Critters (1986, Stephen Herek)

I honestly have no idea where I first heard of Critters. I remember I was probably around 10 or so and I stumbled upon this film and Critters 2. I loved them both and used to watch them all the time. It wouldn't be a surprise to me if this series of films was inspired by (the similarly titled) Gremlins, but it is safe to say that Critters is far from a Gremlins ripoff. More of an inspiration to see how mean a bunch of little creatures can be.

Critters takes place in the small Midwestern town of Grover's Bend. The Brown family, who own a small farm in Grover's Bend, are your typical family. Jay the strict father (Billy Green Bush), sweet mother Helen (Dee Wallace Stone), rebellious daughter April (Nadine Van der Velde) and trouble maker Brad (Scott Grimes). An alien spaceship lands in Grover's Bend and it's inhabitants, small furry (and very deadly) creatures called Crites, take over the Brown farm. A couple of Intergalactic Bounty Hunters, Ug and Lee (get it, Ugly) are hot on the Crites trail. Hopefully they can save the Browns....and the world.

Critters simply rules. It's as great a combination of a sci-fi/horror/action/comedy as you're going to find. The story is great, the characters are all likable and the Critters themselves are one mean bunch of fuckers. They are also pretty funny too. The Chiodo Brothers, who created Killer Klowns from Outer Space, do a great job of making these little bastards come to life and wreak havoc.

RATING: 5/5