Critters (1986)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Strangely enough, I enjoyed the first half of "Critters" more; the depiction of the everyday life of an average middle-class rural family is quite pleasant (including a believable brother-sister relationship and the perfect all-American mom, Dee Wallace Stone). But when the Critters enter the picture, 28-year-old director Stephen Herek, making his debut, shows that he is not in Joe Dante's (or Steven Spielberg's, of course) league; there are some amusing moments, but no particularly memorable attack or close-call sequences. Unlike the Critters themselves, the film lacks teeth. ** out of 4.

Critters has to be one of my all time favorite horror/cult movies. The score was great, I never had a feeling you get when watching a horror movie where you felt something for the characters and yes, even the little Critters (a.k.a Krites; alien name). Have any of you seen those little bugs best known as rolie polies? That's what I think when I see these fury critters. Mutated rolie polies from outer space. That's a killer, right there. Cute, harmless, rolie polies that got transformed into something out of this world, with fangs, fur, and claws, oh my! Some people might mistake them for a strange bunny rabbit or something of the sort, until it faces you face to face with rows and rows of jagged teeth ready to attack you! Now the Krites like to head for the neck and stomach mostly. So, if you or I were to face one of these critters, then it would be best to wear a protection thing around your neck and probably would wanna wear a bullet proof vest or something to prevent them from eating your guts out. Yes, I know that sounds horrible, but that's the critter's nature. Eat, destroy, and eat some more. Their teeth can cut as sharp as cutting through metal, now that's sharp! And they're messy, little critters.The special alien effects were okay, but the Critters themselves were abysmal, even by 1986 standards. They are not shown a lot. It is an iconic film of the 80's that reads better in the Cliff Notes. This film is a classic, from the pace, the humour, and the action to the good cast and the story. Terry Mann is awesome as the bounty hunter 'Ug'. We get to know the main characters who are all likable but at the same time the movie never feels like it drags. Critters shares a long line of mid 1980's horror/comedy movies that worked very well. There isn't much blood or even victims, but the acting more than makes up for any missed opportunities, and you are going to love the Chuck Norris style bounty hunters. It's incredibly hard not to like Critters.Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

A family are terrorised by little furry animals from outer space who can eat anything, however the family are assisted by two alien bounty hunters who want to exterminate these critters.This film starred: Scott Grimes, Dee Wallace & M. Emmet Walsh.Critters is an OK film but it is a bit of a rip off from Gremlins, I don't really enjoy this film anymore because it is just boring, you can have a couple of laughs but that isn't really enough for a film that is meant to be a comedy. Not really recommended unless you are a fan of science fiction comedy and an extreme fan at that.***/***** Could be worse.

A 1950s style sci-fi movie made in 1986. It involves a family living in a remote farm in Kansas. There's mom Helen (Dee Wallace), father Jay (Billy Green Bush), son Brad (Scott Grimes) and daughter April (Nadine Vander Velde). They're attacked by "crites" from outer space. They're nasty little creatures with a mouth full of VERY sharp teeth, can roll around and shoot poison spikes. They're followed by two bounty hunters who have been hired to destroy them.The plot is familiar but this movie is FUN! It doesn't take itself too seriously and just takes the audience along on an entertaining ride. The movie is full of funny lines and clever ideas. I really got a kick out of how whenever the crites talk we see subtitles! However it's not all laughs. It is violent at times and they are two genuinely horrific scenes.DEFINITE SPOILERS!!! The first is when we first get a good look at the crites and the father is brutally attacked and when Steve (an unknown Billy Zane) is attacked and killed. These are bloody and scary. END SPOILERS!!!Also to acting is pretty good--especially by Wallace. The special effects are, at best, OK but they totally fit the tone of the film. This is a fun, scary and great sci-fi film. Recommended!