CRITTERS (1986)

A band of outlaws break out of prison. While on the run from the authorities, they attack a secluded homestead out in the country.  Now, it's up to the family (and two bounty hunters) to repel the invader's attack. That sounds like the description of a hundred different Western movies, but it's actually the story to CRITTERS, a low-budget sci-fi horror/comedy from the 1980's about some furry little meanies that love to gobble up anything they can...including humans!

There's many things to like about CRITTERS (fast pace, funny moments, good acting, etc.), but one of the things that I enjoyed the most is the strong character build-up of the family during the first act. They all seem like genuinely nice people, so then, when the attack happens you actually care about what happens to them.  What an amazing concept!  I wish more horror films would do something like this.

Anyway, if you haven't seen CRITTERS, then I think you're missing out on a good movie. There's no nudity or gore, but it's a fun film that I love to revisit.  Check it out!

Double-feature with GREMLINS.

Fun fact: Two of the characters in A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS watch some of CRITTERS on TV. Here's a link to some screenshots.

Part 2 - Critters 2 (1988)
Part 3 - Critters 3 (1991)
Part 4 - Critters 4 (1992)