5 Crappy Movies RiffTrax Turned Into Comedy Gold

5 Crappy Movies RiffTrax Turned Into Comedy Gold

By Tahlia Merrill Kirk

For those who don’t know, RiffTrax is a series of comedic commentaries brought to you by the team who ran Mystery Science Theater 3000 back in the day (embed link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_Science_Theater_3000). Basically, it’s three guys gleefully mocking movies.

For great movies such as Lord of the Rings and Dark Knight, the RiffTrax team may make you love them even more…or might just make you unable to unsee all the flaws in your favorite flick. Let’s be honest, though. There are a LOT of horrible movies out there–the type of movie you’ve probably been warned about. Normally, you want to stay far FAR away from these, but thanks to the guys at RiffTrax, here are 5 Classically Crappy Movies can watch without shame.

1. Twilight

Probably the RiffTrax team’s greatest work. My husband has even hosted a Twilight-RiffTrax watching party with some of his buddies. If you think you’ve heard all the jabs at this series a million times already, fear not–the best is yet to come!

My favorite bit is how the RiffTrax guys picked up on the ridiculous amount of awkward pauses in this movie and turned it into a running joke about the actors forgetting their lines.

Embed video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH3WEsfaoW8

2. The Last Airbender

Universally despised by fans of the much beloved Avatar: The Last Airbender television show, this movie’s lack of acting make it completely snooze-inducing. That is, until you add goofy commentary.

In a Reddit AMA, Mike Nelson estimated that they spend around 80 hours per movie getting their punchlines perfected (Source for link embedding: http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/g96eq/iama_writer_and_actor_founder_of_rifftraxcom/c1luq79) . But I’m pretty sure this is double the time The Last Airbender’s writers took to scribble down the screenplay.

3. The Star Wars

The guys join you in hurling popcorn at the screen every time Jar Jar comes on. As they say, “the dialogue here crackles like pudding”. Or in other words…

Anakin: What are we going to do about it?

RiffTrax: I dunno. Maybe have a flat, uninspired conversation?

4. Ghost Rider

One could argue that this movie is already one big joke, but now, thanks to RiffTrax (and the impersonations of guest star Jason Stephens), you won’t have to be drunk to enjoy it!

5. High School Musical

To quote the guys: “Ah, high school. Where would 70% of movies and television be without you?” Yep, this Disney Channel movie no longer needs to be watched only by preteen girls. RiffTrax guides you through all the showstopping numbers, including the grand finale  “Bacon Free” (originally known as “Breaking Free”). Hang onto your hats, friends, because it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.