Manos Returns / Manos: The Rise of Torgo - Late Night Double Feature

[@rassilontdavros3004]

“No explanation is offered for what happened to Mike.” The mafia got him. He knew too much.

[@kingdomkreep]

Had to look this up real quick to confirm but yes there was also a puppet musical version of manos called "Manos:The Hands of Felt". For a while though I thought that was what the sequel was going to be for some reason.

[@docette2015]

. . .Welp, given I don't think anyone actually approved of poor little Debbie's fate in the original movie, it's good to see her actress has figured out how to make a proper career out of sequels and prequels! She's clearly having WAAAY too much fun hamming it up as Manos in the prequel. XD You go girl.

[@OnDavidsBrain]

So the Master was Vandal Savage this whole time? Gotta admit I never would have called that.

[@tronmaster5704]

Not bad. I had no idea that Manos had a sequel, much less a prequel.

[@TheDUDERulez1]

I didn't know about the prequel either but I do remember seeing a kickstarter trailer for the sequel. Didn't know it actually got made though.

[@theruoc147]

Like the new voice and inflections you’ve given Clive. Just different enough to distinguish him from vanilla Linkara. Glad the pilot did well and you’ll be doing more. I love your comic reviews but it’s nice to see you stretch your comedic talents to other stuff outside of patreon reviews. Also, I loved the MST3K I pity you line.

[@inferno9714]

Wait a minute, creepy upbringing? Aging faster than normal? Goat-like legs? Holy shit, is Torgo Wilbur Whately from H. P. Lovecraft’s The Dunwich Horror?

[@davidspring4003]

Might be best not to mention Whatley

[@davidspring4003]

@Villiam Hofgaard -holds up the Silent Hill comics-

[@davidspring4003]

@Villiam Hofgaard all but Sinner's Reward. His first three Halloween series.

[@Alucard-A-La-Carte]

@@davidspring4003 "I can completely misunderstand the point of TWO beloved horror icons!" -Silent Hill comics' writers

[@davidspring4003]

@@Alucard-A-La-Carte "Silent Hill is about being loud and in your face and Lovecraft is about tentacles and nothing else, right?" -Scott Sciensen (I think is how it's spelled)

[@traxthetrashwizard]

I do love how Manos returns is a genuine attempt at making this story scary. I wish more horror flops got this type of treatment. A sincere exploration of the original story to derive new aspects, and themes is super cool.

[@ShanaReviews]

Manos the hands of fate feels like a bootleg Dunwhich Horror Torgo having a beard at a young age, plus him originally intended to be a satyr feels like they were trying to make him into Wilbur Whatley. Plus the plot of him guarding a house that contains an evil like being inside matches up, just replace Wilbur's brother with The Master and Manos with Yog-Sothoth and there you go. that said, I loved this episode and I look forward to the next Late Night Double Feature

[@oldman5247]

The sequel/prequel to the original looks like they're fun to watch if you're a big fan of the original Manos: The Hands of Fate. However just looking at these movies from a distance they don't have the same pure incompetence the original gives in droves. Plus they look more competent and more well made even if they have a low budget.

[@alexdionisos]

The incompetence is what makes the original so much fun

[@wstine79]

Torgo: "I am Torgo. I watch the house while the Linkara is away."

[@ОлегЕршов-м3с]

I am Clive. I watch horror movies while Linkara is away.

[@chwenhoou]

@@ОлегЕршов-м3с I am Viga. I chuck Beanie Babies at Linkara because he blew up my house.

[@TheKingNaesala]

Much better than the pilot! I don't know if it was the slight voice change or writing or the set change, but this feels a lot more like "Clive" than Linkara/Lewis. It felt more...upbeat? even during the critiques. Like "we're having a good time even when we're having a bad time". In a good way! Looking forward to the next episode.

[@giladpellaeon1691]

By his voice and mannerisms I keep expecting Clive Sinclair to sell me a used car. I still very much fits the review tone though especially the short "grin-pauses".

[@lorddalek]

The only way you could "replicate" the Manos look in the modern era is probably on SVHS.

[@Trevin_Taylor]

They have filters that do it now. Like how you can add a sepia filter to a picture to make it look like an “old west” picture.

[@Clay3613]

But it's been released in HD now.

[@Trevin_Taylor]

@@Clay3613 which you could put a filter on...

[@lorddalek]

@@Trevin_Taylor There's a degree on grunge in the crappy 16mm stock they shot Manos on that no filter can accurately replicate.

[@HouseOfHjonk]

I would totally be on board for an 80s style SOV sequel to Manos, all told. It seems like it would be appropriate.

