The journey of horror in cinema has carved its path through the hearts of audiences for over a century, evolving from ground-breaking classics to modern thrillers that keep us at the edge of our seats. Classic horror movies, with their chilling narratives and iconic villains, not only frighten but also captivate, making them unforgettable experiences that linger long after the credits roll.
Diving into ‘A Bucket of Blood’, ‘Teen Wolf Too’, and ‘Natural Born Killers’, this article explores the diverse facets of horror and satire, from its early satirical horror to the thrilling depths of psychological terror. Each film showcases unique storytelling that has significantly contributed to the horror genre, reflecting the cultural and societal shifts that influence audience preferences over time.
A Bucket of Blood (1956) – A Satirical Horror
Dive into the quirky depths of “A Bucket of Blood” (1959), a film that spins a web of dark humor around the unsuspecting Walter Paisley, played by the charismatic Dick Miller. Here’s the lowdown:
- Title & Crew: Directed by Roger Corman and penned by Charles B. Griffith, this satirical horror flick was a product of Alta Vista Productions, showcasing the talents of actors like Barboura Morris and Antony Carbone among others.
- The Plot Thickens: Imagine being a busboy turned overnight sensation in the art world, all because you accidentally turned your landlady’s cat into a “sculpture.” As bizarre as it sounds, Walter’s journey from obscurity to fame takes a dark turn as he delves into serial murder to maintain his newfound status.
- Why It Stands Out: Shot in just five days on a shoestring budget of $50,000, the film’s dramatic claustrophobia and manic energy are palpable. It’s a satirical masterpiece that critiques the art world’s pretensions and the commodification of bohemian culture, all while serving as a love letter to beatnik culture‘s frivolousness.
“A Bucket of Blood” captures the essence of classic horror movies with its unique blend of comedy, horror, and satire, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre and a fascinating case study in how constraints can fuel creativity.
Jim’s rating: 
(3.5 / 5)
Teen Wolf Too – Comedy Meets Werewolf Legend
Rolling into the scene with a howl and a half-hearted punch, “Teen Wolf Too” (1987) brings us the tale of Todd Howard, portrayed by a fresh-faced Jason Bateman. A sequel with a twist, this werewolf comedy film swaps basketball for boxing, but keeps the fur flying high. Here’s the scoop:
- Cast & Crew: Alongside Bateman, we’ve got Kim Darby as the supportive teacher, John Astin playing the fiendish dean with a plan, and James Hampton as the uncle who knows a thing or two about moonlit transformations.
- Plot: Todd’s just your average biology student, until he’s not. Discovering his werewolf lineage, he becomes the unexpected star of the college boxing team. Picture Rocky, but with more hair and less training montages.
- Cinematic Elements:
- Special Effects: A throwback to the practical magic of 80s horror/comedy, where the werewolf transformation is less CGI and more artistry.
- Soundtrack: An 80s pop and rock fest that’ll have you tapping your feet, even if the punches don’t land.
- Cinematography & Music: Jules Brenner captures the action, while Mark Goldenberg’s tunes add to the ambiance.
Despite its efforts to blend comedy and horror, the film faced critiques for its storyline and character depth, described by some as a “Bingo Night imitation of Rocky.” Yet, it’s the slapstick humor, rooted in the absurdity of werewolf woes, and the themes of self-discovery and friendship that give “Teen Wolf Too” its charm. Whether it’s a frog-fight in the biology lab or the struggle with newfound popularity, Todd’s journey is a hairy ride into the heart of 80s nostalgia.
Box gives this one a 
(2.5 / 5)
Natural Born Killers – A Controversial Gen X Cult Classic
Strap in, folks, because we’re diving headfirst into the whirlwind that is “Natural Born Killers,” a film that doesn’t just push the envelope—it shreds it. Let’s break it down:
- The Dynamic Duo: At the heart of this cinematic frenzy are Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory (Juliette Lewis), two lovebirds with a twisted idea of a romantic getaway. Their love language? A cross-country killing spree. Inspired by the real-life crimes of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate, this pair makes Bonnie and Clyde look like amateurs.
- Style Overload: Oliver Stone didn’t just make a movie; he crafted a sensory overload. The film’s editing is like a fever dream, blending various genres and media types, using bizarre visual filters that sometimes feel like you’re flipping through the world’s most disturbing scrapbook. It’s a ride that’s both disorienting and utterly captivating, mirroring the chaotic nature of modern media.
