Look around you... The world is an hilarious place, and there's no better way to confirm that fact than by watching low-budget educational films. If your middle school experience was anything like mine, then you'll remember the intense rush of joy that you felt when you arrived at class to find a TV cart set up at the front of the room. Maybe some of you were excited about the chance to catch up on sleep or pass notes or whatever, but I watched those damn things with a passion, noting every flubbed line, analog-synth-driven soundtrack, and polyester-filled wardrobe like they were keys to a parallel universe.

Thanks to the Internet Archive's AV Geeks collection of films, I've recently rekindled my love affair with the genre and with last night's premiere of Look Around You on BBC America, I've been catapulted directly into geek/kitsch heaven! The series parodies 70s/80s science films and nails the look and tone of these series with such astonishing accuracy that it made my big, comfy couch feel like a cramped uncomfortable desk (with the chair attached). With this show, Coupling, and Trailer Park Boys, BBCA is fast on its way to becoming my favorite network! (Sorry Cartoon Network, it's nothing personal... =)
posted by idontlikewords on Dec 3, 2004 - 30 comments