Forgotten Film Friday: Killer Klowns from Outer Space

A review by Brooks Rich

This is a forgotten gem from the '80s that has gained cult status over the years. I think it's somewhat back in the mainstream after there was a maze at Halloween Horror Nights for it last year. So it's on it's way to being a classic but it's firmly in the cult film category.

The plot is simple. Aliens that look like clowns and have a carnival based race land on Earth and begin harvesting humans from their blood. Their mothership looks like a circus tent. It's up to a ragtag group of '80s teenagers played by twenty-somethings to save the day. Let's go.

This is not high cinema here. This is a campy fun comedy horror film. But it works. The clowns are legit threats and the kills are goofy and brutal at the same time. The comedy works and the characters are likable enough. If you go into this film expecting something a little tongue in cheek, Killer Klowns is going to win you over. This is also a good entry point for people looking to get into horror. It has some legitimately creepy moments, the scene in the police station is pretty eerie, without being terrifying. This is a comedy film first and a horror film second. Also, have to give a shoutout to the badass theme song by the Dickies.

I adore this film. It's on my must-watch list every year around this time. It's not scary enough to be on rotation in October but it's a good one to start the fall off with. It's on Netflix right now and there's a sequel apparently in the works. Check this film out if you have a taste for '80s camp.

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