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Just in time for its 30th anniversary today, here’s my thoughts on one of the first movies ever recommended to me on here in like 06-07.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space (The Chiodos Brothers, 1988)
What do we do when we criticize films? Are we going purely on “artistic” merit, forwarding the craft? Are we talking about how much we enjoyed it? Are we talking about our experiences regarding the film? Honestly, I’m not too terribly sure, I think it’s somewhere in the middle. However, what I do know is that Killer Klowns from Outer Space is some of the most fun you can have.
The Chiodos Brothers set up everything you need to know in the first five minutes. First we get the title, highlighted by the spectacular opening track by the punk band The Dickies (featuring my favorite line: “some make us laugh, some make us cry; these clowns only going to make you die”). As this is happening, we’re introduced to the characters of our doomed town: our heroes Mike, his lover Debbie, good cop Dave, bad cop Mooney, and of course the Klowns from Outer Space. I bet you know whose ultimately going to win.
Where this film finds it’s genius isn’t in these actors, or its’ script, but it’s absurd mischief. Do you want to see a balloon bloodhound? You got it. Do you want to see cotton candy ray guns? You got it. How about shadow puppets that come to life? This has it and a lot more.
Beautifully designed, the Klowns’ costumes especially are lovingly crafted to send up 50s horror. It holds up, which is why after 30 years The Chiodos Brothers still get work on projects including Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, Team America, and The Simpsons.
This won’t change your life, it’s not the highest of high art. This sets out to entertain and succeeds with flying colors. Life’s too short, it’s okay to like films like this. This puppy gets a 5 with a straight face from me. .
Killer Klowns From Outer Space (The Chiodos Brothers, 1988)
What do we do when we criticize films? Are we going purely on “artistic” merit, forwarding the craft? Are we talking about how much we enjoyed it? Are we talking about our experiences regarding the film? Honestly, I’m not too terribly sure, I think it’s somewhere in the middle. However, what I do know is that Killer Klowns from Outer Space is some of the most fun you can have.
The Chiodos Brothers set up everything you need to know in the first five minutes. First we get the title, highlighted by the spectacular opening track by the punk band The Dickies (featuring my favorite line: “some make us laugh, some make us cry; these clowns only going to make you die”). As this is happening, we’re introduced to the characters of our doomed town: our heroes Mike, his lover Debbie, good cop Dave, bad cop Mooney, and of course the Klowns from Outer Space. I bet you know whose ultimately going to win.
Where this film finds it’s genius isn’t in these actors, or its’ script, but it’s absurd mischief. Do you want to see a balloon bloodhound? You got it. Do you want to see cotton candy ray guns? You got it. How about shadow puppets that come to life? This has it and a lot more.
Beautifully designed, the Klowns’ costumes especially are lovingly crafted to send up 50s horror. It holds up, which is why after 30 years The Chiodos Brothers still get work on projects including Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, Team America, and The Simpsons.
This won’t change your life, it’s not the highest of high art. This sets out to entertain and succeeds with flying colors. Life’s too short, it’s okay to like films like this. This puppy gets a 5 with a straight face from me. .