There are some films that demand to be seen, if for no other reason than a killer title. Think Surf Nazis Must Die or Rabid Grannies – in fact, pretty much anything from Troma. Usually though those films turn out to be one-trick ponies, flicks that lure you in with a clever title, only to often be as boring as hell. Thank goodness then for Killer Klowns From Outer Space, a film that not only delivers in terms of the ‘wacky title’ stakes, but also delivers in spades when it comes to entertainment. A ludicrously over-the-top romp that knows it is a ludicrously over-the-top romp and runs with it, this 1988 slice of schlock is pretty much guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Plot-wise there is little to go on, other than to explain that a bunch of evil aliens disguised as clowns, who arrive in a spaceship disguised as a circus tent no less, rock up in a small American town and proceed to lay waste to the inhabitants. Looking to stop their nefarious activities are the likes of the fabulously-named Mike Tobacco (Grant Kramer), cop Dave (John Allen Nelson), Debbie (Suzanne Snyder) and veteran cop Curtis (played by veteran star John Vernon). Director Stephen Chiodo (who also co-wrote) keeps the pace rocking with real gusto, with sight gag after sight gag and a playful sense of fun. Little wonder then that Chiodo followed this by going on to play a part in the likes of Team America and even The Simpsons. In actual fact, Killer Klowns is hardly a horror film at all, but it certainly contains its fair share of gore. The look of the film is tremendous, from the outlandish clowns themselves, through to some garish set designs and outrageous colour schemes. But all of that would not matter a jot if the whole thing didn’t keep you involved as an audience, and Killer Klowns is one of those films that flies by, with the credits rolling before you’ve drawn breath. Witty, different, gruesome and a true ‘cult’ film in every sense, this is another Arrow release that belongs on the shelf of any self-respecting genre fan. EXTRAS: As ever, Arrow have gone to town here, with treats ranging from cast and crew interviews, to Klown audition footage through to trailers – a veritable feast of material
