critters

Calico Critters Cloverleaf Corners Mainstreet Preschool.
$39.99
Such a cute playset. Lots of accessories included. A great starter set if your child is just discovering Calico Critters.

Critters
$14.97
After Gremlins came out in 1984 it seemed like copy cat films hit theatres\VHS every few months. Of all the knock-offs, Critters would end up being my favorite. The main draw is the titular, fuzzy balls of munching mayhem, better known as The Krites. They're malevolent space creatures, but I've got a soft spot in my heart for them.

Intergalactic, face morphing, bounty hunters have tracked down "asteroid prison" escapees to the Planet Earth. Said fugitives are The Krites, and they're REALLY hungry. They start off snacking on the local fauna and for the main course they descend upon the Brown family farm. Dee Wallace Stone (Mrs. Brown) must smell like country-fried steak or something...

The film systematically evolves into a barricade the house and lock out the creatures affair, but several things prevent it from buying the farm. First and foremost are the gruesome, yet lovable Krites. They're like space porcupines with giant toothy maws, glowing red eyes and insatiable appetites. The Chiodo Brothers (Killer Klowns from Outer Space) were responsible for breathing life into the alien abominations and it's really a joy to see them in action. I just love the "special abilities" they have in their arsenal. They can roll into a ball for faster movement, grow bigger, shoot poisonous spines and of course, chomp the hell out of everything. Shockingly, they also speak in a garbled language which is hilariously subtitled for any humans watching. The Krites are perfectly realized movie monsters.

Critters is a campy "B movie" in every way. The filmmakers were aware of this and they certainly embraced it. For example, we are constantly shown this ridiculous hair band that sings the rock anthem, "Power of the Night". Apparently, one the face morphing bounty hunters thought it was so rockin' that he decides to disguise his face as glam rocker, Johnny Steele (who, incidentally, looks like my old college roommate Keith). Speaking of the bounty hunters, they're terribly naive and watching them figure out human technology is often hilarious. They have the diplomacy skills of a trigger happy terrorist and their, "We've come for the Krites" demands are typically followed with acts of explosive violence (i.e. - them blowing the living crap out of things). Nothing about Critters is subtle and you're going to enjoy the small town pandemonium that ensues.

For a PG-13 affair with a low death count, it's still easy for me to recommend Critters. The low budget sci-fi effects have held up surprisingly well and the Krites are nothing short of amazing. If you can stomach the less than stellar acting and rudimentary plot, then you'll find that Critters is one of the better creature features from the 80s. It's far from perfect, but it's great for some laughs. Critters is a dish best served with a group of rowdy friends and some ice cold brews.

Final Grade: B

Calico Critters Kitchen Set & Accessories
$24.99
This set has lots of little pieces (food) so be sure to have a container ready to store it all when it's not being played with. Very cute, but sort of hard to play with while it's set up inside of the house (we have the townhome.)

Critters 3 - You Are What They Eat
$14.97
Not a very good movie. I do suggest buying it only to complete your collection. Then watch it once only to understand what is going on.