[@PapaTaurean]

Fried chicken and ice cream?!? Torgo is going to have a heart attack on top of all the stuff the cult is doing to him!! Also... This is awesome!! More Late Night Double Feature please!!!

[@alexdionisos]

The MASttEr DoeS nOT ApproVe of HEart ATTacks

[@7Seraphem7]

Comments for the Comment Gods! Engagement for the Algorithm throne! Also, liking the changes, glad this is working out and shaping up nicely.

[@davidesterley3163]

Don't get me wrong, I love the comic reviews but when movies are reviewed, it is just as fun and silly

[@luisgusta]

"And the reason we're here tonight." This is true in some many levels, considering how much the whole internet reviewer thing was inspired by Mystery Science Theater 3000.

[@FleshPrisonJanitor]

The framerate stuttering gag was very clever and it really made me laugh. Jpeg dimension got a good laugh from me too. I've been having a rough week, and this has been a nice escape. Thank you.

[@AxelHunterTwitch]

The "stabbing, slashing" part of the theme always makes me think of some musical hook and I can't think of it and it always drives me crazy, lol. It's a really great theme!

[@Canadamus_Prime]

Another problem I see with The Rise of Torgo, aside from the fact that we didn't need a backstory for Torgo even as a parody, is that they filmed the scenes around the Master's enclave (where he and the wives hibernated) during the day. One of the, presumably unintentional, strengths of the original is that the scenes in this area were filmed at night which, combined with the limitations of the equipment, made the area seem like it was in some kind of other dimensional void which added to the creepyness. At least to me anyway.

[@billuraral1870]

Torgo having a beard as a kid might be a homage to "The Dunwich Horror" by Lovecraft where the monster kid grew up super fast, expect he had the excuse of being half Eildrich abomination

[@davidrust3169]

The original "Manos" looked like the whole thing had been shot through a grimy windshield.

[@janicechristinedenton0451]

Thanks for this, Linkara. Manos Returns is a film I love but you have to get into the right mindframe for it - but if you can? It's so much fun.

[@jasonjimerson7046]

The Torgo theme is ICONIC!!!

[@whitefox411-gamer7]

16:59 "And developed a beard ... that persisted into adulthood." as opposed to those adolescent beards that fall out at age 20.

[@mikethegrunty5968]

I really dig that theme song. Kinda has a Voltaire vibe. I dig it

[@thanatos_razl]

I got the same feeling

[@LaNoLaCola]

Late night double feature is back, bay bay! And with a MST3K icon AND its sequel?! Good show!

[@HouseOfHjonk]

I really dug this second episode! I liked Clive in the pilot and I still like him; there's enough in tone and attitude to differentiate him from your regular persona, and he has an energy to him that carries things. I really appreciated that there seemed to be much more focus on discussion about the two films rather than just summarizing; it made the episode a lot more engaging. In all truth I kind of want to see "Manos Returns" after hearing your thoughts on it; you made it sound like the kind of flawed go-for-broke indie projects I go for!

[@BronzeBoy520]

Glad to see you fixed the voice and made it more distinct and less... just your voice but slightly booming. Also giving the host a rather snarky and more meaniah personality giving him a difference from your character Linkara. Also comparing the two films was also my second problem with the format because it seemed like you just chose two films that were similar but didn’t actually compare the themes to it and see how they used a very similar premise but in a different way. All in all, massive improvement on a format I did like from the first episode. Glad to see future episodes!

[@mathieuleader8601]

sounds like Troy McClure

[@AT4W]

Troy McClure was definitely what I was going for. =)

[@AT4W]

Comparisons won't be an AUTOMATIC thing, I admit - it's just when you have two movies released so close together for the same... well, I was going to say "Franchise," but this is Manos we're talking about... SERIES, we'll say - comparisons are bound to happen.

[@BronzeBoy520]

@@AT4W “Hi I’m Linkara, you may know me from such films as Linkara the movie... and that’s it.”

[@HiMyNameIsLeo]

the way you walk through the plot and analyze things makes this feel like your history of power rangers videos, at least to me

[@TindraSan]

Torgo in 'The Rise of Torgo' reminds me of Dale from Tucker and Dale vs Evil

[@FNGLHR]

You know these are good fun and it's nice to see some relatively unknown horror films get a bit of a spotlight. I do hope you'll continue doing these, Lewis. They're certainly a nice way to break up the format a little.

[@ConnorNotyerbidness]

Ok seriously...of ALL THE FILMS to choose...you do....THIS? i approve.

[@kaicreech7336]

How does a camera that only films 32 seconds at a time hold on shots for to long?

[@AT4W]

Someone says a line, and they just leave it lingering for a few seconds before a reply... assuming any reply is given.

