OMM2024 - Night 28: Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)

 Here we go team- it's late and it's time for the next entry in the #OctoberMovieMarathon! I first heard of this movie at a friend's house, when we were flipping through channels and this was on- we kept it there for... maybe a minute? before my friend saw the clowns and said we had to change it because she was scared of clowns and knew this movie had clowns in it. Then, this year I think, I was at my parent's house and this movie was on TV! I caught glimpses of it, but not enough to actually see the movie. So I was really excited to finally see what this movie is all about.

Night 28:

Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)

8/10

A shooting star lands outside of town, but at the impact site is a... big top tent? With clowns that aren't from this planet.

It's getting an 8 for goofiness. This feels like another dimension's Rocky Horror Picture show. It's fine technically, good even! Though the Klowns themselves are the same level of animatronic as the live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- it's still nice to look at. It's silly, it's funny, it's a good time.

I also think I really enjoy seeing gore/scary objects but put through a filter. Similar to Dave Made a Maze, where it's all filtered through a "cardboard box" theme, this movie is filtered through "clown/carnival". I was laughing the whole time- this was so fun! I'd watch it again 100%. Heck, let me come over and watch it with you!

SPOILERS START BELOW THE POSTER!

SPOILERS START HERE!

I think my favorite part of this movie was the popcorn moving around the bathroom- that was just so fun and almost cute. They give me the same vibes as the soot sprites from "Spirited Away". The shadow puppet scene was also super cool. The effects were awesome! They're not super realistic or anything, but they hit the sweet spot between goofy-low-tech and dated that works perfectly. For sure an example of doing what you can with the budget and know-how you have. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that some of the costumes or props were actually really sophisticated, because they just work so well.

I also appreciated that the mean cop got what was coming for him- but it was still a funny scene.

I can see how this movie might have terrified young kids, from the scene with the girl at the restaurant it's clear this movie was made before clowns were a common phobia. Add to that the way the klowns move and you've got some grade A nightmare fuel. But watching it as an adult (who's not scared of clowns) it was just a fun time. And I really love how the klowns used clowny things as weapons and gimmicks.

And I have to wonder, this has to have been an inspiration for "Big Top Burger" by Worthikids on YouTube right? It's gotta be.

Anyways, this one is fun! If you're scared of clowns you might feel differently, but it's a goofy good time!