How often does the government supply you with information you really need?  If you’re like me, not often.  So I was thrilled to find this educational film that taught me something I could use in my daily life, and I bet you could use it as well. Let’s say you killed a hobo on a back road… Mimicking the ‘50s-era style that made us all want to duck and cover, The Three R’s introduces us to four happy co-eds (and a disgruntled little sister, obviously in even more need of a man to complete her than her sibling).  They are on their way to a beach party where they can socialize, drink, and meet a man.  But a moment of carelessness leads to one dead hobo.  As average youthful citizens, they panic, but with a shout, our omniscient narrator puts an end to that. “Hey, calm down, this isn’t the end of the world, and you can still make it to your beach party in time.” Yes, all they need is to remember the three R’s:

1. Rationalize!!
2. Resourceful!!
3. Remain (calm)!!

Faux info videos and their close cousins, “found footage” videos are everywhere on the Net.  They are cheap to make since they don’t require a modern professional look, so every Tom, Dick, and Harry has given it a shot.  Most are painfully bad as the makers have lacked the one W: Writing (talent).  Nathan Voltz, along with co-writers Chris Hobbi and Joseph McCain (who also appear in front of the camera as Rick and Andy, two of the clueless murderers) don’t have that problem.  The script is tight, consistently funny and biting from time to time.  The gags come quick, and are never throwaway. The Three R’s is supposed to look old and damaged.  The YouTube version adds grain and artifacts that are go way beyond what is effective, but for a film like this, it doesn’t take away too much of the fun. Watch it with a few friends, and keep in mind, communism has no place here.