RiffTrax: Missile to the Moon feat. Fred Willard

RiffTrax: Missile to the Moon feat. Fred Willard is an engaging twist on a classic Sci-Fi adventure, providing a humorous commentary on the original film, 'Missile to the Moon'. This comedic repurposing of the movie maintains the plot but reinterprets the footage with witty annotations by Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett of Mystery Science Theater 3000 fame. Fred Willard, one of America’s most gifted comic actors, joins them, adding an extra layer of comedy to the proceedings.

In this rendition, the original story is preserved but is presented with a new comedic perspective. The method Rifftrax uses is to make satirical commentaries or riffs alongside the film, often poking fun at plot holes, low-budget production values, strange character choices, and other humorous controversial aspects. RiffTrax: Missile to the Moon uses this approach to take viewers on a light-hearted journey through the classic sci-fi flick.

The movie is set in the era of classic 1950s science fiction, where space exploration was an area ripe with mystery, filled with weird creatures, strange alien landscapes, and unknown dangers. The plot follows the story of a renegade scientist who possesses the secret to space travel. Driven by his own unweaned motives, he assembles a motley crew (two escaped convicts, his assistant, and a stowaway), and they take the maiden voyage to the moon.

Once reaching the lunar surface, they unexpectedly discover an advanced civilization composed entirely of women. These moon inhabitants have appropriately fashionable attire considering they are from a 1950s sci-fi adventure. The society is referenced with a sense of satirical humor, reflecting the stereotypical product of the space-based-matriarchal society trope popular in vintage science fiction.

While the adventurers navigate their way through this strange civilization, Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett, along with special guest Fred Willard, provide non-stop comedic observations. This creative team doesn't miss a beat, finding humor in each scene no matter how strange or outrageous they might be.

Fred Willard’s involvement in the film brings an entirely new set of comedic elements. His improvisational style and dry humor add a fresh dimension to the exploits of the original film’s cast, as he finds laughs in the most unexpected places, often offsetting the tension in each scene with his brilliant comic timing.

Nelson, Murphy, and Corbett’s acerbic commentary is legendary among fans of Mystery Science Theater 3000. They keep the laughs coming as they question the outlandish plot elements, critique the woeful lack of scientific realism, and highlight the stiff, wooden acting – a trademark of such old sci-fi adventures.

RiffTrax: Missile to the Moon is, thus, not just a movie, it is an experience, a blend of retro science fiction with a generous helping of contemporary humor. While the original 'Missile to the Moon' is an earnest slice of vintage science fiction, RiffTrax's rendition repackages it with a modern comic sensibility, creating an entirely new piece of entertainment.

It’s an enjoyable watch for fans of classic B-movie adaptations, science fiction lovers, and those who appreciate dark humor. The unorthodox nature of the film does by no means take away from the humor. Instead, it thrives on nostalgic absurdity, ensuring audiences are equally amused and intrigued by the bizarre Moon adventure.

Whether you are a long-term follower of RiffTrax or a newcomer, RiffTrax: Missile to the Moon feat. Fred Willard is bound to entertain. It adds a new veneer of humor and modernity to a classic film, serving as both a tribute and an elevated twist. The cast's comedic insights and impressive improvisational abilities transform an earnest old-school film into a riveting, hilarious spectacle, proving sometimes the best way to appreciate classic content is to look at it with a fresh, humorous perspective.