I love making fun of movies . . . especially absurd, horrible train-wreck embarrassments like Battlefield Earth. I was a big fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000 in the 90’s (which made fun of old sci-fi and horror movies). So when I saw that Battlefield Earth would be playing at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema with two live stand-up comedians I knew where I’d be spending my evening on September 22, 2012.
For anyone unfamiliar with Battlefield Earth, the movie was a horrific box-office disaster starring John Travolta based on the 1982 book by L. Ron Hubbard (yeah – the Scientology guy), and is arguably the worst sci-fi movie of ALL time. There is nothing redeeming about this movie . . . NOTHING. Bad script, horrible acting, bad special effects, a complete lack of continuity, cheesy scene fades, and don’t even get me started on the plot holes! You HAVE to drink to get thr
ough this movie, so beer and popcorn in hand, my husband and I eagerly attended the first ever Bust-A movie. If you have not been to the the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema you’ve been missing out! Located in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, this intimate movie theater has plush seats, great sound, and beer! The comedians (who drank scotch throughout the screening) were SteelStacks programming Manager Ryan Hill and SmartsQuest host Steven Bost. While the movie played, Ryan & Steve made remarks and jokes about everything from the ridiculous premise to the outrageous costumes and general lack of actor’s inspiration. They even had an intermission so we could get a fresh beverage (beer). Since this was the first such event there was not a huge crowd, but those in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the goofy remarks and singing (Prince songs were popular for the purple home world shots). My husband and I both had several bouts of loud laughter and knee slapping! It was a great night out and something different we both enjoyed. I’m really looking forward to the next Bust-A Movie later this fall – my vote is for Barbarella. Hope to see you there!
