This October, I made it my goal to watch a handful of horror movies that I have never seen before. Previously, I watched Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” which I praised for being genuinely thrilling and artfully directed. This time, I decided to go in the complete opposite direction and watch something that is wildly bizarre and delightfully goofy.

“Killer Klowns from Outer Space” has been a movie I’ve always heard about, but it seemed a little too weird for my taste. However, since I’m always open to new experiences, I decided to give this a chance. I’m glad I did.

I watched “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” without knowing much about it beforehand. I only knew that it was directed by Stephen Chiodo, who was part of the special effects team behind the 1986 horror film “Critters.” I had assumed for years that this would be one of those movies that was so bad that it’s good. I’m happy to say that this film is genuinely terrific.

Don’t get me wrong, “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” is silly and campy, but I promise that is entirely the charm. Every decision that went into its making was deliberate, including the hilarious premise and unserious tone.

As the title suggests, a group of murderous extraterrestrials who look like exaggerated circus clowns land on Earth and terrorize the small town of Crescent Cove. After their spaceship lands in the surrounding forest, Mike Tobacco and his girlfriend, Debbie Stone, decide to investigate. They discover a strange circus tent, and wander around its crazy and colorful corridors before realizing they are actually inside of a spaceship.

Mike and Debbie try to warn the authorities, but obviously no one takes them seriously. From there, the clowns invade the town and start killing the residents in the most absurd ways possible. They have ray guns that wrap people in cotton candy, bazookas that shoot popcorn which mutates into clown worms and balloon dogs that can hunt down any survivors. The list of absurdities is much too long to list here, so you’ll have to watch it for yourself!

“Killer Klowns from Outer Space” is also impressive on a technical level. All of the effects for the clowns are completely practical, using an absurd amount of prosthetic makeup. There are a handful of scenes with primitive CGI, mostly used for the lasers and the spaceship, but everything else is grounded and connects with the world in believable ways. Our leading actors were really filmed interacting with giant monstrous clowns on set. As someone who appreciates practical effects, it’s a treat to watch and wonder how the puppetry is achieved.

I think “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” is absurd in all of the right ways. I can genuinely say that I was chuckling and smiling ear-to-ear for most of the film. It’s creative and lighthearted, and the perfect movie to sprinkle in between other more serious horror films. Grab some cotton candy and popcorn then enjoy “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” for yourself.

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Jordan McCloskey is General Manager of The Express