- Cultural Impact & Controversy: Oh boy, did this film stir the pot. Linked to several real-life crimes and sparking heated debates about the portrayal of violence in media, “Natural Born Killers” became a focal point for discussions on media influence and the romanticization of crime. Despite the controversy, or perhaps because of it, the film has etched its place in cinematic history, inspiring discussions around the blurred lines between reality and entertainment, and how society’s obsession with true crime can skew our perception of both.
In essence, “Natural Born Killers” is a rollercoaster ride through America’s dark fascination with crime, challenging viewers to reflect on where the line between entertainment and reality truly lies.
The Enduring Legacy of Cult Horror and Satire
Diving into the weird and wonderful world of cult classics, let’s unravel the secret sauce that makes these unconventional gems tick. It’s like they’ve got this magnetic pull, you know? Here’s a breakdown:
- Rule-Breaking Rebels: These movies don’t just step outside the box; they stomp on it. From their inception, cult films have been the cool kids that didn’t play by the rules, often missing out on the limelight initially but capturing hearts over time. It’s their boldness in defying conventions that eventually draws a dedicated fanbase.
- The Underdog Appeal:
- Rooting for the Little Guy: There’s something about cheering for the underdog that feels so right. Cult films often start off as the overlooked contenders, only to rise through the ranks thanks to their passionate fans.
- A Badge of Individuality: Loving a cult film is like wearing a secret handshake on your sleeve. It’s a nod to one’s unique taste and a proud declaration of standing out from the mainstream crowd.
- Community and Nostalgia:
- Finding Your Tribe: The community aspect is huge. Imagine finding someone else who’s also into that obscure movie you thought only you knew about. Instant besties, right?
- Blast from the Past: Nostalgia acts like a time machine, transporting fans back to the first time they discovered their cult favorite. It’s a powerful emotion that cements these films in the hearts of their audience.
In essence, cult classics thrive on their ability to connect deeply with their audience, offering a mix of nostalgia, community, and a proud sense of individuality. They remind us that sometimes, the most memorable experiences come from the most unexpected places.
Box’s rating 
(2 / 5)
Jim’s rating 
(3.6 / 5)
Conclusion
Exploring the realms of classic horror through ‘A Bucket of Blood’, ‘Teen Wolf Too’, and ‘Natural Born Killers’ has been an expedition into the heart of what makes cult classics stand the test of time. These films, with their unique narratives, defy conventional storytelling and strike a chord with their ability to connect deeply with the audience, blending horror, satire, and a dash of the macabre humor. Each movie, in its own right, mirrors the societal and cultural shifts of its era, offering more than just entertainment but a commentary on the human condition and our fascination with the darker sides of life.
The legacy of these classic horrors and satires extends beyond their immediate impact, inspiring discussions and debates on the nature of horror and the cultural significance of cult phenomena. As we reflect on the distinct contributions of each film to the genre, their enduring appeal underscores the power of innovative storytelling and the importance of challenging the status quo. For those intrigued by the thrilling dive into horror’s rich past and its satirical edges, Streamin’ Demons offers more insights and discussions on these classics. Check out the movies yourself and delve deeper into the captivating world of horror and satire that continues to enthral audiences and provoke thought.
We’ve reached the final episode of American Horror Stories, season three. After the ups and downs of the season, I didn’t know what to expect. I felt that we were due a big finish, Killer Queens. But I feared we were in for a big letdown.
As it turns out, The Thing Under The Bed was neither.
The story
We begin our story with a little girl named Mary, who is scared of something under her bed. She sneaks out of her room, only to be caught by her father and sent back to sleep. And of course, there is something horrible waiting for her under her bed.
This scene cuts away to a woman named Jillian. She has strange dreams, including one about Mary. But her husband, Mark, doesn’t want to hear about it. He’s only interested in a little lovemaking because he wants a baby. Jillian doesn’t, which makes total sense because she’s already married to one. But her irritation with her childish husband goes away when he goes away. And by goes away, I mean he’s sloppily devoured by something vicious under their bed.
What worked
In short, this episode just worked. The acting was professional and believable. The cinematography and lighting work were wonderful, adding spooky effects and startling moments without impairing visibility.
Best of all, the story was solid. There were no plotholes to be found. Our main character, Jillian, was relatable and sympathetic.
