Why Killer Klowns From Outer Space Is A Mandatory Viewing Experience For Me Every Halloween Season

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As a film enthusiast with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that “Killer Klowns From Outer Space” is one of those rare gems that never fails to bring a smile to my face. It’s not every day you come across a movie that manages to balance humor and horror so effortlessly, especially when the subject matter is as absurdly whimsical as alien clowns terrorizing a small town.

As a gamer, I’m not one for repeatedly watching films multiple times like many others. However, there are exceptions, particularly with the movie “Big Trouble in Little China”. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen that one. But when it comes to other movies, I usually stick to a single viewing. That is, until specific seasons roll around, then my habits tend to change.

Each summer, I find myself drawn back to watching the “Friday the 13th” series of films, and every Halloween, I ensure I revisit “Halloween III: Season of the Witch”. However, another movie that’s a must-watch for me during this season is the timeless classic, “Killer Klowns From Outer Space”, produced by the Chiodo Brothers. Here’s what makes it so special.

Oh, some minor spoilers for a movie from the ‘80s are up ahead. You’ve been warned.

I Never Tire Of All Of The Inventive Ways That The Klowns Kill Their Victims

If you haven’t seen this somewhat eerie film about a UFO sighting, I’ll give you a brief rundown. Two college students, while sharing a romantic moment at a local hangout spot, mistake a mysterious object in the sky for a shooting star. However, their tranquility is shattered when they soon discover, to their terror, that it wasn’t a shooting star but an unidentified flying object instead.

Not only was it an unusual flying object, but it was also inhabited by a group of clowns! That’s just about as absurd as it gets, isn’t it? Yet, that’s the charm of it, because it appears the Chiodo Brothers had a fantastic time coming up with various ways for their troupe of clowns to eliminate their victims. For instance, the clowns’ headquarters was a massive circus tent, and inside were numerous comedic death traps and hazards.

Their prey is found in candy-floss sacks, and they unleash bursts of popcorn that adhere to their targets. Moreover, their tracking hound takes the form of a balloon sculpture, following the popcorn trail and pursuing its quarry.

Frankly, I’m utterly captivated by the sheer creativity of the deaths in this movie. In many aspects, it brings to mind the Leprechaun series. However, unlike the Leprechaun franchise, which started to feel repetitive once the character ventured into “Back 2 tha Hood”, Killer Klowns, being a single film, never loses its freshness for me.

I’m particularly fond of the shadow puppet sequence, featuring a clown standing at a bus stop and unleashing a colossal shadow puppet beast to terrorize a group of people. It’s hard to believe such an idea could originate from anyone, but it’s the Chiodo Brothers behind this creativity.

Every Character Is Over-The-Top In The Best Sort Of Way

Here’s the thing about over-the-top characters: I can either take them or leave them. Like, I’m sorry, as much as I love Family Matters, I can only take so much of Steve Urkel. I find him funny for a couple of episodes, but beyond that, I just find his voice too grating to continue to listen to any longer. However, I can’t get enough of Bulk and Skull from the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. I honestly feel like I could have gotten a whole series off of their antics.

I find myself connecting with each character in the film “Killer Klowns From Outer Space” quite profoundly. For instance, the Terenzi Brothers, who make their entrance in an ice cream truck and disrupt some passionate moments to offer treats, could have easily become overbearing due to their limited screen time. However, their infrequent appearances only serve to heighten my appreciation for them each time they appear on screen.

Afterward, we encounter these peculiar characters resembling clowns, each exhibiting distinct traits despite their general likeness and communicating in a strange, otherworldly dialect.

However, my most cherished character from the entire cast is Officer Curtis Mooney, portrayed by the late, brilliant John Vernon. This character, a cop who often bends the rules just enough to keep things interesting, makes me laugh with his exasperation towards the college students in his jurisdiction. It’s a real pity that his character meets an untimely end so early in the film. Now, on to another topic…

For Such A Silly Movie, There Are A Few Genuine Frights

To set the record straight, I must confess that “Killer Klowns From Outer Space” isn’t in the same league as “Terrifier 3”, given its light-hearted, almost comedic nature, and it rightly carries a PG-13 rating. However, despite being mostly a fun, whimsical flick, there’s one scene that sends shivers down my spine – the part where the clown manipulates Officer Mooney like a puppet.

In a chilling scene reminiscent of a genuine horror film, one of the Klowns takes on the role of a ventriloquist, manipulating Officer Mooney’s corpse to speak to his partner. Despite the film’s comedic tone, this particular moment never fails to send shivers down my spine. It’s a testament to the scene’s power that it manages to be both hilarious and terrifying simultaneously.

It’s The Perfect Length For An Annual Viewing

I have several movies on my list that I’d like to watch again, but my schedule is so busy that I rarely find the time for them. For instance, one of my all-time favorites is the epic war film, “Apocalypse Now,” and I’d love to revisit its extended version, “Apocalypse Now Redux.” However, with a runtime of 3 hours and 22 minutes, it’s a significant time investment that I can’t always make.

Another remarkable film directed by Coppola, The Godfather Part II, is equally captivating with a duration of 3 hours and 22 minutes. I’d be thrilled to savor it once more, but its length is equivalent to an entire day, which as a father of two children, I simply can’t spare.

As a devoted fan, let me tell you, “Killer Klowns From Outer Space” is an effortless, hour-and-a-half rollercoaster ride I never miss watching at least once a year. The movie swiftly delves into the mayhem of the killer klowns, making it my go-to annual viewing, especially when sharing the fun with friends. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think it’s about time for another viewing!

Plus, I Just Love Showing It To Friends Who Have Never Watched It Before

Some films are so captivating that I simply can’t resist sharing them with my friends. For example, I can’t imagine a close friend of mine who hasn’t seen “Troll 2” at least once, or Peter Jackson’s initial work, “Bad Taste”.

Similar remarks apply to “Killer Klowns From Outer Space,” a film I used to screen for my friends during gatherings at my place, back when VHS tapes were popular. It’s the kind of movie that probably gained cult status on its debut in 1988 and has maintained this reputation ever since.

To put it straight, most of my gaming buddies aren’t entirely sold on its charm. It’s not like the outrageousness of “Bad Taste” or the jaw-droppingly terrible “Troll 2”. Nope, this one’s a different kind of fun – filled with quirky characters and a plot that’s downright ridiculous, but in a way that keeps me coming back for more.

As a gamer, if there’s a movie I’d love to keep playing in the background at our Halloween bash where most of my pals are already familiar with it (thanks to me), it’s got to be “Killer Klowns From Outer Space”. This flick never fails to deliver a fun-filled, out-of-this-world experience!

However, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you come across the classic clown known by this name before? Remember to drop by frequently for updates on everything horror.

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2024-10-28 16:07