MST3K: The Dead Talk Back is a movie that takes the audience on a journey through horror and sci-fi in classic Mystery Science Theater 3000 style. The movie was directed by Merle S. Gould and released in 1993. MST3K: The Dead Talk Back is a retelling of a 1957 film called The Invisible Avenger. The film follows Dr. Roebuck (Art Millan), an inventor and scientist who has recently created a device that can communicate with the dead. After a demonstration goes awry, his assistant Dr. Lang (Frank Janson) accidentally dies, and Roebuck is so devastated by this loss that he decides to use his invention to try and contact Langâs spirit from beyond the grave.
As Roebuck and his assistant Dick (Bryan Beaulieu) work to iron out the kinks in their communication device, they end up reaching out to the wrong spirit - that of a murderer named Valcour (John McKay) who was executed for killing a man and his wife. Valcour quickly realizes that Roebuck's device has the potential to render him invisible - this allows him to seek out and kill the people who helped convict him of his crimes, including the judge and jury members.
The MST3K: The Dead Talk Back version of the film is heavily edited and interspersed with humorous commentary from the MST3K crew, which includes Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett. The crew offers hilarious quips and musings as the story unfolds, effectively turning the movie into a comedy-horror hybrid.
The riffing is one of the defining features of any MST3K episode, and in The Dead Talk Back, it shines. The jokes are fast and funny, and the castâs delivery is spot-on. The chemistry between the three commentators is evident in every scene, and their witty banter adds an incredible amount of humor to the already absurd plot.
The set design and special effects in the film are nothing to write home about - it's clear that this movie was made on a tight budget. There's a distinct "B movie" quality to the whole affair, but that's part of the charm. The visuals may be less than impressive, but the movie's central concept is intriguing enough to keep things interesting.
The film's tone and pacing are also a bit uneven. At times, it seems to take the story seriously, with long stretches of dialogue and plot development that are completely devoid of humor. Then, just when things start to get a bit tedious, the MST3K crew jumps in with a hilarious riff or a silly sight gag that jolts the viewer and keeps them engaged.
Overall, MST3K: The Dead Talk Back is a classic example of the type of films that the MST3K crew loves to riff on - low-budget, schlocky horror films that are ripe for riffing. The central concept of a machine that can communicate with the dead is intriguing, and the central villain is suitably creepy.
Fans of classic B-movies and MST3K aficionados should definitely give The Dead Talk Back a look - it's a prime example of the type of humor that made the series so beloved. The movie may not be the most polished or well-made flick out there, but with the help of the MST3K crew, it's a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.
MST3K: The Dead Talk Back is a science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
