Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘ClownTown’

Written by Scott Edwards

Trying to feed off of someone’s fears is something that should never be done, yet it is done all of the time. As people have found out over the years, there are plenty of people that are afraid of clowns, but not what they stand for. I am still unsure why there is such a fear of clowns in today’s society, as since when you go to the circus to see them, they are all about having fun and bringing joy to all. But the fear is still there, it might be because of the painted faces, the red noses or just not knowing who the person is under the paint and what their true intentions are, either way, I still have a little fear of clowns in the back of my head.

Heading to a country concert, Mike decides to pull over and ask for the quickest route to the fairgrounds. Talking with his buddy Brad in the bathroom, Mike is shocked to hear that his best friend is getting ready to propose on the trip. Even though he has the highest regards for Sarah, Mike does not want this to take place on their trip, mainly because he will not be doing the same thing with Jill. Clearing their consciences, the two make their way back out to the dining room floor to catch up with what has been going on.

Asking the waitress for directions, the group is interrupted by a local who has a good idea of how to get where they are going. Getting another opinion from the town sheriff, the group gets their directions and are ready to head off and have the time of their lives. While driving, Mike notices that they need to stop and get some gas and Jill finds out that she left her phone in the diner. Giving it a call, Sarah speaks with a man who will have the phone for them in the next town, they just need to meet him. Following his directions, the group winds up in the small town of Clinton but have no idea what is waiting for them there.

Getting out of the car and trying to find the man who has the phone, the group finds out that there is no cell service in the area. Walking around they try to find someone, since the town appears to be deserted, with the exception of one person that Mike saw in the distance. Deciding to move on, the group heads back to the car to find that the starter cables to the engine have been cut. Needing to find a way to get out of the town, the group starts down the street when Jill stumbles upon a horrifying sight...a clown holding a machete. As a truck swerves to miss her in the middle of the street, the group witnesses what has been happening in the town for longer than they would ever know, as clowns come out of the darkness and kill the truck’s driver. Running for their lives, the group will be in for a rude awakening about the town and their chances of making it to safety.

Just freaking yikes, yeah, that is all I have to say about that. I must admit with my small fear of clowns, I will probably have nightmares about them for the foreseeable future because of this movie. The group dynamic is really the only thing that keeps the story rolling as some of the early dialogue in the movie will throw many people off. However, I really did like how the story kicked into high gear once the clowns appeared and were in kill mode. Even when meeting with a town elder who knows what is up, the group is more focused on trying to find a missing friend than finding out who is hunting them and why. With clowns, some splatter, a crazy town elder, clowns, a fight to the death (and did I mention clowns?), this movie might keep you awake at nights if you are afraid of clowns, because these ones are looking for only one thing… blood. Stay Scared.

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