Killer Klowns from Outer Space is a cult classic that lives up to the hype. The movie blends alien invasion tropes with a carnival atmosphere. It all adds up to a nightmarish world where townspeople are killed in the most clown-worthy ways; cotton candy cocoons, popcorn guns, carnivorous shadow puppets, and even a clown kaiju all add to the bonkers experience.
Director: Stephen Chiodo
Screenplay: Stephen Chiodo, Charles Chiodo, Edward Chiodo
Producers: Christopher Roth, Stephen Chiodo, Charles Chiodo, Edward Chiodo, J.J. Lichauco Pelman
Cinematography: Alfred Taylor
Editing: Christopher Roth
Music: John Massari
Select Cast: Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, John Allen Nelson, John Vernon
Runtime: 88 minutes
Country of Origin: USA
US Release: May 27, 1988; Sarlui / Diamant Production, Chiodo Bros. Productions
Mike (Grant Cramer) and his girlfriend Debbie (Suzanne Snyder) are teenagers making out at a local lovers’ lane when they witness a fireball crash into the woods. Upon inspection they discover it is a UFO circus tent, in which reside evil aliens who look like clowns from your worst nightmares. Along the way they gain the alliance of good cop Dave (John Allen Nelson) while avoiding bad cop Mooney (John Vernon). The set up is intentionally reminiscent of 1958’s The Blob and other youth-centric sci-fi pictures of the 1950s.
Killer Klowns, however, is an ’80s horror movie through and through; there is plenty of gnarly kills to satiate anyone’s bloodlust. The best deaths occur at the hands of seemingly innocent devices, such as the aforementioned shadow puppets. The effects in general are purposefully tongue-in-cheek enough to overcome any disbelief. Stand out moments include the balloon dog and an effortlessly overstuffed clown car.
Apart from the clowns and their effects, praise must be given to their spaceship. It is a remarkably detailed fun house of death; watching our heroes escape various booby traps is just plain fun. The finale is a real showstopper fitting of any big top. Throw in some actors and director who understand the tricky tonal requirements of “camp”, and you have a modern classic.
by Vincent S. Hannam
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Camp Kaiju 