Another imaginative matte shot used as an homage to Forbidden Planet has Mike and Debbie enter a room reminiscent of the Krell's huge power cell chamber. As they explore the ship — and realize it is not part of Cirque du Soleil — the clever use of colorful, carnival and clown-like objects — such as red rubber balls used for door buttons — makes good thematic use of the limited production budget. Soon they're running for their lives, with two Klowns, and a balloon dog hunting them. They escape, but the whole kit and kaboodle of killer Klowns, armed with wacky but lethal weapons, head to town in search of late night snacks.
As Mike and Debbie try to convince incredulous officers Hanson and Mooney that a bunch of clown-looking aliens recently arrived in a circus tent spaceship are snackerizing the townsfolk, the clown-looking aliens are doing just that. A series of bizarre, Looney Tunes-inspired scenes includes a lethal Punch and Judy, such as the pizza delivery a la killer Klowns, clumsy Klowns knocking over shelves in pharmacy, and mini-Klown knocks block off of biker dude.
But three scenes stand out for true creative creepiness, and move this film squarely into horror-head territory. The first has a nasty-looking Klown enticing a young girl away from her mom, while she sits in the local burger joint. Behind his back he holds a very large, brightly colored mallet. His intentions are clear to us, but not to the innocent, fun-seeking youngster. This well-paced scene plays on a very interesting side point of the film: how the appearance of a clown can automatically trigger expectations of enjoyment for most of us, especially children.
The second involves a bus stop, a few tired adults waiting for the late-night bus, and a Klown that suddenly appears and does hand-shadows on the side of a building to their enjoyment. This stop-motion realized scene is humorous and surreal. The hand shadows are beyond fantastic, and border on the absurd, but still the enchanted audience lets their guard down and is soon captured in a delightfully horrific way.
The third has Officer Mooney playing ventriloquil dummy to one particularly tall and mischievous Klown. Even Officer Hanson, who is treated to this vent act after finding Klown footprints all over the jail, breaks a brief smile on seeing them, until he realizes the lethal gravity of the situation. The use of sound in this scene is also quite disgusting.
Article comments
1 - kanrei
Very original review. One of my favorite "I am so far from Sober" movies of all time. I have debated on the DVD for a while now, no more. Thank you for the inspiration.
2 - Iloz Zoc
Thanks kanrei. I really think this film would be a smash if they could work out a sequel, or remake. It's quirkly enough to make a solid Halloween-time movie.
What's really amazing is that they spent 7 grand on the popcorn gun. It actually fires popcorn. Hell, every kid should have one.
3 - kanrei
I want one now! I gotta get this DVD. I have seen the movie tons of times, but all that trivia I do not know.
I am not sure if a remake would be any good. Most of this movie's charm is how cheap everything appears, how bad the acting was and that we saw it in the 80's. I am not sure if today's audience can relax enough to enjoy a dumb movie that takes itself seriously.
We all still loves movies that are dumb and know it, but this one, like Rocky Horror, took itself serious as a horror movie first, and camp second.
4 - Iloz Zoc
Yes,the 80s was a unique time for horror films. Your point about the audience relaxing enough is probably true. The DVD commentary is interesting because they fill in the background about the characters, including Mike Tobacco and the wacky T Brothers. Those brothers always dumbfounded me. The special effects talk, especially in regard to the budget, is great, too. I always love creative stretching of the dollar. Lord knows what happened with the popcorn gun, though. They sort of went crazy with that one.
5 - kanrei
The 5th Element was the last true bad movie that pretended it wasn't bad and it was great for it. Today, movies either let the audience know that they realize they are dumb or they take themselves too seriously. Gone are the days of having a good time watching a well done b-movie.
6 - Mat Brewster
Another brilliant review. For reasons I can't possibly fathom I've never seen this film. I simply must add it to my blockbuster queue post haste.
7 - Iloz Zoc
Damn, I remember 5th Element. While watching it I thought, wtf!, but then went with it. I appreciate it more now.
Mat, I suggest you stop-----clowning around and get this baby. Ahem.
8 - kanrei
I walked out of 5th Element thinking the same thing. It wasn't until the second time I saw it that I said "Oh, I get it!"
I love bad movies when done well. I cannot tell you how many times I would sit down to watch MST3K and feel embarressed at the fact that I had actually seen the movie they were making fun of.
9 - kanrei
Iloz,
I hope you don't mind, but I linked to your site. I am always looking for the real reviews on horror flix.
10 - Mat Brewster
Ugh. That was super-ultra bad Iloz. I really don't know why I haven't seen this yet. Everytime it comes on TV I think I should watch the sucker. I've even picked it up a few times thinking I should buy it. I'll blame my wife, I guess, who really despises my love for really bad horror flicks.
11 - Iloz Zoc
When I watch a movie on MST3K that I grew up with, and thought it was super when a kid, yup, I get that feeling. But when you can make fun, and have fun with a film that's bad, it's great. There are some godawful films I've watched that were pure torture with no redeeming value whatsoever.
Wow, thanks, I'm honored you want to link to my site. I must confess I started reading your Home for Wayward Lemmings posts after your first comment. The writing style is great. Political writing is tuff to do as it requires a deft touch between satire, humor and sarcasm. I'm going to add your link to my On Writing section. You won me with "I never knew Peace Talks had half-time shows either." Go figure. And some people think Killer Klowns is bizarre.
12 - Iloz Zoc
Mat, sorry, I couldn't resist :)
13 - kanrei
Iloz,
Thank you so much. I find it the opposite. Political writing is so easy, but a good film review is near impossible.
You are my new source for Horror news.
14 - Iloz Zoc
Thanks Kanrei! I appreciate it.