I couldn't do that to the young men in this film that worked extremely hard to make this film enjoyable. Easy to see the talent a young Sam Rockwell possess as he is great as always in this film. Director can rot for all I care.
92 Reviews
Set the record straight
brianmchughwork12 June 2023
This is the first time I have looked up this movie online and read all the reviews. Some hate it some loved it. I am glad this movie brought enjoyment to the people who liked it. One of the trivia statements on this movie is that they assume Brian McHugh was molested by Victor. This is not the case. Nathan, Sam and I would spend time at Victors house rehearsing prior to filming. I would stay the night there but I was never alone with him. He had set up a camera to film me showering and dressing without my knowledge but that was the extent of it. I did seek legal counsel but was told at the time, without him actually being physical with me, it would be a long, brutal trial that probably wouldn't be worth it. So, my mother decided she did not want me to go through that. Victor is a POS and always will be. Karma will find him one day. That is it in a nutshell. I went on to finish school, joined the military, and now just work like everyone else. Hope this sheds some light on what happened to me since everyone wants to speculate. Thank for all the feedback, good and bad.
Sincerely, Brian McHugh.
Sincerely, Brian McHugh.
Good concept. That's it.
insomniac_rod5 January 2007
I haven't seen this movie in years since the last time I rented on a local "Video Centro" (a popular video franchise from Mèxico).
The memories I have are blurry but I can say without fear of equivocation, that this was a fairly scary and creepy movie; specially for those who have clownphobia.
The premise was pretty good and interesting for a fast paced slasher flick. So three escaped convicts "hide" in a big classy house where three kids are left alone.
The atmosphere of the house was truly creepy. Accompained to that, there were also decent death scenes provoked by the convicts.
Overall this is an entertaining slasher flick that worths a watch... specially if you have clownphobia.
The memories I have are blurry but I can say without fear of equivocation, that this was a fairly scary and creepy movie; specially for those who have clownphobia.
The premise was pretty good and interesting for a fast paced slasher flick. So three escaped convicts "hide" in a big classy house where three kids are left alone.
The atmosphere of the house was truly creepy. Accompained to that, there were also decent death scenes provoked by the convicts.
Overall this is an entertaining slasher flick that worths a watch... specially if you have clownphobia.
Evil
brandongeewill25 January 2022
It Was OK But...
CMRKeyboadist24 January 2006
I just got the DVD of this film in. Up until now I really have never heard of this film. I read that a very young Sam Rockwell was in it but other than that it's all new to me.
The storyline is very simple. 3 brothers (one of which hates clowns) go to the circus one night. We get a little bit of character development on how the brothers interact with each other. After they leave the circus we see a scene of three psychopaths (who have escaped from a madhouse) run into a tent and kill three guys dressed as clowns. They steal the outfits and decided they are going to terrify the 3 brothers for the rest of the night.
That is about it for the story. Most of this movie is straight character development which makes for a decent film. My problem with it is the movie tends to drag during scenes and the crazed clowns didn't get as much time in the movie as they should have. Also, this movie is virtually goreless which made it interesting yet still a little dull. The whole movie felt like there was something missing. Also, the music score was very good at moments and very weak at moments. I believe the savior for this movie was the last 15 minutes as it did get intense.
Over all, this wasn't a bad movie, but it wasn't a great film either. If you do hate clowns I wouldn't watch this. 6/10
The storyline is very simple. 3 brothers (one of which hates clowns) go to the circus one night. We get a little bit of character development on how the brothers interact with each other. After they leave the circus we see a scene of three psychopaths (who have escaped from a madhouse) run into a tent and kill three guys dressed as clowns. They steal the outfits and decided they are going to terrify the 3 brothers for the rest of the night.
That is about it for the story. Most of this movie is straight character development which makes for a decent film. My problem with it is the movie tends to drag during scenes and the crazed clowns didn't get as much time in the movie as they should have. Also, this movie is virtually goreless which made it interesting yet still a little dull. The whole movie felt like there was something missing. Also, the music score was very good at moments and very weak at moments. I believe the savior for this movie was the last 15 minutes as it did get intense.
Over all, this wasn't a bad movie, but it wasn't a great film either. If you do hate clowns I wouldn't watch this. 6/10
Left a Bad Taste
baileycrawly16 December 2019
Putting aside all the controversy surrounding this film (including the events that actually transpired behind the scenes), I went into this movie at face value with no bias. I knew it was a slasher and the directorial debut of Victor Salva, so I was expecting a low-grade horror movie that, while not important in the grand scheme of cinema, would be entertaining enough to make me jump a few times and root for the main characters.
Not the case.
