Review of Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988) by Alan P — 09 Oct 2012

You've read this film's title correctly. This is a film about extraterrestrial clowns staging an invasion on the hapless population of the Earth. They have a lethal arsenal of popcorn and pies. They show exceptional combat skills as they use shadow puppets, gimmicks, and slapstick to gain the upper hand on their opponents. Their goal: to consume all humans by turning them into cotton candy!

If all of this sounds good to you, then this film might be right up your alley! It's pretty obvious from the film's title that this is not a film to be taken all that seriously; it's a self-conscious type of B-movie that revels in all things ridiculous. In spite of that, it makes its ideas work so that you can just roll with it. The film entertains, and it is pretty funny.

The plot is described above, and it is indeed silly. It does do a good job of taking the standard formula of other classic sci-fi films (such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers, or possibly The Blob) and spoofing it somewhat. The film is populated with a pretty flat brand of characters, but they are likable.

The film looks pretty decent; it has fine and dandy photography and editing. Acting is quite over-the-top, as is the writing. This production has some fake-looking sets and props, but the make-up and special effects are pretty slick. Music features some awesome rock music at times.

If you saw this film's title and thought it was stupid, well there's a chance that you might find this film stupid too. But it was never meant to be anything smart. If you can recognize and appreciate that, then this film is certainly recommended.

4/5 (Entertainment: Good | Story: Pretty Good | Film: Good).