Killjoy's Psycho Circus

Killjoy's Psycho Circus, released in 2016, is the fifth installment in the Killjoy franchise - a series of horror comedy films created by the Full Moon Features group. Directed by John Lechago and featuring Trent Haaga, Victoria De Mare, and Tai Chan Ngo, the film brings a unique fusion of comedy, horror and action, laced with a satirical undercurrent.

The protagonist, Killjoy (played by Trent Haaga), is a demonic clown who comes from hell. However, in this film, he is being depicted rather comically and in a different light compared to the cold-blooded demon audiences were accustomed to in previous movies. The demonic jester has now cut ties with the underworld and is no longer interested in spreading chaos and fear, as instead he opted for a more relaxed, carnival-driven lifestyle. Killjoy, alongside his lethal cohorts - Batty Boop (Victoria De Mare) and Freakshow (Tai Chan Ngo) - hosts a popular web series named Killjoy’s Psycho Circus.

The plot of the film predominantly rotates around the 'Psycho Circus' web series, demonstrating a rather innovative concept for fans. The circus, rather a low-budget horror-comedy show, becomes a hit and turns Killjoy, Batty Boop, and Freakshow into celebrities in their own right. The trio garners a cult-like following, making their web series an instant hit in the digital world. They entertain their viewers, with much of the humour being self-aware, much to the script's credit.

However, their life on the upper world doesn't remain calm and peaceful for long. Killjoy’s previous life starts to catch up with him when Beelzebub (Stephen F. Cardwell), the devil himself, sets up a court case to sue Killjoy for his non-fulfillment of the contract he signed to spread fear and chaos. Beelzebub aspires for nothing less than the total annihilation of Killjoy and his troupe. Their previously jubilant world quickly turns upside down as Beelzebub and his minions rediscover their penchant for anarchy and wreak havoc, attempting to chase them back to their hellish domain.

Simultaneously, the Psycho Circus crew encounters another intergalactic problem. An alien warship, piloted by the foam-faced and maniacal Dr. Alien Pussycat (Robin Sydney), is rolling towards Earth, she is determined to annihilate all life forms, starting with Killjoy and his team. So, the crew face dual threats - terrestrial turmoil brought by Beelzebub and extra-terrestrial threats from alien invaders.

Killjoy finds himself caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, so while juggling the dilemma, they decide to confront their enemies head-on. The three slapstick clowns take up the challenge with full gusto and prepare to defend their new-found life. The way they manage to evade the challenges thrown at them unfold in a series of comical, adventuresome, and horrifying events that are core to the film's narrative progression.

The movie is replete with campy humor, low-budget special effects, and gruesome battles, which are some of the hallmarks of the Killjoy series. The bizarrely humorous dialogues and actions packed into Killjoy's Psycho Circus provide a fresh take on the classic horror-comedy genre, creating a unique viewing experience. A warning to the squeamish, though, the film does contain plenty of graphic violence and gore, typical of the Killjoy franchise.

Overall, Killjoy's Psycho Circus is an interesting concoction of satirical comedy, horror elements, and action scenarios that entertain the audience with its quirky plot and over-the-top characters. Audiences get to enjoy unapologetic fun and humor, along with an action-filled storyline that keeps them on their toes. The film pays homage to classic B-movie aesthetics while delivering a fun, if not altogether terrifying, chapter in the Killjoy saga. It's a must-watch for those who have cultivated a taste for the unique horror-comedy genre and can appreciate the level of self-aware humour and over-the-top madness that Killjoy dishes up.