This movie just fell flat. It was bland. It was boring. The acting, particularly from Nathan Forrest Winters (perhaps as a result of the unspeakable horrors he endured at the hands of Salva) gave a fantastic performance. The other boys were good, but Nathan was definitely the standout.
The thrills weren't all that effective, the tone of the movie was definitely uncomfortable on more than one occasion. There was an obvious attempt on the part of the director to sexualize Nathan, which is extremely uncomfortable to watch today.
Although I did say in my Powder review earlier today that I believe in second chances and forgiveness (actions, or lack thereof, speak louder than words and we're now 31 years without further allegations or investigations from Salva), I can't help but feel like this film is best left in the past, completely forgotten. MGM have done a pretty good job thus far of helping to slip this film into utter obscurity. This is not a film that anybody really needs to be watching. There's nothing in this movie that hasn't already been discussed countless times online. Save yourself the tediously boring movie and just read the commentaries regarding it online. It didn't hold up well when it was released, and it hasn't stood the test of time very well at all. If Powder is my number-one favorite movie of his and in my top 5 all-time favorites (and it is), then I would place Clownhouse at the bottom. Let this film die out. Let Nathan Forrest Winters have peace from the trauma he went through. This is a film best left in the past.
This movie just fell flat. It was bland. It was boring. The acting, particularly from Nathan Forrest Winters (perhaps as a result of the unspeakable horrors he endured at the hands of Salva) gave a fantastic performance. The other boys were good, but Nathan was definitely the standout.
The thrills weren't all that effective, the tone of the movie was definitely uncomfortable on more than one occasion. There was an obvious attempt on the part of the director to sexualize Nathan, which is extremely uncomfortable to watch today.
Although I did say in my Powder review earlier today that I believe in second chances and forgiveness (actions, or lack thereof, speak louder than words and we're now 31 years without further allegations or investigations from Salva), I can't help but feel like this film is best left in the past, completely forgotten. MGM have done a pretty good job thus far of helping to slip this film into utter obscurity. This is not a film that anybody really needs to be watching. There's nothing in this movie that hasn't already been discussed countless times online. Save yourself the tediously boring movie and just read the commentaries regarding it online. It didn't hold up well when it was released, and it hasn't stood the test of time very well at all. If Powder is my number-one favorite movie of his and in my top 5 all-time favorites (and it is), then I would place Clownhouse at the bottom. Let this film die out. Let Nathan Forrest Winters have peace from the trauma he went through. This is a film best left in the past.
The confusing relationship between children n clowns.
Fella_shibby24 April 2017
I first saw this on a vhs in the early 90s. Found it to be creepy then.
Revisited it recently on You Tube. It hasn't aged well but there is something creepy bah the clowns n their masks.
The story is bah 3 brothers who r alone since their parents r away. The youngest one has coulrophobia. The eldest one, a very young Sam Rockwell takes his brothers to a circus. Meanwhile 3 escaped mental patients r on the loose.
Made on a shoe string budget, Salva did some good job. The body count is low n the gore/violence is minimum but the movie plays more on the fear. Clownhouse does show that Salva actually has talent when it comes to putting together an effective horror movie.
The movie has lingering shots of the young actors in their underwear, shirtless, and even changing clothes. N aft knowing Salva's child molestation history, i found those scenes disgusting. What Salva did is truly unforgivable and despicable.
People may relate this film to IT and Alone in the Dark.
The story is bah 3 brothers who r alone since their parents r away. The youngest one has coulrophobia. The eldest one, a very young Sam Rockwell takes his brothers to a circus. Meanwhile 3 escaped mental patients r on the loose.
Made on a shoe string budget, Salva did some good job. The body count is low n the gore/violence is minimum but the movie plays more on the fear. Clownhouse does show that Salva actually has talent when it comes to putting together an effective horror movie.
The movie has lingering shots of the young actors in their underwear, shirtless, and even changing clothes. N aft knowing Salva's child molestation history, i found those scenes disgusting. What Salva did is truly unforgivable and despicable.
People may relate this film to IT and Alone in the Dark.
Very Very Creepy Indeed
Big Movie Fan2 August 2002
Clownhouse was a film that gave me the creeps. I was in my mid-20's when I watched it and it spooked me.
Clowns are horrible things when you think about it. I could never trust a clown so when you consider it, this film had a good premise and despite the lack of blood and gore, it is a very good film relying more on chills and thrills rather than blood and gore.
Some lunatics escape from an asylum and dress up as clowns. One night, three lads are in the house on their own...and you can guess the rest.
I won't spoil any bits but there are some truly creepy scenes. I'd love to tell you them but it would spoil it.
All in all, Clownhouse is a very effective chiller. And I don't believe it is an exaggeration to call it a chiller.
