Cleavers: Killer Clowns

'Cleavers: Killer Clowns' is a Welsh production, with the cast putting on decent American accents. Director MJ Dixon's cast also includes a couple of names often associated with fellow countryman Andrew Jones's prolific North Bank Entertainment. The cinematography, either coincidentally or by design, reminds me of the style used on an early Jones' project, 2014's 'Theatre of Fear'. Lots of tight close-us and a sickly colour palette don't just obscure the limits of a low budget, but also give the film a feel all of its own, a claustrophobic atmosphere which is good for horror. Dixon's writing isn't quite as successful, with some fairly repetitive dialogue. The storyline meanders a little too - but on the whole, I enjoyed this. There seem to have been a lot of films recently similar to 'Killer Clowns'; names like Jones, Louisa Warren and MJ Dixon can be found behind the growing list, and this is one of the better ones. Of course, it won't impress those who are eager for fast-moving CGI and a few more bangs and whistles, but I've seen a lot worse. Slow moving it may be, but it's competently made and has a certain queasy atmosphere which is pretty unnerving at times. 7 out of 10.

The end of my night last night led me to discover that there was ANOTHER Cleaver movie. Its not quite the same as the first one, its less colors and more of a gritty style. It feel a lot like Leatherface movies. The characters in this one were more interesting I think, and they were all very broken and devastating characters. The clown looks better this time and the little clown girl is REALLY creepy. I loved it. More of these please.

A UK Independent No Budget feature Film that promises a lot and delivers on many levels. The film is very much set in the US but filmed in the UK on a "zero budget" basis. But the quality of the film far exceeds that 'no money' situation. More incredible is that this film is one of a series in the Mycho Universe. The limitations of filming in the UK and yet setting the story in the US are cleverly worked out in advance so that it is very believable what is seen on the screen. There are some inventive solutions to difficulties in attempting some of the horror moment and the story itself is captivating enough that you don't need to have seen the prequel - just accept that there is a clown called Cleaver and he happens to kill people... One of the trademarks of the Mycho-verse is the quality of colourful lighting on scenes and thats true in Cleavers as well. A good, fun, watchable film that is enjoyable and clever. Oh, and a few characteristic verbal jokes along the way.

It's a sequel, but it is cleverly done so viewing of the first film is not a prerequisite in order for you to get to grips with the premise. The main antagonist genuinely gave me the creeps (in a good way) and I found myself really rooting for the family and everyone else caught up in the clowns madness! Would deffo recommend to others that share my fear of clowns.

I thought the film was great. For a microbudget production, I thought the direction was great, scenes and locations were quite expansive and varied, and the story was well written. There was also well developed and likeable characters, great acting all round and a good sense of humour, suspense and horror motifs. It is certainly worth a watch for any fans of proper indie horror!