We waited in line for about an hour in the freezing cold. The line wrapped around an old dilapidated theater that looks like it should have been condemned years ago. The line was populated with people dressed as characters from the film and if you have ever seen the movie you can imagine what a sight that was.
If you haven't seen the movie allow me to attempt to summarize it. Two virginal newlyweds get stranded roadside and make their way to a castle in the woods in an attempt to get help. To their surprise the master of the house is a flaming transvestite mad scientist in drag creating male lovers to fulfill his sexual desires. There seems to be a party going on consisting of bizarre onlookers and perverts. The party is seemingly to celebrate his (Dr. Frank N Furter) newest creation "Rocky", a muscle bound Aryen dream that is replacing his past creation "Eddie" played as a cryogenicly frozen rock star by Meatloaf. Did I mention that the house is a space ship and that the inhabitants are aliens? Did I mention that it is a musical? Sound like a cult classic huh?
Needless to say the movie sucks. Tim Curry is brilliant as the good Dr. and the music is cheesy and insane but definitely catchy. The most recognizable of the songs is "Let's do the Time Warp Again". What really makes showings of Rocky Horror famous is an entire second script that is yelled out by the viewers. Along with shouting at the screen those in attendance are encouraged to use props to enhance the experience. Things like rice, toilet paper, flashlights, news paper, noise makers, and toast are all part of the fun. It is different than the Lebowskifest in a big way though. While watching The Big Lebowski with a group of "Achievers", it is common place to shout out lines from the movie. In RHPS participants shout out and entirely different script. Also Lebowski is a lighter, laid back atmoshpere. Rocky Horror is a sex filled seemingly angry crowd. Many of the things shouted during RHPS are insulting to the characters.
This was my second venture to a RHPS viewing. I have to say that the first time was better. It was in a much nicer theater. Most of the people there didn't know all the alternate lines so when they shouted the lines out it was more clear. At this viewing everyone was yelling different things at different times. It was very difficult to understand the dialogue. The building was filled with a loud white noise.
The cool thing about this viewing was that there was a local acting troupe actually performing the film below the screen. I was in the back of the room and couldn't see or hear if they were reciting lines or not, but they had the pantomime down pat. It was very cool to watch.
Ranking this movie is somewhat irrelevant. People don't go to Rocky Horror to see a great movie. They go for the experience. The movie is a 2/5 stars. This experience is one that I will remember for years to come. Check out the link below for a trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHNFkqPFBko
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