Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Theater of Blood ****

In a modern twist on Phantom of the Opera, Vincent Price plays a Shakespearian thespian who returns from the dead to kill the critics who humiliated him.

Overall, it's pretty much an attempt to mine the The Abominable Dr. Phibes formula all over again, with Price's mad actor knocking off the critics in gruesome ways (this time inspired by Shakespeare plays), and staying one step ahead of the police. Truth to tell, it can get pretty contrived in spots, but overall, it's one of Price's best b-movies, rivaling The Abominable Dr. Phibes itself, primarily because it plays to Price's persona - the role actually requires a hammy performance, and that is something Price can provide in spades.

Definitely recommended for genre film fans in general, and Vincent Price fans in particular if for no other reason than to see Price take such glee in answering his critics through the role.

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