‘Critters’ (1986)

Critters is a 1986 American science fiction horror comedy film written and directed by Stephen Herek. It stars Dee Wallace, Scott Grimes, M. Emmet Walsh and Billy Zane.

The plot of the movie follows four small alien creatures, which were accidentally brought to Earth from their home planet by a space probe, as they wreak havoc on a rural Kansas town while being pursued by an intergalactic bounty hunter. Along the way, they meet up with Charlie (Grimes), his brother Brad (Billy Zane) and the local police chief (Walsh). The critters must evade capture and find a way back home before their appetite for destruction leaves the town in ruins.

The special effects used for the Critters range from puppetry to robotics. They have been described as “fuzzy rodents with razor-sharp teeth and an appetite for human flesh”. Although initially thought of as evil creatures that only wanted to cause mayhem and harm people, it is eventually revealed that they are merely hungry creatures who have been stranded in an unfamiliar place without being given any food.

The movie was met with generally positive reviews upon its release, with critics praising its campy tone and tongue-in-cheek humor. It has since developed a cult following among fans of B-movie horror comedies. Despite its low budget production values, Critters remains one of the most beloved cult classics of the 1980s.

Director

Stephen Herek is an American film director, producer and screenwriter who has been active in the movie industry since the 1980s. He is best known for directing films such as Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), The Mighty Ducks (1992), and Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995).

He was born in 1957 in Princeton, New Jersey and grew up in Catonsville, Maryland. After high school he attended Towson University where he graduated with a BFA degree in theater arts. He then went on to study filmmaking at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, where he graduated with honors.

Cast

Dee Wallace / Helen Brown	M. Emmet Walsh / Harv
Billy Green Bush / Jay Brown	Scott Grimes / Brad Brown
Billy Zane / Steve Elliot	Lin Shaye / Sally
Ethan Phillips / Jeff Barnes	Don Keith Opper / Charlie McFadden
Terrence Mann / Johnny Steele / Ug	Nadine Van der Velde / April Brown