Clowns are horrible things when you think about it. I could never trust a clown so when you consider it, this film had a good premise and despite the lack of blood and gore, it is a very good film relying more on chills and thrills rather than blood and gore.
Some lunatics escape from an asylum and dress up as clowns. One night, three lads are in the house on their own...and you can guess the rest.
I won't spoil any bits but there are some truly creepy scenes. I'd love to tell you them but it would spoil it.
All in all, Clownhouse is a very effective chiller. And I don't believe it is an exaggeration to call it a chiller.
Did you know?......
afreakinsheepsclothing1 August 2020
Victor Salva was CONVICTED of m0lesting a twelve year old in this film? Well, it's true, and it is not slander or defamation because it is a fact now, to answer if this contains spoilers. no, it does not. Look it up.
Effective and creepy
Tikkin7 May 2006
When I watched this I knew about the actions of the director but chose to not let it spoil the film for me. I'm glad I did because this is a very effective and creepy film. There are plenty of tense moments and the clowns are scary. There is also some great camera-work on display, and clever shots of the clowns that are in sync with the music. It's a while since I watched Clownhouse so I can't say much more, but from what I remember it was a very creepy horror film and one I will watch again one day.
Try not to let the actions of the director put you off, Clownhouse is a creepy little horror flick and succeeds in its intent.
Try not to let the actions of the director put you off, Clownhouse is a creepy little horror flick and succeeds in its intent.
Not even Sam Rockwell's competence could save this one.
impalassamuel23 March 2018
After spending almost thirty years in the Hollywood circuit, Sam Rockwell finally won his first Academy Award in acting at the 90th installment. Reaching that pinnacle had to begin somewhere. This pathetic piece of cinematic rubbish known as "Clownhouse" served as Rockwell's first stepping stone on his way to an Oscar win. Granted, I have not seen all of Rockwell's performances. But I have seen enough to know that he's an ideal candidate for the role of a cocky alpha bully, revealed here in his earliest cinematic effort.
However, despite Rockwell's competence, Clownhouse is a sad failure. Everyone else onscreen seemed like they were at a casting audition which led me to think that the producers must have chosen the performers on a first-come, first-cast basis. Director Victor Salva failed in coaching the performers to be more natural, less robotic and overall complementary to the film's best actor. The music was well composed, but needed to be performed by an arrangement of instruments and not on a synthesizer. Also, I was let down by the clowns themselves as the idea of coulrophobia, or the fear of clowns, was built up so much. Furthermore, the jump scenes were not surprising. The violence content was rather mild and lacked much blood for a horror title. I guess that the R-rating was awarded for the generous amount of profanity, spewed mostly from Rockwell's mouth. Otherwise this would have garnered a PG-13 or softer rating.
This could have been a much better production and would undoubtedly do good as a remake. As stated above, Sam Rockwell was a solid character in this particular selection which is the only reason I recommend sitting through it.
However, despite Rockwell's competence, Clownhouse is a sad failure. Everyone else onscreen seemed like they were at a casting audition which led me to think that the producers must have chosen the performers on a first-come, first-cast basis. Director Victor Salva failed in coaching the performers to be more natural, less robotic and overall complementary to the film's best actor. The music was well composed, but needed to be performed by an arrangement of instruments and not on a synthesizer. Also, I was let down by the clowns themselves as the idea of coulrophobia, or the fear of clowns, was built up so much. Furthermore, the jump scenes were not surprising. The violence content was rather mild and lacked much blood for a horror title. I guess that the R-rating was awarded for the generous amount of profanity, spewed mostly from Rockwell's mouth. Otherwise this would have garnered a PG-13 or softer rating.
This could have been a much better production and would undoubtedly do good as a remake. As stated above, Sam Rockwell was a solid character in this particular selection which is the only reason I recommend sitting through it.
The most terrifying movie EVER
shanekraus25 July 2022
If you are afraid of clowns this movie will horrify you. I used to think IT was the scariest clown movie ever, but after watching this... this is the creepiest! Honestly, the real reason this movie is so disturbing is because of the fact that the director of this movie molested the main actor of the movie.
Creepy & Fun! One of the better 80's horror movies
Coventry15 December 2004
I stated this in my "Jeepers Creepers" reviews, but it definitely also counts for this "Clownhouse": Victor Salva knows what frightens people! All the felonies that brought him in the news are not really my business. My only interest goes out to his directing skills and I can safely say he's one of the few directors out there that approach the genre with the right attitude. "Clownhouse" was a remarkable debut, mainly depending on atmosphere and suspense rather than on gruesome butchering. The plot handles about 3 escaped lunatics terrorizing 3 siblings in their house when they're home alone around the Halloween season. One of the brothers the youngest suffers from a severe clown-phobia and, since the madmen are all dressed up as clowns (they killed the clowns of a traveling circus), it will be one spooky fight for survival.
