Mystery Science Theater 3000 went off the air more than ten years ago, but its key commentators are busier than ever, having splintered into two competing riffing outfits: MST3K founder Joel Hodgson's Cinematic Titanic, and the RiffTrax crew led by long-time MST3K head writer Mike Nelson (pictured). Tonight at 7 p.m., Nelson, Kevin Murphy (Tom Servo) and Bill Corbett (Crow #2) beam their comic commentary for the 1936 pot-paganda film Reefer Madness, the great grandfather of cult classics, live to more than 450 theaters nationwide. Financed by a concerned church group to warn parents of the dangers of marijuana abuse, Reefer Madness plays as an unintentional comedy as the demon weed guides its victims to manslaughter, rape, suicide and manic piano playing. For this live broadcast, the film will be presented in a restored, surreally colorized print. Rifftrax Live!: Reefer Madness is broadcast locally at the AMC Esquire 7 (6706 Clayton Road, Richmond Heights; www.fathomevents.com). Tickets are $12.50.
Thu., Aug. 19, 2010