Review of Clownhouse (1990) by Tim B — 06 Jul 2013

I know a lot of people associate this film with the fact that its lead character was molested by the film's director, but that doesn't mean that there are elements to like here as a horror movie.

There's some really awkward moments with young boys in their underwear and even a bare-ass with one of them. It's obvious that the director threw it in there for his own twisted pleasure. Gross.

However, there are some creepy and fun moments in the flick. First off: clowns are creepy. This movie knows it and there are many chill inducing moments with clowns hiding in the shadows or the background of the picture.

The fact that we don't actually SEE the villains before they get geared up makes all the more effective in the fear department. I also appreciated how the plot progressed in terms of 'fate' (always a fascinating subject for me) and how the past will come back to bite you in the ass.

The protagonist has a deathly fear of clowns but is also destined to face it... sooner or later. Why not throw the worst case scenario at him to overcome that fear? SURE! Salva keeps the pace lighting quick, the movie never slows down.

He also has a strong hold on chase scenes and build up. Lastly, gotta comment on the lighting. It was terrific in the night time scenes. So kudos to his WORK, at least... Nathan Forrest Winters does alright, but I find he struggles with some of his more intense scenes.

Brian McHugh actually does pretty good as the middle child. At least he tried to be a peacemaker and he's definitely the most tolerable of the three. It was hilarious to see Sam Rockwell. He's come a long way since this movie and he does play a dickhead rather well.

Michael Jerome West aka 'Tree' is intimidating and frightening in his scenes. Well done. On the downside, the last half of the flick messed up a lot. For such a strong build up, I was expecting a more intense payoff.

Instead we get over-the-top music blasting, a lot of silly falls/hits (to the villains) and if anyone does die, it's never actually shown. Annoying! So in all, the chills and build-up are there, it's just too bad that in the end, Clownhouse didn't pay off.

I leave it at an above average mark. Out.