Salva uses some clever camera angles and a ghastly soundtrack in order to increase the tension and this works perfectly. Also, the costumes and clown-grimaces are efficiently creepy even better than Pennywise, still the prototype of clown-terror. The petrifying portrayal of the clowns will unquestionably cause some viewers to develop phobias, too. The acting performances are overall decent. Adolescent Sam Rockwell, who's very popular nowadays, plays the oldest of the three brothers. It's always intriguing to see successful actors in their earliest roles. Well, what are you waiting for?!? Send in the clowns!
Salva uses some clever camera angles and a ghastly soundtrack in order to increase the tension and this works perfectly. Also, the costumes and clown-grimaces are efficiently creepy even better than Pennywise, still the prototype of clown-terror. The petrifying portrayal of the clowns will unquestionably cause some viewers to develop phobias, too. The acting performances are overall decent. Adolescent Sam Rockwell, who's very popular nowadays, plays the oldest of the three brothers. It's always intriguing to see successful actors in their earliest roles. Well, what are you waiting for?!? Send in the clowns!
Could've Been Better!
gwnightscream12 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This 1989 horror film tells about 3 brothers who become stalked by a trio
of escaped, mental patients dressed as circus clowns. This could've been better in my opinion. One of the problems is the clowns don't do much killing and the other is that the kids are half naked at times due to the perverted, director. A younger, Sam Rockwell is also featured as the oldest brother. Clowns are creepy, but if you've seen "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" and "It," this hardly compares.
Fantasy And Reality...
azathothpwiggins24 June 2020
CLOWNHOUSE gets the whole "fear of clowns" thing right. This is due most assuredly to what was really taking place off camera, adding a rather sick, sorrowful undertone that's difficult to shake. In addition, real-life killer John Wayne Gacy's "Pogo" the clown persona jumps immediately to mind, making this truly chilling. The entire production is shot through with an ominous, dreamlike atmosphere.
The three young brothers (Nathan Forrest Winters, Brian McHugh, and Sam Rockwell) seem to be in actual peril from these insane, silent predators. This is an effective horror movie that will always be remembered for the crimes committed by its Director during its production...
The three young brothers (Nathan Forrest Winters, Brian McHugh, and Sam Rockwell) seem to be in actual peril from these insane, silent predators. This is an effective horror movie that will always be remembered for the crimes committed by its Director during its production...
Nadir of the 1980s
Leofwine_draca26 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
It's not often that I find it near impossible to sit through a mainstream film, but this one was an exception. Obviously made to cash in on the scary clown phase of the late '80s (Stephen King's IT was doing the rounds at this time as well) the film is so tame in its approach, I'm surprised it was even rewarded the 15 certificate that it got. It is just so goddamn boring.
The plot (if you can even remotely call it that) is about three maniacs who escape from a mental institute, dress up as clowns at a local circus and then terrorise three children in their homes. I've heard people say about how scary this one is, but I have to ask...where are the chills? Guys in white greasepaint can be scary, I'm sure, but these clowns don't even serve up chuckles, let alone screams. Two of the kids die but then, at the end, we find them all alive and well. I venomously hate it when they bring victims back to life again. It's just so unnecessary and feel-good and sugary that it makes me want to vomit.
American child actors are possibly the only thing that will make me get up and switch off the TV (that and real-life operations...can't stand 'em). These kids are annoyingly no exception. The director of this trash was involved in a child sex scandal with the main actor before going on to direct films like POWDER, and I would try and forget this film if I was him.
The plot (if you can even remotely call it that) is about three maniacs who escape from a mental institute, dress up as clowns at a local circus and then terrorise three children in their homes. I've heard people say about how scary this one is, but I have to ask...where are the chills? Guys in white greasepaint can be scary, I'm sure, but these clowns don't even serve up chuckles, let alone screams. Two of the kids die but then, at the end, we find them all alive and well. I venomously hate it when they bring victims back to life again. It's just so unnecessary and feel-good and sugary that it makes me want to vomit.
American child actors are possibly the only thing that will make me get up and switch off the TV (that and real-life operations...can't stand 'em). These kids are annoyingly no exception. The director of this trash was involved in a child sex scandal with the main actor before going on to direct films like POWDER, and I would try and forget this film if I was him.
A campfire story, indeed
TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews9 May 2013
When three brothers(with sibling dynamics that, like everything else, especially the aspects concerning the characters, are credible, developed and human) have to spend the night without their parents(both busy with work - middle class; the father is home the least), even their seemingly safe, suburban house(a lot of this is spent there, only in the company of our 3 leads, making for a very isolated and claustrophobic slasher) can't protect them.