[@ConnorNotyerbidness]

Maybe the director heard that you can create a feeling of unease by holding on a shot but didnt understand that it has to be an already creepy shot

[@locuas5601]

scenes are often far shorter than 32 seconds. depending on the scene, the shot can be done in 10 seconds, sometimes less. Then there is the editing process, shortening scenes to make them flow better.

[@TF2Fan101]

@@AT4W Uh... Line?

[@Rhomega]

"DO SOMETHING!"

[@rodrolliv]

So Manos is a franchise... the more you know

[@Kodaigon72]

I know it sounds weird, but I’d love to see Torgo have a character arc where he escapes the abuse of the cult. I know it can be done because of the way he was developed in the sequel.

[@jontandy3537]

This was a really interesting way to examine the film’s sequels and prequels! I think having the two features match up more (maybe not in subject but) in interesting ways would be interesting from a comparison perspective. Either way keep up the wonderful work.

[@zexalbrony4799]

Not too bad, I like how you're giving Clive more of his own personality. I'm still not too big of a horror fan, but this is entertaining enough so I'll stick with it for another episode or 2 to see how things go, before deciding if I'll just skip these videos like how I do with most of Moartie's videos unless they involve something I'm into like Marvel or DC, Marvel Zombies was pretty fun.

[@Nr4747]

Wait . . . I'm used to highschool students potrayed in the U.S. by actors in their late 20s - but why do these "college students" look like they're in their mid to late 30s ? Was nobody younger available to play them - were they all busy playing highschoolers ?

[@SudrianTales]

Obviously they had to work dead end jobs for years just to pay for college. Its in the background material duh! This is sarcasm

[@danmenard6917]

Dude, you can go to college at almost any age post-high school. There are people in my Personal Support Worker program that are in their 40s and 50s.

[@Nr4747]

@@danmenard6917 Certainly, but the words "group of college students" or "group of highschoolers" does still conjure up a particular age bracket because the vast majority of people in those groups happen to be around a certain age.

[@Animalfriend777]

Last episode got me to check out I bury the Living, so look forward to more episodes of this show!

[@camerongrow6426]

Still love this show's theme song with a burning passion

[@JebWCManning]

I really liked this. I like the feel of it, the aesthetic, and a bit more of the personality you're fleshing out for Clive. I especially like you flipping the lens of the glasses for each movie. I'd definitely like to see more. I think my only issue is the voice and kinda sorta the inflections. I think it's a good idea to do a different voice to differentiate from the regular, vanilla Linkara, but this sounds a bit too much like a news reporter voice to me. Which I'm assuming is probably not what you're going for. Maybe a bit more laid back voice or like a lounge singer or something? Despite that one little nitpick, I still love the show and I can't wait to see more.

[@silentpaw]

I'm a huge fan of Manos: The Hands of Fate. One of the best MST3K episodes ever. I had no idea there were 2 Sequels!

[@paulyates3865]

This is one my my favorite series you've done

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

Great series hope there's more.

[@TheMadwomen]

I love this series already! I'm a sucker for the aesthetics of old drive-in theaters, and this is great!

[@memyopinionsche6610]

MANOS you can check out anytime you like. But you can never leave.

[@Rixec2]

Fascinating premise, and I do wonder how a modern fully budget remake would go. Hope that one mentioned comes about. And hope they make use of how the music went in the sequel, as Torgo's theme was very good and creepy.

[@charleshalloran8006]

Very much enjoying the style and format of these amazing reviews.

[@wilsonkierankitsune]

I heard these were being made when Cinematic Excrement reviewed the original, but I thought they petered out and vanished. Fun to know they're out there

[@BrandonCroker]

The master will be pleased.

[@therealmanos]

I clicked on this one so fast! As a big fan of Mst3k and Manos, it was exciting to hear you talk about them. I agree with you about Manos Returns, it's not perfect but I enjoyed the hell outta it.

[@somik-i3x]

I love the theme for the new shows. Great episode.

[@KertaDrake]

It really is amazing that with a camera like that they managed to make every scene drag on too long...

[@noahsatern8274]

Great episode. I look forward to more episodes. The master approves of late night double feature

[@DanBrizuela]

Really liked the first episode, but this was a huge improvement. Wanna see more.

[@tmwilligar]

This is perfect. Clive is a distinct character now and I love it

[@Xueria]

Man, I love this new show. I'm definitely glad to see it wasn't just a one off experiment.

[@RenjiAbarai777]

WooHoo! I've been looking forward to when we'd finally get Episode 2 of LNDF!

