RiffTrax Shorts Season 20 Episode 7 What Makes Things Float?

In this episode of RiffTrax Shorts, the gang takes on the topic of buoyancy in the educational short film, "What Makes Things Float?" Produced in the 1960s, this black and white film features a young boy named Jimmy who is curious about why objects either sink or float in water. Throughout the short, Jimmy conducts a series of experiments with the help of his mentor, Dr. Science.

As with all RiffTrax episodes, it's the commentary from the guys that really steals the show. They poke fun at the outdated nature of the film, with jokes about the hairstyles and clothing of the characters and the low-budget special effects used to demonstrate buoyancy. They also riff on the overly dramatic narration and the overly serious tone of the characters.

But the real highlight of this episode is the way the gang breaks down the science of buoyancy. They explain the concept in terms that are easy to understand, but never talk down to the audience. They use humor and silly analogies to make the information stick, and even those who think they have a firm grasp on the concept will likely learn a thing or two.

Throughout the episode, the gang also takes time to draw attention to some of the more obscure jokes and references that may go over viewers' heads. They point out interesting little details in the film, such as a background character who looks remarkably like Albert Einstein. This attention to detail and willingness to delve into the minutiae of the film is what sets RiffTrax apart from other comedy commentary series.

Despite the educational nature of the short, there are plenty of comedic moments to be found in "What Makes Things Float?" The guys make fun of the stodgy teaching style of Dr. Science, the absurdly complicated experiments that Jimmy conducts, and the way that the filmmakers seem to take themselves far too seriously. But even as they poke fun at these elements, they never lose sight of the fact that the information being presented is genuinely interesting and important.

By the end of the episode, viewers will have a new appreciation for the principles of buoyancy, and will likely have laughed a fair bit along the way. As with all episodes of RiffTrax Shorts, "What Makes Things Float?" is a fun and informative watch, perfect for those who love comedy, science, or both.