Casey(Winters, still afraid - and the theme here is how to deal with that, and whether everyone feels it), the youngest, Geoffrey(McHugh, sympathizes with him and is in general the favorite of the three - that of the parents, and aforementioned kid) the middle one, and Randy(Rockwell in his debut(and yes, you can sense his quirk in a little of it), resents having to be responsible for the other two), the eldest.
What is the fear of? Vivid, pale-faced performers. What? No, not KISS... that would risk the boys' souls. They're only at risk of being killed, so calm down, Christians. Yes, your circus-variety harlequin(be honest, they *are* inherently creepy - particularly when completely silent, communicating via miming, using their vastly expressive faces, as is done here) is the threat. Or, rather, a trio of escaped mental patients dressed up as them(and before donning the three distinct sets of make-up and bright, vibrant colors, we only see close-ups of their manically staring eyes). Yes, you *will* be terrorized by the Insane Clown Posse, demanding to know how magnets work.
Yes, I know of the director's crime; I will not be going into it in this review. He served his time and I feel we should separate a man's personal life from their career. Of what I've watched(the others being the first two Jeepers Creepers), this is Salva's best, by far. This is quite grounded, and a welcome departure from where horror movies were at this point in time. Rather than outlandish, it sets everything up and it all feels genuine, authentic. This is primarily build-up, low on "action". Death scenes are small-scale but effective. There is almost no blood or violence, it's usually the threat and that which is implied that gets to us, the suspense and atmosphere. What's just off-screen, what's in the dark.
This does use clichés, such as the eerie fortune teller - they do tend to work, and this thankfully isn't as loudly 80's as a lot of flicks from the decade. There are few jump-scares, instead we have consistent tension(such as in the use of close-ups, often of hands). In general it's well-filmed, with the opening shots setting the mood and tone impeccably. This is tightly paced and keeps moving throughout, with no scene wasted. It's an hour and 18 minutes sans credits, an hour and 21 minutes with. There is some humor, typically in the dialog - in fact, that's about the only place where it works, as several of the "the guys are having fun" bits are completely off(each time, I honestly thought something else, entirely, was going on), as one of the only things in this. The acting is good from all concerned, with almost no "crappy child actor" curse. Score is well-done.
There is some strong language and brief underage male rear nudity in this. I recommend this to any fan of this kind of film. 6/10
Casey(Winters, still afraid - and the theme here is how to deal with that, and whether everyone feels it), the youngest, Geoffrey(McHugh, sympathizes with him and is in general the favorite of the three - that of the parents, and aforementioned kid) the middle one, and Randy(Rockwell in his debut(and yes, you can sense his quirk in a little of it), resents having to be responsible for the other two), the eldest.
What is the fear of? Vivid, pale-faced performers. What? No, not KISS... that would risk the boys' souls. They're only at risk of being killed, so calm down, Christians. Yes, your circus-variety harlequin(be honest, they *are* inherently creepy - particularly when completely silent, communicating via miming, using their vastly expressive faces, as is done here) is the threat. Or, rather, a trio of escaped mental patients dressed up as them(and before donning the three distinct sets of make-up and bright, vibrant colors, we only see close-ups of their manically staring eyes). Yes, you *will* be terrorized by the Insane Clown Posse, demanding to know how magnets work.
Yes, I know of the director's crime; I will not be going into it in this review. He served his time and I feel we should separate a man's personal life from their career. Of what I've watched(the others being the first two Jeepers Creepers), this is Salva's best, by far. This is quite grounded, and a welcome departure from where horror movies were at this point in time. Rather than outlandish, it sets everything up and it all feels genuine, authentic. This is primarily build-up, low on "action". Death scenes are small-scale but effective. There is almost no blood or violence, it's usually the threat and that which is implied that gets to us, the suspense and atmosphere. What's just off-screen, what's in the dark.
This does use clichés, such as the eerie fortune teller - they do tend to work, and this thankfully isn't as loudly 80's as a lot of flicks from the decade. There are few jump-scares, instead we have consistent tension(such as in the use of close-ups, often of hands). In general it's well-filmed, with the opening shots setting the mood and tone impeccably. This is tightly paced and keeps moving throughout, with no scene wasted. It's an hour and 18 minutes sans credits, an hour and 21 minutes with. There is some humor, typically in the dialog - in fact, that's about the only place where it works, as several of the "the guys are having fun" bits are completely off(each time, I honestly thought something else, entirely, was going on), as one of the only things in this. The acting is good from all concerned, with almost no "crappy child actor" curse. Score is well-done.