[@TheSecondOpinion11]

I gave these both the pendantic skim-watch and decided that was enough. ("Rise" was playing like a too-clever-by-half student film and "Returns" like a Witchcraft sequel.) But I could be convinced that Manos Returns offers good times to be had, if you're willing to sit and let it go to work a little more, especially after finding out what it's building towards.

[@1rhpsfan]

The haunting Torgo Theme also is heard (al-be it briefly) in "Paranormal Activity".

[@crystalenby3741]

It’s taken some getting used to but I like it. It helps your vibe and demeanor is perfection. It’s very Hagan-y and I think you and her both do a good job when covering movies that some would just ignore as bad or mock and deride.

[@thelionbenc]

Very well done. I would love to see you do more like this where you look at the sequels and prequels to movies that may have slipped through the cracks, like the Blob 2. Now would this be only horror or would you do Sci-fi or fantasy as well?

[@AT4W]

Focusing pretty much on horror for the time being, but sci-fi/fantasy horror would certainly fit the bill. =)

[@thelionbenc]

@@AT4W That is awesome. I have a suggestion of a movie to watch for this. "Day of the Triffids" is a movie about killer plants that I absolutely love and think even without the show it would be right up your alley.

[@TraineeHero]

Is Clive going to be joining the plot stuff? He could fight the forces of evil with that snazzy tie of his!

[@MutaScale]

Enjoyed seeing these sequels and prequels to Manos, great job! If I can give a small suggestion for stuff to put on your walls, if you can get your hands on the "Window Box" DVD and Blu Ray releases of certain horror films from Arrow Video (Most of which are Region 2/B, though some are region free), they all come with mini-posters with one side having the theatrical poster art and the other side having newly done art done for their covers), bit pricey, especially with overseas shipping and rarity, but they're pretty cool, especially the "Dawn of The Dead", "Day of The Dead" and "Deep Red" releases.

[@MotownFan1962]

19:27 - Speaking of SNL, I feel like Alex Moffatt would make an amazing Torgo.

[@ninakrishnamurthy6674]

Gotta say, I'm really liking this series so far. The first episode intrigued me enough that I actually checked out both of the movies you discussed, and I quite enjoyed them (FWIW, I preferred The Autopsy of Jane Doe). I like the comparison format, and I like how you gave each film it's own chance to shine (or not) without outright stating your preference. I admit, I'm not sure what to make of the Clive character, but given that this is only the second episode, I suppose I should just give you time to figure out his personality. Anyway, sorry for the long comment. Keep up the good work. :)

[@ninakrishnamurthy6674]

Also, I absolutely LOVE the theme song.

[@Gojiragon]

Very good! Good updates and freat choices for the movies (I hope for a serious remake of Manos one day (yes really), I do see potential if done right), though still a little lacking in the character department, though it's better than before. Like... for example, Moarte is a very eccentric Ghoul who delights in the macabre. He loves the horror minutia, death and supernatural spookiness. We know what Moarte likes. Here, good job on the voice, but maybe a better indication of how Clive Sinclair reacts to certain things and what he likes and dislikes. Maybe he ADORES pizza. Maybe he loves horror stories over everything else. maybe he could act all chill and suave even when something gross is happening, even when it should terrify someone as ordinary as him, indicating a darker more terrifying soul Overall still enjoyed the episode! Great job and good on the improvements! Just a bit more... character. I want to know Sinclair more.

[@OmegaX9]

With all that glitching, I can’t help but wonder if Manos is related to a certain entity. Clive, maybe you should ask Linkara about that...

[@bryedtan]

5:45 Oh so the group or Manos' place is in Canada. (Most use of First Nation is in Canada rather than the US)

[@cassie6146]

I kind of want a blanket or rain poncho styled like Manos's cloak. Or a spatula that looks like Torgo's hand staff.

[@ScarletWidow]

Clive: It's just after midnight somewhere... Looking at my cell and it's 12:01 AM

[@lsgreger2645]

I am liking this concept! Hopefully there is a Samurai Cop 2 review in the future!

[@kingfranpetty]

WOOO!! Late Night Double Feature! I like theme song and Clive.

[@SchazmenRassir]

I didn't even know these existed. Granted, I haven't even tried to research Manos, but... one could expect at least mentions of these at some point.

[@radspencer8187]

Special guest host: Dan Akroyd

[@Bobsheaux]

With MST3K returning with its THIRTEENTH SEASON (WOO!!!), I have to watch every new experiment streaming live with a fresh Torgo's pizza for dinner. I love it. lol "Every scene drags on forever..." And with the aforementioned 28-second limit on filming, that REALLY says something. 15:43 - NO!!! THE ENTITY IS BACK!!!! EVERYONE RUN!!!! "He looks just like a.... Torgo." ...What the hell does THAT mean? "...And expecting the audience to find it amusing that they're referencing the film." Oh, I didn't know that Seth MacFarlane directed this movie. Neat. lol

[@edwardjobst1]

I love it. Reminds me of “Monster vision” back in the day.

