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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Have a laugh at ‘Mothra’ tonight

Dan Webster

Sometimes you want to take a movie seriously. Sometimes you just want to laugh. Tonight offers a chance at the latter when the comedy team RiffTrax presents a screening of the 1961 Japanese sci-fi thriller "Mothra."

The film, which will be screened live from the the Bellcourt Theatre in Nashville, can be seen at 8 p.m. local at two Regal Cinemas locations: the Northtown Mall 12 and at Coeur d'Alene's Riverstone Stadium 14.

RiffTrax features the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" crew of Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett. The three basically narrate the films they present, offering humorous aside — often at the movie's expense.

"Mothra" takes place on an island that previously had been used for atomic tests. When a crew of shipwreck survivors wash up on the island's shore, they discover strange inhabitants. Among them are a pair of miniature women. When a scoundrel kidnaps the women, intending to feature them in a live show, their haunting song attracts the attention of a giant moth — Mothra! — that then comes to raze Tokyo.

Even without the comic commentary, one critic described the 1961 film as "a marvelous mix of science fiction, monster movie and adventure fantasy filled with colorful characters and an unmistakable socio-political subtext."

A second screening is set for Tuesday. For more information on "Mothra" and other Fathom Events, click here.