A Bucket of Blood

Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece of dark comedy!
Review: This 1958 film was one of director Roger Corman's famous "quickies" that he produced and directed in a matter of days. It is far superior to his the more well-known "Little Shop of Horrors." This witty and darkly humorous tragi-comedy tells the tale of nebbish Walter Paisley and his desire to be loved and admired by the coffeehouse patrons he busses. A witty and sardonic look at the late 50's beatnik era, it views like an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents as directed by the Brothers Coen! Daydreaming, sexually frustrated Walter isn't about to let a lack of talent stand in his way of becoming a renowned artist and a series of horrible accidents points the way to success... Also notable for introducing veteran character actor Dick Miller in his first lead role. Highly recommended for fans of offbeat films! END

Rating:
Summary: A must for all Corman fans.
Review: This is a fairly predictable film, but still fun to watch. Dick Miller (long time Corman regular) gives a great performance as the demented artist who makes sculptures that are just a little too realistic. The cat in the wall scene is really a work of Corman magic!!!

Rating:
Summary: A genius film on a no-frills DVD
Review: This is not only a masterpiece of low-budget comedy and one of the most quotable movies ever, it's also one of the more accurate depictions of futile would-be artists and hypocritical "sophisicated people" I've seen in mass media. Dick Miller was never better than in his role as Walter Paisley, an endearingly horrible mass of thwarted ambition and cringing tics. So the DVD is worth buying on the merits of the movie, but don't expect any extras. The box claims that the original theatrical trailer is included,but if that's the case, I don't know how you'd actually see it--it's not accessible from the menu, and doesn't play automatically after the feature.

Rating:
Summary: American International strikes again
Review: This is ok as a drive in movie and that is about it. I did like the beatnik atmosphere, the nerdy performance by the lead actor, and the sarcastic portrayal of this phony art crowd but the film is basically a one idea, three set movie that could only work as the second film on a double bill. When American International had a wildly exploitive script (like the superior "Wild in the streets"), they could do some interesting films but most of their output was kitsch or schlock. This is in the latter category.

Rating:
Summary: American International strikes again
Review: This is ok as a drive in movie and that is about it. I did like the beatnik atmosphere, the nerdy performance by the lead actor, and the sarcastic portrayal of this phony art crowd but the film is basically a one idea, three set movie that could only work as the second film on a double bill. When American International had a wildly exploitive script (like the superior "Wild in the streets"), they could do some interesting films but most of their output was kitsch or schlock. This is in the latter category.