KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Talking back to movies used to attract annoyed stares or the glare of an usher's flashlight. But now audiences in theaters, comedy clubs and even sports arenas are lining up to hear the heckles.
A generation weaned on the smart-alecky 90's cult TV show "Mystery Science Theater 3000" is embracing the movie riff as its own comedic form.
The show's creator Joel Hodgson and other cast members tour theaters with a popular live show, cracking jokes as schlocky horror and sci-fi movies play in the background.
Another group of "Mystery Science Theater" alums, the San Diego-based RiffTrax, performs live shows as well as online audio commentaries. And comedy clubs and cinemas from Kansas City to Seattle host their own sanctioned shout-fests. Some even display audience members' joking text messages onscreen.
