Critters (1986)
Directed by Stephen Herek
Written by Stephen Herek, Don Keith Opper and Domonic Muir
Starring: Dee Wallace Stone, M. Emmet Walsh, Scott Grimes, Don Keith Opper, Billy Zane, Lin Shaye, Terrence Mann
In terms of childhood favorites Critters is right up there with No Retreat, No Surrender. Critters is the story of a band of cantankerous intergalactic fugitives (Crites) who hijack a space ship and crash land outside a Kansas farm. They are pursued by two bounty hunters who will let nothing get in their way. Did I mention that the carnivorous Crites are nothing more than small fur balls with hundred of teeth and heir only goal in life is to eat everything.
What makes this flick so damn awesome is that it has a bit of everything, there is Sci-Fi, Horror, Comedy, Family Drama, Town Politics, Aliens, Exploding Bowling Alleys, 3 Sequels…
Terrence Mann rules as Ug, the lead bounty hunter who models his appearance (in a particularly gruesome scene) on a rock star he sees on TV. His partner swaps visages throughout the film (with some humorous results). The star of the film is Brad Brown (Scott Grimes) a teenager who likes to build fireworks, hates chores and love to antagonize his sister. He is best friends with the farm’s handy man, the drunken Charlie (Don Keith Opper (who appears in every Critters movie)). The crux of the film is the Critter’s assault on the Brown family farm which owe much to Assault on Precinct 13.
I recommend this flick, it offers so much and asks so little… plus it has a young Billy Zane in his 2nd feature film. You can tell that Herek and his crew had a blast making this flick and it’s a blast to watch, I’m even a fan of the 3 sequels. Critters is the bastard child of Gremlins and E.T. with a shot of Invaders From Mars. Plus you can pick the DVD up on the cheap (or rent it from TLA).
