RiffTrax: Future Force

In the 2012 film, RiffTrax: Future Force, acclaimed comedic commentators Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy, and Michael J. Nelson unite their comedic prowess to provide a humorous take on the iconic late ’80s film, Future Force. The names of Corbett, Murphy, and Nelson are instantly familiar to comedy fans as the minds behind Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K). Valken - the production company behind the Future Force film - had a well-deserved reputation for producing spectacular B-movies, with Future Force standing out as one of the company’s most memorably hilarious productions.

The combination of MST3K’s ex-alumni and Future Force's unintentional humor create a unique, laugh-out-loud parody experience that is RiffTrax: Future Force. The creation of RiffTrax as a platform allows this comedic dream team to roam free, dishing out no-holds-barred mockery of the best and worst of cinema's back catalog.

Future Force, the subject of this comedic commentary, revolves around the story of John Tucker, a renegade cop in a dystopic, post-apocalyptic future where the police force has been privatized and society is in the grips of complex political, social, and economic struggles. David Carradine, a familiar face in the world of B-movies, portrays John Tucker with an oddball mix of seriousness and absurdity that is characteristic of many of Valken's productions. The character of Tucker, complete with his power glove and vigilante ethos, gives the team plenty of material to work with.

RiffTrax: Future Force builds its comedy on the original film's almost grotesque display of over-the-top dramatics, bizarre plot devices, and a motley assortment of peculiar characters. Corbett, Murphy, and Nelson use their razor-sharp wit to overlay the film's already amusing content with a continuous stream of hilarious commentary. With expertise born from their previous roles on MST3K, the trio transform what could be overlooked or forgotten scenes into moments of comedic gold.

Bill Corbett, well-known as the witty voice behind MST3K's Crow T. Robot, brings his sharp intellect and precise comedic timing to this feature. Kevin Murphy, the lovable performer who was Tom Servo on MST3K, provides his signature style, mixing intellectual humor with an everyman's topical sensibility. And last but not least, Michael J. Nelson ties everything together. As the head writer and third host of MST3K, he is a stellar force in comedy, creating a seamless narrative that harmonizes with the comedy of Corbett and Murphy.

The unpretentious joy of RiffTrax: Future Force is that it reminds us of those late-night talks with friends where you all decided to watch a ridiculous movie and spent the entire runtime laughing about its absurdities. Corbett, Murphy, and Nelson have found a way to capture this experience and present it in a way that everyone can enjoy.

Fans of MST3K will find plenty to love in RiffTrax: Future Force. The punishing humor, sarcastic commentary, and overall fun ambiance feel very similar, even with a different format. However, you don't have to be an MST3K fan to appreciate the film's wit. From audacious fashion choices to dramatic plot twists, RiffTrax: Future Force gives you an appreciation of the sheer fun that can be found in B-movies when they become the subject of hilarious mockery.

Don't be discouraged if sci-fi action flicks aren't your thing. The true star of this film isn't the original narrative, nor is it the overdone effects, or cheesy dialogue, it's the constant commentary, the playful jabs at the film's expense, and the transformative energy that Corbett, Murphy, and Nelson bring to the experience. RiffTrax: Future Force is, at its heart, just really good fun made by people who genuinely love what they do: making us laugh. They find joy in the mundane, humor in the melodramatic, and share it with us all. It's this spirit of fun and friendship that makes RiffTrax: Future Force an unforgettably entertaining experience.