Welcome to Movie Mondays, a weekly blog series that takes you on a cinematic odyssey through the world of film! Each week, we’ll dive into a list of my 100 least favorite movies, exploring what makes them fall short and discussing the lessons we can learn from their missteps. Remember that these low-ranking films are only that way based on my personal opinion. Something I hate may be something you love and no offense is intended. Wherever these movies fall for you, I invite you to grab some popcorn and join in on the debate over these films’ merits!

Critters

1986

Directed by Stephen Herek

Hey there, movie buffs! Today, we’re diving into the 1986 sci-fi horror comedy, Critters. Directed by Stephen Herek in his directorial debut and co-written with Domonic Muir, this film feels like a blatant attempt to capitalize on the success of Joe Dante’s 1984 hit, Gremlins. Despite Herek’s claims that the script was written long before Gremlins went into production, the similarities are just too glaring to ignore.

The plot follows a group of small, furry, and carnivorous aliens called Krites who escape from an asteroid prison and crash-land in a small Kansas town. Cue the shape-shifting bounty hunters, Ug and Lee, hired to pursue them. The film centers around the Brown family, who find themselves besieged by the Krites in their farmhouse. Chaos ensues as the family, along with the town drunk and self-proclaimed alien abductee, Charlie McFadden, try to fend off the creatures.

While the cast, including Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, Billy “Green” Bush, and Scott Grimes (in his film debut), do their best with the material, the film ultimately falls flat. The Krites themselves lack the menace and credibility to make them truly frightening, and the attempts at humor often miss the mark.

Behind the scenes, the special effects team, led by coordinator Chuck Stewart, does an admirable job with the limited budget. The scene of the barn exploding and the sequence of a Critter swallowing a cherry bomb showcase some clever practical effects. However, these moments are too few and far between to save the film from its overall cheapness.

Critters grossed $13.6 million during its U.S. release and spawned a franchise consisting of three sequels and a web series. But let’s be honest, do we really need more of these low-rent Gremlins knockoffs?

In conclusion, Critters is a prime example of a studio attempting to ride the coattails of a successful film without bringing anything new or substantial to the table. While it may hold some nostalgic value for those who grew up with it, the film’s lack of originality and lackluster execution make it a forgettable entry in the sci-fi horror comedy genre.

But hey, that’s just my opinion! What do you think? Did you find Critters to be a charming homage to B-movies, or did it leave you craving something more substantial? Let me know in the comments below!