Mystery Science Theater 3000-- Side Hackers

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Side Hackers is a unique piece of cinematic commentary that perfectly melds the worlds of science fiction, satire, and B-movies. This 1990 episode of the enduringly popular television series featured regular cast members Trace Beaulieu, Joel Hodgson, and Jim Mallon, who each bring their own brand of humor as they dissect, in a humorous fashion, the 1969 exploitation film Sidehackers.

The show's setting is on the Satellite of Love, a space station stranded somewhere in the bleak recesses of the universe. Where, host Joel Hodgson, known as Joel Robinson, with his company of lovable robot sidekicks Crow T. Robot (voiced by Beaulieu) and Tom Servo (voiced by Kevin Murphy), are forced to watch and provide running commentary on a series of hilariously bad and cheesy movies by his captors, the mad scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester (Beaulieu again) and his assistant, TV's Frank (Frank Conniff), who are conducting their twisted experiment.

In this episode, the film in question is Sidehackers (also known as Five the Hard Way), which is a low-budget exploitation flick about the then-popular sport of sidehack motorcycle racing. The film's plot centers around Rommel (Ross Hagen), a motorcycle racer who gets embroiled in a conflict involving a deranged promoter, leading to a spiral of violence and revenge. The members of the Satellite of Love must endure the sidehack saga's poorly executed action sequences, absurd dialogue, and questionable acting - merrily lampooning the film's shortcomings at every turn.

Throughout Mystery Science Theater 3000: Side Hackers, viewers are treated to Hodgson’s, Mallon’s, and Beaulieu's razor-sharp wit, as they bring their comedic skills to bear on their merciless roast of Sidehackers. They bring their quick-fire humor to hilarious exchanges and characteristic skits. Hodgson’s relaxed, laid-back demeanor contrasts perfectly with Beaulieu’s manic energy, resulting in comedy gold.

The writing of the show, as always, is a key selling point. The script of the episode, prepared meticulously by the talented team of writers, including Hodgson, along with the improvised dialogue during the film showcase, makes for an entertaining mix of scripted comedy and spontaneous laughter. The comic timing and the way they effortlessly bounce off each other is delightful to watch, with a series of funny running gags and pop culture references sprinkled throughout the feature.

Interspersed throughout the film are sketches and segments aboard the Satellite of Love, where Hodgson, Crow, and Servo engage in various shenanigans, often tangentially related to the film. The intermissions provide a breather from the film's action and offer some of the episode's most hilarious moments as the trio create an absurdist humor backdrop that only amplifies the ludicrousness of the movie they are watching.

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Side Hackers provides an entertaining platform for fans of bad movies and good humor. The team's clever critiques and one-liners skewer not only the film's plot and performances but also its production values, effectively highlighting and then lampooning the movie industry's less-than-stellar output.

To conclude, the show's trademark mix of movie riffing, comedic sketches, puppetry, and an unusual premise bolstered by a talented cast makes for an addictive blend of sci-fi, comedy, and movie commentary. This episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000: Side Hackers is enjoyable for both fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a unique lens to view and appreciate the delightfully awful and charmingly flawed gem that is Sidehackers.