There is some strong language and brief underage male rear nudity in this. I recommend this to any fan of this kind of film. 6/10
Boring crap.
pizowell24 August 2001
Well it sucks bad. Its about these 3 brothers trapped in their home with escaped mental patients dressed as clowns. The movie has absolutely no balls, no pun intended. But it should have at least knocked off one character to even make it a slasher flick. Its about 90 minutes, but it feels like 90 hours. Salva does nothing with something that alot of people are afraid of. Clowns. In fact the only people this flick would appeal to are those frightened of clowns and still its a long shot. Don't believe the hype and avoid Clownhouse. 1/10.
Welcome to a Circus of Terror!
PredragReviews13 June 2016
"Clownhouse" is a film that takes me back to my childhood. For me "Clownhouse" is a great 80's horror film. If you can put all the behind the scenes issues out of your head then the film itself is very enjoyable. It has a certain creepy feel all over it making you feel slightly uneasy the whole way through. The atmosphere really puts this one over the edge for me. Yes it looks old when watching it but that's part of the charm. The grainy look just adds an extra element of horror making this one very underrated in my opinion.
Clowns have always been an interest of mine, and lately I've become even more interested. So, as a horror buff, I figured "Clownhouse" had to be the perfect flick for my evilly kooky taste. Well, while there are a few parts of the film that are certainly less than genius, I was quite impressed. Most B-movies have to take themselves lightly, or they will be a wreck. But there are a few of them that try to be full-on horror and suspense and accomplish their goal. "Clownhouse" wasn't particularly scary to me, but I thought for it's lack of comedic approach that it was executed very well. The acting isn't all that great, but it's not too distracting either. Once the psycho clowns start doing their business, you forget all about any underlying flaws. I think the atmosphere was what this was all about. Not to mention the fact that it was mostly believable. Almost every scene took a fairly realistic approach to the story. This sometimes causes a little boredom here and there, but for the most part makes the movie much more entertaining.
Overall rating: 7 out of 10.
Clowns have always been an interest of mine, and lately I've become even more interested. So, as a horror buff, I figured "Clownhouse" had to be the perfect flick for my evilly kooky taste. Well, while there are a few parts of the film that are certainly less than genius, I was quite impressed. Most B-movies have to take themselves lightly, or they will be a wreck. But there are a few of them that try to be full-on horror and suspense and accomplish their goal. "Clownhouse" wasn't particularly scary to me, but I thought for it's lack of comedic approach that it was executed very well. The acting isn't all that great, but it's not too distracting either. Once the psycho clowns start doing their business, you forget all about any underlying flaws. I think the atmosphere was what this was all about. Not to mention the fact that it was mostly believable. Almost every scene took a fairly realistic approach to the story. This sometimes causes a little boredom here and there, but for the most part makes the movie much more entertaining.
Overall rating: 7 out of 10.
It tries, but yeah it's bad
TelephonePole11 December 2015
I would like to start by stating an opinion; This is the worst film I've seen yet. Clownhouse has an interesting concept of escaped mental patients taking clown disguises who then follow a group of children, but it is not presented and executed effectively. This is due to the lowlights: acting; which is prominent, the writing and story. These drag down the proposed fear factor which was to be three kids in a house who are not sure if there really are clowns trying to kill them, and instead turns the creepy feeling the other way round--disrupting the flow established with the worst performances given by the script and acting. I would say that this cannot be the worst film ever as it did show some talent in the directing of scenes. The lighting was suit for the situation giving an atmosphere and the shots were good for a film without the focus on cinematography.
But really, I gave this film a 3/10 which means I wouldn't watch it again and you shouldn't watch the film but if you wanted to; you could mute it for a silent film which would be better.
But really, I gave this film a 3/10 which means I wouldn't watch it again and you shouldn't watch the film but if you wanted to; you could mute it for a silent film which would be better.
Creepy clowns chasing three brothers
The_Void30 March 2006
Slashers don't tend to be my favourite type of horror films, but this one is slightly better than most because it actually has some vision, and its gimmick, while not exactly original, is well used. Many people find clowns frightening, and it's not hard to see why; as these make-up wearing funny men definitely have a sinister aura about them, and that is something that director Victor Salva has capitalised on here. These clowns are particularly nasty as well, and the fact that they're escaped lunatics helps to ensure this. The film takes a while to get going, but this time is well spent on introducing the audience to the three lead characters. I'm not a big fan of movies that star children, but these three aren't too bad. We follow three brothers who find themselves under attack in their own home. The main plot is only one babysitter away from being the oldest one in the book, and the fact that the intruders are escaped mental patients doesn't exactly help it in this area. Luckily, the film is largely well done, and it's a good job because if it relied solely on its story, Clownhouse would have been easy to forget about.
