitor, Joel, and his two robotic creations to weekly viewings. Joel and the robots must use their wit and sarcasm to keep themselves sane by "riffing" (mocking) the films. This particular episode features a science fiction soap opera as a short and a post-apocalyptic as a feature film. The main movie relates the story of the last family on earth as they struggle against the evil Ro-Man, a faceless creature in a gorilla suit and a fishbowl helmet. Also, the film features fights with dinosaurs, lizards, and a baby alligator with a sail strapped to its back.

Genre: Campy Movies, Cult Classic, Humor

Reading Level: Use caution due to language

Similar Titles: Mystery Science Theater: The Movie, The Rifftrax series

Personal Thoughts: A delightful mocking of a truly awful film. The monster is not scary, the editing is terrible, the story is stupid, and the lizard fight is random. Still, the 'bots and Joel manage to make it enjoyable by shamelessly tearing every bad aspect of the film with jokes, pop culture references, and visual gags. This particular episode was filmed fairly early in the series' history, so some of the characters are still developing. Also, some of the voices, particularly Tom Servo's, change dramatically after a few seasons. Still, the film provides a solid source of entertainment after the MST3K's treatment.

Side note: It is sad when Jerome looks more monstrous and realistic than the titular creature.

Creature from the Black Lagoon

Creature from the Black Lagoon produced by Universal Studios.


Plot: A trio of biologists/paleontologists/ichthyologists follow attempt to aid colleague after he discovers a bizarre fossil. The fossil, displaying a strange combination of fish and human-like qualities, leads them to a body of water deep in South America. Despite the fears of the locals, the adventurers press on, eventually diving deep into the domain of the gill-man. The monster, considered an example of parallel evolution, slays several of the crewmen, but shows an interest in the female member of the scientists. Eventually, attempts to capture the gill-man succeed. Keeping the gill-man captive, however, proves unsuccessful. Unwilling to give up his prize and eager for revenge, the monster traps the crew. Using all of the team's resources, wit, and courage may provide the only chance for escape.

Genre: Horror, Campy Movies

Reading Level: Rated G, but exercise caution with younger viewers.

Similar Titles: Frankenstien, Dracula, Phantom of the Opera

Personal Thoughts: One of the many influential horror movies from Universal Studios' golden age. Considered novel for its elaborate creature costume, underwater scenes, and sympathetic monster, the film was remarkable for its time. The original film was shot in 3-D, although most modern copies are in the more conventional 2-D format. Eventually, he titular monster provided the inspiration for numerous television shows, video games, and comics. Creature from the Black Lagoon also spawned two sequels: Revenge of the Creature (which is cornier than its predecessor, but still enjoyable) and The Creature Walks Among Us (a very poor film; it was eventually given a parody treatment via Mystery Science Theater 3000).