Ep 8. Good Eating Habits

It's time to delve into the world of public health education films with RiffTrax Shorts season 3 episode 8, "Good Eating Habits." This episode takes us back to the days of black-and-white instructional films, where well-meaning but often misguided experts attempted to teach children how to eat healthy.

From the very beginning, it's clear that the filmmakers had a skewed idea of what "healthy" eating actually meant. We're introduced to the protagonist, a little boy with a love of desserts who is constantly told to eat his vegetables. But the vegetables in question are often unappetizing and overcooked, prompting the RiffTrax crew to deliver laughs as they poke fun at the lack of culinary skills on display.

As the film progresses, we're treated to a variety of odd eating habits, such as drinking milk alongside pizza or eating peanut butter on celery (which is summarily dismissed as "yucky"). The RiffTrax team points out the obvious - that many kids aren't going to go for these bland, unappetizing foods - and provides alternate suggestions for healthy, yet tasty snacks.

It's not just the food choices that are questionable, however. The film also stresses the importance of "good manners" at the dinner table, which includes bizarre rules like not slouching or leaning on your elbows. The RiffTrax crew is quick to point out the absurdity of these rules, subtly highlighting how these outdated societal norms have continued to pressure kids to behave in certain ways at the table.

Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising moment of the film is when the little boy sits down to eat alongside his friends in the school cafeteria. The camera pans across a table covered in cardboard trays filled with industrial-looking food, from hamburgers to tater tots. The RiffTrax team doesn't hold back as they make fun of the obviously unhealthy options that the school is serving, wryly noting that perhaps the school could take some cues from the film they're watching.

Overall, "Good Eating Habits" is a hilarious and eye-opening journey through the strange world of old-fashioned public health education. With their quick wit and sharp observations, the RiffTrax team manages to turn an outdated film into an entertaining and thought-provoking viewing experience. Whether you're a fan of classic educational videos or just enjoy a good laugh, this episode is sure to leave you satisfied.