Director Victor Salva is a notorious presence in Hollywood, which is down to the fact that he confessed to being a child molester a year before Clownhouse was released. You've got to question the wisdom of allowing him to make a movie with three kids, therefore, but really, I'm only interested in his film making ability, and it's obvious that Victor Salva is a talent. His use of the camera is superb, and he creates a brilliantly foreboding atmosphere around the house, which helps this kind of plot no end. The music too is well implemented, and helps the film at the right moments. The acting is nothing to write home about, but in fairness; the three leads do rather well. Nathan Forrest Winters puts in the best performance as the youngest of the trio, and receives good backup from Brian McHugh and a young Sam Rockwell, who both fit their roles as his brothers well. The film isn't very gory for a slasher and most of the movie is rather restrained. Salva goes for the scares without using gore and, for a change; it works in its favour. I can't say that Clownhouse is a classic or must see, but it's not bad and is undoubtedly better than either of the Jeepers Creepers films.
Director Victor Salva is a notorious presence in Hollywood, which is down to the fact that he confessed to being a child molester a year before Clownhouse was released. You've got to question the wisdom of allowing him to make a movie with three kids, therefore, but really, I'm only interested in his film making ability, and it's obvious that Victor Salva is a talent. His use of the camera is superb, and he creates a brilliantly foreboding atmosphere around the house, which helps this kind of plot no end. The music too is well implemented, and helps the film at the right moments. The acting is nothing to write home about, but in fairness; the three leads do rather well. Nathan Forrest Winters puts in the best performance as the youngest of the trio, and receives good backup from Brian McHugh and a young Sam Rockwell, who both fit their roles as his brothers well. The film isn't very gory for a slasher and most of the movie is rather restrained. Salva goes for the scares without using gore and, for a change; it works in its favour. I can't say that Clownhouse is a classic or must see, but it's not bad and is undoubtedly better than either of the Jeepers Creepers films.
Genuinely scary...
vivalarsx25 September 2001
...and genuinely stupid. Not a great movie, not even a good one, but it creeped the hell outa me more than anything I have ever seen. I don't like clowns to begin with--which certainly helps--but the movie's lack of technical polish and sophistication make it that much closer to the sheer terrifying simplicity of a sweaty nightmare. Yikes!
House of Fears
Foreverisacastironmess12329 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I've scarcely seen many other slashers in my time that have displayed such a masterfully effective use of shadows and suspense as this one does. The picture is basically a series of various set-ups of suspenseful situations and that, coupled with the eerie ambiance is what I think it does the best and is what I love the most about it. I don't think they could get away with making movies this visually dark these days, you just don't see them anymore. This film does a lot of stuff dead right. It's scary without relying on jump scares or gory effects, with hardly a drop of blood being spilt throughout. And maybe for some people that hurts the movie but I'd personally enjoy it just as much either way. I think it brilliantly demonstrates that horror doesn't need blood in order to be effectively frightening. The theme music is very memorable, and instantly sets a distinctly strange and unsettling tone. I really believe this is as perfect a killer clown movie as there could ever possibly be, there's only so much you can do with that. Although it excellently plays off the fear of clowns, you sure as heck don't need it to be freaked out by these ones! Alright, to be fair it's only really the leader, a stony-faced fiend with a ghastly piercing expression, who has any strong sense of unnatural menace to him - which is perfectly fine, as he packs more than enough threat for all three! He's no Pennywise, but I think the man's performance makes this movie, and imbues it with the most primal fear. The other two weren't all that much at all really. The one with the pointy hat behaved as if he were a retarded person, his death brings a laugh, and the one with the purple hair was plain pathetic, looking like nothing more than a bored, spaced-out man in a clown suit whom the kids manage to defeat by bonking him over the head with a plank of wood! But that said, I did like the way the clowns never came off as silly despite being the flamboyantly colourful rainbow-haired variety. I like how, save for one maniacal laugh at the beginning, they never say a word or barely a sound, almost being like ghosts at points. And that's something really interesting that the film somewhat delves into and like what Casey says is that, it's not necessarily about clowns as such, but the idea of something twisted and evil hiding behind a false happy mask of makeup. Of course it doesn't help that these particular harlequins do have pretty scary faces! And when it's actually kids in a horror movie that are being terrorised, that's a whole different brand of terror. ::: What I liked the best about the combined performances of Winters Mchugh and Rockwell, was that although their acting wasn't perfect, I actually believed them as brothers, the brother dynamic between them was very well captured and established, as were their individual characters and places in the brotherly hierarchy. I thought the relationship between Geoffrey and Casey seemed really sweet and genuine. And Randy, while just seeming to be a threatening bully to