By Mark Saldana
Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
Any film buff who has studied the works of Corman, Dante, Cameron, and Demme, knows the face. Some film geeks actually knows his name. Not everyone, however, knows his story and background, and how actor Dick Miller became one of the most popular character actors in Hollywood. Even if one isn’t a film buff, but has seen enough film during the 70s and 80s, it’s not difficult to recognize Miller. Often identified as “That guy”, Miller was born in The Bronx, New York and as a young adult, made his way to California to pursue his dream of becoming a writer. Finding work in small acting roles took Miller on a slightly different path as he began working mostly for Roger Corman and several of his young filmmaking proteges who would make names for themselves in the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Directed by Elijah Drenner (American Grindhouse), this documentary is a sweet, charming, and fun film that gives audiences a look into the extensive filmography and background of Dick Miller. His story truly is an unlikely American dream of fame and fortune, even though his original dream of becoming a writer never really happened and took a backseat. The film features interviews and really cool film clips of Miller, as well as interviews with Miller’s wife Lainie, Roger Corman, Joe Dante, William Sadler, Corey Feldman, and Miller’s brothers. While not as in depth and informative as his documentary, American Grindhouse, Drenner’s tribute to a lovable character actor will please most film buffs and fans of the man himself.