Watch Clowntown
- 2016
- 1 hr 26 min
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3.7 (1,668)
Clowntown is a 2016 horror film directed by Tom Nagel and written by Jeff Miller. The movie follows a group of friends who are on their way to a rock concert when they get stranded in a seemingly abandoned town called Clinton. Little do they know that the town is home to a group of sadistic and murderous clowns who will stop at nothing to get rid of them.
The movie is a throwback to classic slasher films of the 80s and 90s and features a mix of suspense, gore, and dark humor. The film's opening sequence sets the tone with a gruesome murder as a couple is attacked by a clown in a parking lot.
The main characters are played by Brian Nagel, Lauren Compton, and Andrew Staton, who deliver solid performances as a group of friends trying to survive the night. Brian Nagel plays Mike, the leader of the group who is determined to protect his friends from the clowns. Lauren Compton plays Jill, Mike's girlfriend, who tries to stay positive in the face of danger. Andrew Staton plays Randy, the group's comedian, who uses humor as a defense mechanism.
Despite the title, the film doesn't rely solely on killer clown stereotypes. Each clown has a unique personality, costume, and weapon of choice. There's the jester who wields a mallet, the mime who uses a knife, and the harlequin who has a chainsaw. The clowns are horrifying to look at with grotesque makeup, sharp teeth, and blood-stained costumes. The film builds tension as the group is chased through the town's abandoned buildings, tunnels, and cemeteries.
The film also has some interesting subplots that add depth to the story. One of the characters, Chris, is a recovering alcoholic who is struggling to stay sober. His addiction becomes a major plot point, and the film explores the consequences of his actions. Another character, Bobby, is a local teenager who is drafted by the clowns to help them catch their prey. His character adds an interesting dynamic as he tries to balance his loyalty to his new friends with his conscience.
The movie's cinematography is impressive, with a mix of handheld camera work and wide shots that capture the town's desolate atmosphere. The soundtrack features a mix of hard rock and creepy carnival music that adds to the film's unsettling tone.
One of the best things about Clowntown is its willingness to embrace the absurdity of its premise. The film doesn't take itself too seriously, and there are plenty of moments of dark humor sprinkled throughout. For instance, at one point, the group is chased into a haunted house where they find a moldy dead body that looks like it's been dead for years. Mike quips, "Looks like we're not the only dead bodies in this place." The film also has some great, over-the-top kills that will satisfy horror fans looking for gore.
However, the movie isn't perfect. The pacing can be slow at times, and there are some scenes that feel dragged out. The film's ending is also a bit underwhelming and may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied.
Overall, Clowntown is a fun and entertaining horror film that pays homage to classic slasher movies of the past. The film's strong performances, unique clown characters, and dark humor make it an enjoyable viewing experience, even if it's not a game-changer in the horror genre. If you're a fan of killer clown movies or just looking for a good scare, Clowntown is worth checking out.
Clowntown is a 2016 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.7 and a MetaScore of 16.