Watch Clownhouse

In the 1989 horror film Clownhouse, three young brothers named Casey (Nathan Forrest Winters), Geoffrey (Brian McHugh), and Randy (Sam Rockwell) are left home alone for the weekend while their parents go out of town. The boys are excited to have the house to themselves and plan to have a fun-filled weekend playing games and eating junk food. However, their plans take a dark turn when a group of escaped mental patients dressed as clowns break into their house.

The three brothers are terrorized by the clown intruders, who seem intent on harming them. Casey, the youngest of the brothers, is particularly traumatized by the experience, having a phobia of clowns. As the night wears on, the boys must find a way to outsmart the clowns and survive until their parents return.

One of the unique aspects of Clownhouse is that the actors playing the escaped mental patients were actual clowns. The filmmakers wanted the clowns to look and act as authentic as possible, so they hired professional clowns to play the roles. This decision adds to the unsettling nature of the film, as the clowns appear all too real.

The film is directed by Victor Salva, who would later go on to direct the Jeepers Creepers franchise. Salva's direction adds a sense of tension and claustrophobia to the film, as the majority of the action takes place inside the family's home. The tight quarters, combined with the menacing presence of the clowns, creates an atmosphere of dread and unease.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Sam Rockwell, who was just starting out in the film industry at the time. Rockwell brings a nuanced performance to his role as the eldest brother Randy, who must protect his younger siblings from the clowns. His character arc throughout the film is one of the most interesting elements, as he starts out as a bit of a slacker but ultimately rises to the occasion when his family is in danger.

Despite its low budget, Clownhouse is an effective horror film that manages to create a deeply unsettling atmosphere. The use of real clowns as the villains adds an extra layer of terror, as many people already have a fear of clowns. The film is also notable for its opening credits sequence, which features eerie circus music and unsettling images of clowns.

Overall, Clownhouse is a must-see for horror fans who enjoy films that focus on tension and atmosphere. While some of the special effects may look dated by today's standards, the film's creepy ambiance and strong performances make it a classic of the genre.

Clownhouse is a 1988 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.