Film Crew - Hollywood After Dark

Film Crew - Hollywood After Dark is a unique blend of commentary, humor, and classic cinema shared through the lens of three former Mystery Science Theater 3000 stars Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy (voice of robot Tom Servo), and Bill Corbett (voice of robot Crow T. Robot). This time, there's no space satellite or evil scientists to push the narrative. Instead, these three comedy masterminds take on the guise of typical yet witty film crew professionals.

The plot is uncomplicated, yet unconventional and entertaining: Nelson, Murphy, and Corbett play blue-collared workers forced to watch and provide humorous commentary on low-budget "B" movies. The trio, employed by a low-budget and mildly despotic film distributor, 'Bob Honcho', lends their humorous take on the films they watch throughout their day, poking fun and providing sarcastic commentary that engages and keeps viewers chuckling.

While the entire Film Crew series is enjoyable for its nonsensical humor and quick-witted satire, Hollywood After Dark holds a special place among the line-up, presenting the crew with one of the grittiest movies they've ever had to sit through. The movie in question is Hollywood After Dark from 1968, an American drama starring Rue McClanahan in her younger years, before she was known for her role on The Golden Girls. McClanahan plays a would-be actress who succumbs to dancing and turns into stripping, representing a dark and gritty side of Hollywood that is often sidelined by its glamour and glitz.

Nelson, Murphy, and Corbett's tasks here still recall their MST3K day jobs. Though they don't launch into outer space like in MST3K, their hilarious commentary on this less than spectacular film will remind you of why MST3K was, and still is, so popular. The trio’s unique and sarcastic commentary throughout the film makes it an interesting watch for those who appreciate the wit, humor, and insight often found in movie commentaries.

In addition to their commentary, there are also brief prologue and epilogue sequences where they conduct silly skits and have short discussions, giving viewers an impression of the everyday life of the film crew when they are not busy mocking bad movies. They also perform a Lunch Break during the course of each film, in Hollywood After Dark a faux-musical number titled "The Dance of a Thousand Pies," which adds even more to the fun.

Murphy, Nelson, and Corbett’s unerring chemistry, pinpoint comic timing, and a clear sense of joy in their work marries seamlessly with the material they’ve chosen to lampoon. Despite the relatively dark storyline of the movie they are watching, they manage to lighten the mood without shying away from the unpleasant realities that the original narrative presents.

While Hollywood After Dark is essentially about a distinctively unfunny topic, the Film Crew succeeds in drawing out the unintentional humor built into the film’s B-movie production values, melodramatic performances, and occasionally absurd plot developments. If you're a fan of biting wit, offbeat humor, or had ever enjoyed the Mystery Science Theater 3000, this movie will hold immense entertainment value for you; it's essentially season 11 of MST3K in a new set of clothes!

Film Crew - Hollywood After Dark is thus more than just a movie – it's an immersive and amusing experience best shared with fellow film buffs who appreciate the art of satirical commentary and sharp humor. Despite its niche appeal, the real power of this film lies in its universal accessibility - you don't need to be a B-movie connoisseur or a film studies scholar to appreciate the humor in its concept or the satirical observations from its leading stars. You just have to be someone who enjoys watching movies with a twist and having a good laugh!