robdahlgren0506 OK, let's get real. Nobody has seen this outside of MST3K because no one else would show it. The earlier comment that this movie may have been taken out of context is ridiculous. The fact is that it is a typical low budget Centron film. However, I don't think most of the people offering reviews are being completely fair. In general, I really like this film. It points out reasons for taking industrial arts classes that I never thought of before. This is the entire point of the film, so I'd have to say mission accomplished. The acting is mediocre, but given the budget these kinds of films had to work with, it's understandable. I think the part of the coach was well cast (he looks like a Basketball coach). My main complaint about the movie is the kid's tool fetish during the opening monologue. I think that was poorly scripted, even taking budget into account. Some MST3K movies are completely unwatchable without Mike, Joe and the bots (Manos hands of fate and The Pod People come to mind). Others stand on their own (Plan 9 from outer space, The head that wouldn't die). To say that Best Brains edited for content is absurd. I'm sure things were chopped down a bit to fit in the allocated space, but I have seen several movies in both versions and have not noticed any significant difference between them.

tlseigl This has to be one of the worst educational films I've ever run across, which of course makes it perfect for Mike and the 'bots.SPOILER ALERT We open on a depressing scene, young men engaged in the futile attempt to make sturdy and efficient furniture. The focus of our story is seen sanding or polishing his latest creation ("it's for the Grand Wizard"). He then proceeds to daydream (while obviously polishing or sanding the wood down to nothing) about the professions open to him if he pursues industrial arts (all of which are equally depressing). Over the course of the film, he tries to convince his friend, a taxicab with its doors wide open, about the merits of taking IA. He cites his mentor, the stiff shop teacher, and gets backed up by the coach ("boys...hey, boys!"). In the end, Big Ears grabs our hero in an uncomfortable way, and we are left with the knowledge that Industrial Arts is the path to a dull and pointless existence.In Mike and the 'bots' hands, of course, the film transcends its crappy premise (and thus the ten-star rating). There's at least a half-dozen zingers in their commentary. This is a gem from the shorts legacy.So why study industrial arts? Because one day you might need to keep your house from sliding downhill, or to construct a desk-set for the local Klan leader. Why else?

kilgore2345 Wow! Having never taken a shop class, I am happy that I never considered it. Actually, I cannot remember anyone from High School who did take shop -- except for Sheephead in the back of the bus, but he dropped out. You would think that if you were making a filmstrip about why you should take a string of classes that offers ridicule, that you would make your spokesman some what attractive and less dweeby (I used the word spokesman, because everyone knows that girls should not take shop classes, that's why schools offer home economics). The guy with glasses is not only slightly repulsive, but definitely learned the fine art of acting from shop teacher Bow Tie. Given that the Mystery Science version was funny, this short is so out- moded that it is a hoot nonetheless.

icehole4 Ah, what is it about Centron productions that make them stink so much? This short basically tells young men that if they don't take industrial arts courses, they'll not have the tools to have a full and rewarding life. It has a LOT of bad acting, stupid plotlines and really doesn't do the job of convincing young men (note I say young men: seems that back when this was made, it wasn't all right for young women to do this.) to take industrial arts courses.