Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Director - Stephen Chiodo (Alien X-Mas, Elvira's Movie Macabre)

Starring - Grant Cramer (Auntie Lee's Meat Pies, Night of the Living Dead: 30th Anniversary Edition), Suzanne Snyder (Amazing Stories, The Preppie Murder), and John Allen Nelson (Quantum Leap, Deathstalker and the Warriors from Hell)

Release Date - 1988

Genre - Horror/Sci-fi/Comedy

Tagline - "In space no one can eat ice cream!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

      I have had a lot of films that influenced my upbringing. I pretty much lived at my local video store when I was a kid and when I didn't have movies to watch that I had rented I would be watching movies I owned with my Grandma. I was obsessed with the films AirBud, Prehysteria, Adventures in Dinosaur City, Space Truckers, Ernest Scared Stupid, and several others until I was bitten by the horror bug when my Grandma and I watched the 1990's remake of Night of the Living Dead. From then I was obsessed with that film, the original Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, The Guyver, Return of the Living Dead, and Killer Klowns from Outer Space just to name a few. All these films were a huge part of my childhood and I still watch them whenever I get the chance now. Last Halloween my youngest was intrigued by the Killer Klowns merchandise at Spirit Halloween. I got her a Funko POP and a few other little things from the film and that night she asked me to show her the movie. I was so excited to share something I enjoyed so much as a kid with her and now we watch the film almost every other month. Recently, Scream Factory released the film on blu with an awesome steelbook. They were kind enough to send over a copy for me to review which was the perfect reason to rewatch it with the kids. While I was a bit sad to retire my Midnite Movies DVD I was excited to check it out on blu. I want to thank Scream and Shout Factory for sending this one over. 

      The film follows a young couple who witness something falling from the sky. When they head into the woods to investigate, they find a large circus tent. They go inside and find grotesque clowns not of this world who are turning the locals into cotton candy so they can consume them. They then partner up with a small-town cop and two ice cream truck vendors to stop the killer clowns from outer space from eating everyone in town. There is so much to love about Killer Klowns from Outer Space. The atmosphere, sense of humor, the clever writing, the score and soundtrack, set designs, and so on are absolutely perfect. Two of my three children will walk around singing the theme song by The Dickies randomly. The movie, while a brilliant blend of horror, sci-fi, and comedy, is perfect for any age. I've talked about cult and genre films with hundreds of people over the years and I've yet to meet someone who doesn't love this film. The acting in this one is one of the highlights of the film. We have one of my favorite performances from the legendary John Vernon. Many may recall him from his roles in Tales from the Crypt, National Lampoon's Animal House, Ernest Goes to Camp, Blue Monkey, and so many amazing voice acting gigs. I loved his character and would have loved to see a bit more of him throughout the film. The same can be said about Michael Siegel and Peter Licassi as the Terenzi brothers. They were a lot of fun to watch and deserved a much larger role in the film. The film's leads do a great job as well. Suzanne Snyder has appeared in several iconic 80s films aside from this one. Fans can check her out in Night of the Creeps, Return of the Living Dead Part II, Weird Science, and The Last Starfighter. Grant Cramer is great as well and was perfect casting to play opposite Snyder. He appeared in several iconic 80s comedies and horror films as well like New Year's Evil, Beverly Hills Brats, and several more classic films from the time.   The supporting cast is a lot of fun as well but these make the film for me.  The story for this one is out of this world...pun and all.  The idea of clowns being out of this world and not part of human culture may explain a lot to those with coulrophobia.  I loved the idea of clowns being aliens and everything we associate with them and circuses because they visited Earth sometime before.  Then you blend that in with a solid 80s comedy and you have something that really works.  It took a lot of brainstorming and thought to make this story work but it's clear they put in the time.  The film is well written, has great pacing, and the humor doesn't take away from the campy horror the film is able to provide.  Finally, this film is not gory but makes up for it with the humor, fantastic looking clowns from outer space, amazing set locations, and props.  The film also incorporates a lot of classic camera tricks and techniques to make the gags work.  While it doesn't offer up gore or a lot of blood, it is still full of amazing effects.  Overall, Killer Klowns from Outer Space may be one of my favorite horror films to come out of the 80s.  It doesn't have a following like Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm St. but it still delivers.  I highly recommend snagging this one from Scream Factory if you are a fan of the film or looking for something new to see.  It's worth it.