RiffTrax: The Hideous Sun Demon

In the comedy film RiffTrax: The Hideous Sun Demon, Michael J. Nelson and Kevin Murphy add their distasteful but hilarious commentary to the obscure 1959 science fiction horror film "The Hideous Sun Demon". The film is the product of RiffTrax, a company formed post "Mystery Science Theater 3000" (MST3K) days by MST3K alumni Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett. RiffTrax lends their signature humorous commentary to a variety of films, this time taking on the obscurity of this independent sun-drenched nightmare.

The film centers on Dr. Gilbert McKenna, a scientist who after being accidentally exposed to radiation from a variety of unknown origin, finds himself morphing into a gruesome, reptile-like creature – the 'sun demon' - whenever he's exposed to sunlight. The plot is a perfect blend of ‘50s sci-fi tropes and horrific encounters, serving up a palette of hubris, scientific experimentation gone wrong, and a tortured protagonist locked in a terrible condition beyond his control.

Central to the plot of RiffTrax: The Hideous Sun Demon is the concept of ironic punishment: a man of science being turned into a prehistoric creature due to his own failed experiment. It's a narrative device that was so common in 1950s science fiction that it borders on cliché, providing all the more fodder for the biting humorous commentary provided by Nelson and Murphy.

Michael J. Nelson and Kevin Murphy lend their recognizable voices to this obscure monster flick. Their humor ranges from bitwise satire, absurd observations, and sly pop culture references, all intertwined with the movie, making it an uncommon viewing experience. Their deliberate overblown seriousness perfectly contrasts with the film's B-movie quality, creating an engaging narrative that can only be described as "laughably scary".

The film offers up a platform for the typical RiffTrax treatment, consisting of the movie playing in real-time, with running non-stop commentary by Nelson and Murphy, comically tearing apart the dialogue, action sequences and special effects. But beyond the jesting, RiffTrax tends to celebrate these lesser-known, often kooky films, paying them homage in their unique way.

It's important to note that while the movie is replete with jokes, it does respect the nature of its source material. The creators clearly have a great affection for B-movies and their oddities, never adopting an air of superiority or disdain for the material they’re riffing. Instead, they tease out the more ludicrous elements of the film, highlighting the outlandish plotlines, over-the-top character interactions and the often-questionable special effects through sharp commentary and jest.

RiffTrax: The Hideous Sun Demon is everything you'd expect from a RiffTrax production. A bizarre movie, made hilarious by the talent who aren't just there to make fun of it, but also to appreciate its peculiar presence in the world of cinema. Despite the ridicule that forms the backbone of their commentary, the creators never shy away from expressing their love and passion for these types of films.

In conclusion, RiffTrax: The Hideous Sun Demon is a 1950’s nightmare turned into a comedic delight, all thanks to the idiosyncratic style of comedy that RiffTrax has mastered. It serves as both a nostalgic throwback to the sci-fi cinema of the bygone era and a testament to the joys of well-executed satirical commentary. For fans of honest, unashamed humor and avid lovers of campy retro horror and those who have a fondness for ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ cinema, this movie is a gem that would make a worthy addition to their collection. Under the guidance of Michael J. Nelson and Kevin Murphy, the traditional B-movie ‘The Hideous Sun Demon’ transcends its own limitations, revealing the hidden comedy and charm beneath its absurdity.