Geoffrey, occasionally showed a softer more concerned side when it came to Casey, so he wasn't really a complete jackass. And I must say, the only thing I did dislike about this film was Nathan Forest Winters, He was way too whiny, and so mumbly with his lines that most of the time I couldn't tell a word he was saying, and to me he just made for one very poor lead. ::: I love the numerous excellent little moments throughout where a clown will dart past in the background or something, and just as someone will turn to look they'll be gone. All that stuff just greatly enriched and heightened the fearful atmosphere of dread and creepy claustrophobic feel of this classic. Like in the early scene where the maniacs have just killed the real clowns and first put on their spooky makeup. The only real colour in the shadowy room is the brilliant white of the face paint as one of them ominously smears it across his face, and it's like the donning of the warpaint! And thus truly begins the madness... And in another moment that occurs at the end of a skillfully done sequence where the boys take turns telling a scary story and get a little carried away and inadvertently attract the clowns' attention. The way the lead clown slowly turns and stares straight at Casey just as he happens to look out the window at the wrong moment is so incredibly chilling. Marked for death... And I don't know about you, but if I were to look out my window and see that in the dead of night? I dare say that would be scary as hell! The whole film is like a dream, or a nightmare. It starts slow and progresses deeper and deeper into this, almost surreal kind of madness, culminating in the surprisingly brutal axe-in-the-back grim ending. Great to watch around Halloween or just whenever you may feel like some tried and trusted, sweet old '80's frights and fun! Bye!
Good, but could have been great
Nightman859 January 2009
A boy's fear of clowns is pushed to the limit when he and his brothers are stalked and terrorized by some escaped psychopaths in clown get-ups.
This was the feature debut for director Victor Salva (who would go on to much bigger success with the Jeepers Creepers films) and Salva does a pretty decent job of creating a good horror story. The plot is well-paced with some clever scenes of tension and humor. Clownhouse wisely relies on good suspense set ups instead of graphic violence. The camera work is nicely done and the music score lends a chilling vibe to the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, the film is hurt by two major flaws...
First, the young stars performances leave much to be desired. Their acting seems quite amateurish through out the entire film. Even when the trio of brothers tries for some emotional levels the performances are just too unconvincing and really makes the characters seem awkward.
Second, the homo erotic tones in this film are just tacky and tasteless. As most every critic has noted there are a number of scenes with the young brothers in various stages of undress and engaging in behavior that seems more like flirting than normal behavior between brothers. There's also one wildly inappropriate ass-shot of young Nathan Forrest Winters. These undertones are just unnecessary, distracting, and its obvious Salva added them for his own guilty pleasure. Not surprisingly Nathan Forrest Winters would later bring molestation charges against Salva.
It's a shame these glaring flaws occurred because Clownhouse was a horror film with strong potential. It's still a good watch for horror fans - but it could have been a great ride instead. Shame.
** 1/2 out of ****
This was the feature debut for director Victor Salva (who would go on to much bigger success with the Jeepers Creepers films) and Salva does a pretty decent job of creating a good horror story. The plot is well-paced with some clever scenes of tension and humor. Clownhouse wisely relies on good suspense set ups instead of graphic violence. The camera work is nicely done and the music score lends a chilling vibe to the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, the film is hurt by two major flaws...
First, the young stars performances leave much to be desired. Their acting seems quite amateurish through out the entire film. Even when the trio of brothers tries for some emotional levels the performances are just too unconvincing and really makes the characters seem awkward.
Second, the homo erotic tones in this film are just tacky and tasteless. As most every critic has noted there are a number of scenes with the young brothers in various stages of undress and engaging in behavior that seems more like flirting than normal behavior between brothers. There's also one wildly inappropriate ass-shot of young Nathan Forrest Winters. These undertones are just unnecessary, distracting, and its obvious Salva added them for his own guilty pleasure. Not surprisingly Nathan Forrest Winters would later bring molestation charges against Salva.
It's a shame these glaring flaws occurred because Clownhouse was a horror film with strong potential. It's still a good watch for horror fans - but it could have been a great ride instead. Shame.
** 1/2 out of ****
Not Victor's best
baileycrawly24 December 2019
Known more for the controversy surrounding it than the actual content of the film, Clownhouse is an ambitious enough attempt at a debut film from Salva. Although full of horror movie cliches that are as bland and boring to an audience as the lowest budget horror movies, it's about what one would expect from a young director's debut. There are a lot of instances of the director not really knowing what to do and taking stabs in the dark, some of which are successful but most of which wind up falling victim to the dreadful horror movie standard. Victor would definitely go on to do much better than this film.
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