This was maybe my favorite part of the story. I thought Jillian was a remarkably sympathetic character. She was dealt a hand she never asked for, having her husband slaughtered in their bedroom. I don’t think she missed him, so much as she was afraid of the legal ramifications of being caught with literal blood on her hands.
Then, when it would have been safest for her to just lay low and save up for a good defense attorney, she instead goes into unlikely hero mode. She does her best to save people, putting herself in legal and physical danger. It’s hard not to root for her.
It’s also a little hard not to root for the antagonist, too. I don’t want to ruin the twist for you, so I’m going to tread lightly here. But it’s great when you have an antagonist who might be off their rocker, but also maybe has a point.
What didn’t work
I can only really think of one complaint with this episode. And that is how frequently one character says the word Chickadee. And if you’ve seen the episode, you know what I am talking about.
I get it, he has a pet name for his daughter. It’s adorable. It’s meant to convey that the two of them have a healthy loving relationship and I get it. We all get it. Blind monks get it. But the fact remains that no parent on Earth calls their kid by their pet name every single time they speak an individual sentence to them. It was just too damn much.
All in all, this was a good episode. It was a classic story, turned on its head, told by professionals from start to finish. And I hope that if there is another season, we see more stories like this one. But after the efforts put into this season at large, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the last we see of American Horror Stories.
(4 / 5)
If you’ve watched enough short-form horror anthology shows, you’ll notice that some stories are mainstays. Each show seems to put on the same sort of episodes, with the occasional surprising storyline that we’ve never (or at least rarely) seen before.
Leprechaun was an example of a repeated story—the story of a greedy thief whose punishment far outweighs the crime.
The story
We begin our story in 1841, with a drunk man leaving the bar one late night. He’s distracted by something glowing at the end of the well. When he reaches down for the glowing thing, he falls in. Moments later, he screams.
We then cut to the modern day. The well is still there, and now it’s surrounded by a dying town. In this town lives a young man named Colin. He’s married, his wife is pregnant, and he’s out of work. Like many of his friends.
Desperate for cash, Colin and his friends decide to rob a bank. They put together an Equate version of Ocean’s Eleven, and break in one night. But, of course, they find that the gold is nothing more than bait. And the creature waiting for them is something they never expected.
What worked
The first thing I want to point out is how real this episode felt. At least to anyone currently living in the same small town they grew up in. These characters felt like guys I went to school with. Guys I would see at the bar.
I appreciated the real anger and frustration these characters are feeling. Especially Colin. He’s bitter, and maybe he has a right to be. He did exactly what he was supposed to do to succeed. He went to school and invested in his career, and yet now he’s out of work and struggling to support his family. I probably don’t need to tell you how that feels. Because of this, we can all kind of understand why he was tempted to rob a bank.
I also want to talk about the fact that this was, as I said, an often-explored story. That can be a bad thing, but it can also be a good thing. This story is told over and over because it’s a good story. A relatable story. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
What didn’t work
That being said, this version didn’t try to do much to break out of the mold.
Because we have seen this story so many times, most of us could tell the story themselves. I would have expected something new, or some twist. But, in the end, the story didn’t bring anything new to the discussion.
Maybe because of this, the ending left a lot to be desired. Trapped in the basement of the bank, everyone just sort of stares at everyone else, until the thieves give up. And that’s it. The ending wasn’t scary, shocking, or funny. It was just sad, on multiple levels.
Overall, this was an okay story. It was entertaining, if not surprising. I would compare this episode to homemade macaroni and cheese. Everyone’s got their own version, they’re all pretty good, and none of them are exciting.
There’s just one episode left in this season of American Horror Stories. Let’s hope they’ve saved the best for last.
(3.5 / 5)
Those religious icons really get around. This time it’s a journey to visit the Deep Ones. And Dracula’s Castle. Because everyone has to be a tourist now and then, and what’s the point if you don’t pick up a souvenir or two?
This was a gift for a friend for their sea life monster theme bathroom. It started as one of those old school wood plaques where the picture is waxed on. And the eyes were originally that creepy – all I did was add the tentacles. So don’t blame the overall weirdness on me, it wasn’t all my doing.
Oh, and apparently Mary wanted in on the action, so she’s gone to Dracula’s Castle for a bite. She even brought back her own religious icons souvenirs…
So this one isn’t as old, nor is it real wood. But it still totally goes with Mary’s journey. And it’s also a little blacklight reactive with the flowers.
And feel free to check out more of Jennifer Weigel’s work here on Haunted MTL or here on her website.
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