Nostalgia can be a deceptive beast. When I look back at horror films that I adored as a child, some of them just don’t work anymore. Surprisingly, Killer Klowns From Outer Space still plays as well for me as an adult as it did upon endless viewings in my early teens on television. Only now, I can appreciate the dark humor and adult situations in a way my younger mind could not dare imagine.
Although there is nothing really objectionable in this PG-13 horror movie, it’s surprising at times just how dark and twisted the material is, but in the silliest way of course. Can anyone take the film seriously when alien clowns are running around terrorizing people with guns that shoot popcorn and wrapping the townsfolk in cocoons made of cotton candy? Who cares? It’s a fun ride, so sit down and enjoy it!
Mike and Debbie (Grant Cramer and Suzanne Snyder) hunt down what they think is a meteor in the woods of their sleepy little town, only to discover an enormous circus tent. As luck would have it, that tent is the space ship of a race of clown creatures from another planet that have come to destroy the inferior species and take over the planet. Along the way, Debbie’s ex-boyfriend Dave (John Allan Nelson), who is a police officer, gets involved against the wishes of his superior, Officer Mooney (John Vernon). Sure, the plot is paper thin and as ridiculous as can be, but that’s the point, and high art is not why we’re here.
The film is a lot of fun and the cast knows it. However, they’re all more than up to the challenge of playing the thing straight to get the most out of the outrageous material. Cramer and Snyder make a nice couple, and they do what they have to, as does Nelson as the younger cop. However, this film belongs to Vernon as Officer Mooney. He invests his scenes with such gravity, that it’s impossible not to love the crusty, bitter cop who is miserable with his station in life and won’t rest until everyone else is miserable too.
MGM’s Blu-ray transfer of the movie is somewhat shocking. After years of watching this on TV, it’s amazing how great it looks. The fantastic set and costume designs are beautiful to look at. The detail in the production is mind boggling, and it’s obvious where the money went in making it. The picture quality is outstanding for a film of this vintage and budget. There are no flaws to be found and the black levels are deep, which really helps the outrageously colorful sets to really jump out against the night time environments. The audio is equally as nice, and the score and dialogue are handled with care as well. John Massari’s great rock-infused score is a pleasure to listen to and that main theme is a real blast. The bonus features start off with a commentary by the Chiodo Brothers, five featurettes on the making of the film, a few short films from the Chiodo Brothers’ early days, two deleted scenes with director’s commentary, bloopers, and finally a theatrical trailer to wrap things up.
An intentionally campy and raucously entertaining film, Killer Klowns From Outer Space is the best 1950’s science fiction film that didn’t come out of the 1950’s. This goof fest is a witty, imaginative and beautifully designed romp; an impressive feat considering its meager means. The Chiodo Brothers and their creative team are to be commended for the fantastic sets and costumes, and MGM is to be hailed for the outstanding A/V presentation of this cult favorite. Do yourself a favor and check out one of the most original and surprisingly solid horror comedies to come out of the 1980’s.
Film Score: 3.5/5 Disc Score: 4/5
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