Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Horror-comedy reboot has violence, gore, and some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Critters Attack!
What's the Story?
CRITTERS ATTACK! follows a new hero, Drea (Tashiana Washington), who must help protect her town from a familiar group of alien invaders.
Is It Any Good?
Although it existed firmly in the shadow of the Gremlins movies during its initial run in the 1980s and '90s, the Critters franchise has retained a cult audience. This TV movie reboot, Critters Attack!, is the fifth film of franchise, and follows a spin-off TV series. It's a slight but savvy addition that makes absolutely no effort to take itself seriously and is all the better for it. Washington leads on the front foot as the smart, proactive Drea, whipping through a script that is light on characterisation and detail but manages a steady supply of goofy set pieces and bloody, comedy deaths.
A couple of brief call backs to the earlier films are supplied by a cameo from Dee Wallace as Aunt Dee, who appeared in the original 1986 Critters as lead Helen Brown. Thankfully, these aren't just "fan service" cameos, rather they help the film get to its final destination. Which is ... an inevitable, blood-spattered showdown with a sniggering race of carnivorous, rampaging monsters. So while it's impossible to recommend Critters Attack! as required viewing, it does provide a low budget horror-comedy that's probably fine with you viewing it as nothing more than a disposable but diverting 90 minutes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Critters Attack!. Did the blood and gore seem over the top? Did the comedic tone of the movie make the violent scenes less impactful? If so, why? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Did you find the movie scary? What's the appeal of scary movies?
Discuss the character of Drea. How did she compare to other horror movie heroes? How did she show courage and teamwork? Can you think of any times when you've shown these character strengths?
This movie is a reboot of an old franchise. Why do you think reboots such as this one get made?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 23, 2019
- Cast : Tashiana Washington , Ava Preston , Jaeden Noel
- Director : Bobby Miller
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : bloody creature violence
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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