Critters Attack!

Critters Attack! is a 2019 comedy and horror television film that is a revival of the classic '80s B-movie franchise - The Critters Series. The film charts the return of the carnivorous, spiney, extraterrestrial fur-balls referred to as "Critters". Directed by Bobby Miller, this horrifying yet amusing spectacle features young talents like Tashiana Washington, Ava Preston, Jack Fulton, and others.

The captivating narrative revolves around 20-year-old Drea (Tashiana Washington), her younger brother Phillip (Jaeden Noel), and a couple of children she is babysitting in a small town. Drea, not particularly thrilled about her job, hopes to gain admission into the college her deceased mother attended. She grabs the opportunity to babysit for one of the school's professors. Drea along with Phillip, grabs the chance to showcase their maturity and takes the professor's children, Trissy (Ava Preston) and Jake (Jack Fulton), for a trek in the local wilderness. Little do they know the menacing adventure that awaits them.

Their town plays unfortunate host to the Critters, who crash land on Earth after escaping from a space prison. These Critters, voracious as ever, are not the cuddly sort you'd want to have as pets - they are small, intensely voracious aliens that possess a thirst for chaos and destruction. While unknown to the unsuspecting residents initially, the Critters begin a murderous spree across town that soon cannot be ignored.

In this movie, the Critters are not just dealing with four unsuspecting kids, as they also encounter their greatest fear – a member of their own species, the benevolent ‘Bianca,’ who has pledged to end the Critters’ rule of terror. This interesting twist adds another level of intrigue to the narrative, showcasing a dynamic conflict within the Critters' species itself.

Tashiana Washington portrays the character of Drea perfectly, encompassing the role of a reluctant babysitter to a resilient heroine. Her character growth stems from braving the Critters' onslaught, showcasing an impressive blend of courage, agility, and wit. Ava Preston also gives an outstanding performance as Trissy, demonstrating a sense of bravery amidst the sudden terror. Jack Fulton, portraying the character of Jake, equally meets the challenge, embodying the role of an innocent child thrust into a world of unspeakable horror.

The film infuses terrifying moments with the right amount of humor. Director Bobby Miller has accomplished the difficult task of maintaining the truly horrifying aspects of a creature feature, while at the same time injecting playful humor that often places the audience in stitches of laughter. The film’s cinematic style stays true to the original series, employing cutting-edge graphics and special effects that enhance the menacing appearance of the Critters, while driving home the comedic elements this franchise is known for.

The directional approach skilfully combines sci-fi elements into the horror and comedic mix, brilliantly staging the action scenes that get you to the edge of your seat. The narrative is coated with beautiful, scenic shots of the town and the wilderness - the film is visually appealing and it effortlessly slides between terrifying scenes of Critters’ attacks and hilarious moment that lighten up the atmosphere.

Critters Attack! is a pleasant treat for all '80s B movie fans seeking nostalgia. It is a film that truly abides by the essence of the original franchise and brings back a well-loved classic with a fresh modern take, effectively intermingling horror, comedy, and a dash of science fiction. To sum up, Critters Attack! is a roller coaster journey that will have you laughing, screaming, and sitting on the edge of your seat, all at the same time. It is a testament to the idea that B movies can both entertain and scare in a charmingly nostalgic manner, wrapped in snappy humor and driven by the unforgettable terror of the Critters.