[@KH12foreve]

This makes me more pumped for The Manos Chronicles coming out next year

[@Emperor_Oshron]

so the Master was a caveman or something? okay, now i'm convinced that he's actually Vandal Savage XDDDD

[@StarPrincessHLC]

There is also a video game based on Manos. It's actually a lot of fun.

[@EvilTurtleSlash]

I was unaware of there being two films spun off from Manos. I thought you were going to take a look at Manos and a prequel. Also the new set's not too bad but I feel like it's missing some stuff like I don't know maybe more horror movie posters or one of those huge popcorn buckets or giant drink cups from movie theaters. Not a complete critique, just a couple suggestions. Overall, great episode. Looking forward to more.

[@ZC-Infinity]

Apparently, they've recently made ANOTHER Manos sequel, this time a streaming show called "The Manos Chronicles", also featuring the original Debbie.

[@GreatgoatonFire]

Manos the Hands of Felt might be worth taking a lot at.

[@CyberPhoenix001]

I wasn't really a fan of the Plan 9 remake: I'd really rather see serious remakes/follow-ups instead of ones that try to be tongue-in-cheek. I dunno; I just prefer movies that take their ideas, themes and source material seriously rather than try to play it off as a joke. I have a bunch of ideas for serious remakes of bad films in my head, including Robot Monster, The Giant Gila Monster and Teenagers From Outer Space. :) That being said, I did enjoy this episode. It's really unusual to think of something like Manos as a franchise, but that really just goes to show how even something as bad as Manos can resonate with people and inspire them to build off of it. It's kind of heartwarming, really.

[@brendakrieger7000]

Excited to see more of these📺🎬📽🎞 I'd like to recommend "Don't Look in the Basement"

[@Stephen-Fox]

Yeah. This fixes the issues I had with the pilot. Definitely looking forward to future instalments.

[@skorn8112]

I think something to improve the show is some kind of instrumental music playing over the background of when Clive reviews the movies, joe bob briggs has his country guitar and harmonica to reflect the southern nature of the last drive in. James Rolfe has that spooky instrumental for monster madness and classic versions of his avgn theme during his reviews, I think with lndf something with a groovy beat like the opening title might add to the style and help stand out from.

[@tamirshimshoni8185]

I always love it when "college kids" are played by people who are very clearly pushing forty.

[@williamgreci8219]

Another great episode, Clive. That said, I do have some notes regarding "Manos: The Rise of Torgo" 1. The odd jump-cuts and in-between frames used for depicting Manos added a bit of an odd, otherworldly feel. One that kind of helps with setting her up as an unearthly presence. Could've worked better if her depiction received the same skin recolor used for "The Master" and his "wives". 2. You mentioned Torgo's predecessor, who acted closer to Torgo in the original movie than the actor actually playing Torgo in this prequel story about how Torgo started serving Manos. Is there any evidence against the idea that said resemblance was intentional? Like, some sort of long-term behavioral change to those who serve as caretaker?

[@andreworders7305]

A deity named hands

[@AJTaiyou]

The new set is nice, especially since the Longbox set took a bit to finalise, will definitely need to wait and see if Clive and Moarte are going to be in universe horror rivals (or any of the other stuff I theorised in my last comment) the voice sharing thing from last episode is still there, but it's less of an issue this episode than it was prior, and I do wonder what the eventual lore of Clive is going to be, outside of the guy that helped bankroll the last minute move to the new house.

[@SupremeThunder]

The 'vintage' styling (vaguely the 40ies and 50ies, I guess?) in Manos: The Rise of Torgo makes my face do weird expressions

[@gtsgreatteacherscathach5550]

The Original Haunting Torgo theme may sound silly but at least its not ridiculous as The Pumaman's goofy theme.

[@breawycker]

It's 12:03 AM here so perfect timing

[@mightyfilm]

I agree. That guy looks far more like a Jolly Farmer Jim selling you some corn and apples than Torgo.

[@pieceofschmidtgamer]

"Late Night Double Feature..." Me: *watches it at 10am*

[@MrAlman8]

Hey linkara, so for feed back I have Clive wearing a blue outfit as well as red when switching with the 3D glasses. & IF possible both.

[@the4thwallkid132]

This will be as big as a battleship!

[@Kodaigon72]

Your Alastor cosplay is amazing 😍😍😍