Byron Brubaker (hypathio7)

Entertaining and informative. I loved all the clips from Corman's works, yet he is so prolific that this still only scratches the surface. It is interesting that the makers of this doc included quotes from those who have worked with Corman saying that the Academy doesn't award the sort of movies he makes (even though they are extremely popular) and then during the making of this doc Corman was honored with the lifetime achievement Oscar in 2009. The man has had a major influence in giving so many actors, writers and directors their start in Hollywood. It is obvious that all the stars who speak about their start in Corman's pictures love him. In a surprisingly heartfelt moment Jack Nicholson is even brought to tears. Corman has produced independently for decades, distributed several foreign language Oscar winners, and had to reinvent his company a number of times when drive-ins began disappearing, home video took over the market, and big budget blockbusters stole the type of genre flicks in which he used to specialize. Important for getting a fuller view of filmmaking history!

Campy low budget fare that comes as no surprise from Corman. This one lacks even the subtext that some of Corman's later pictures could contain. Only a couple of the buxom actresses show any subtlety or range when in more intimate scenes. All the actors and actresses, the blonds and the brunettes, are at turns bland or histrionic. Nothing makes you feel like you are really there in that barbaric world of fantasy.