CLOWNS IN THE WOODS Reviews of hate crime horror – free online

  

‘Revenge is a dish best served sweet!’
Clowns in the Woods is a 2021 American horror film about a mentally disabled young man who is bullied and accidentally killed.

Written and directed by Adrian Esposito (Greetings from Tromaville; Reed Unbound: The Joel M Reed Story) and Curt Markham (The Search for Silverspear; Saberfrog; Curse the Darkness).

The Espocinema production stars Dalton Letta, Roselyn Kasmire, Biz LaChance, Adrian Esposito, Arlowe Price, Greg Lentz and Luther LeBron Layne.

Plot:
Marcus (Dalton Letta), an obese young man with a minor mental disability, is bullied by ignorant college students and killed after a prank goes wrong. In the afterlife, he meets a group of ghostly clowns who help him exact revenge on those who have wronged him…

Review:
Clowns in the Woods is a low-budget horror flick that highlights the issue of hate crimes against disabled and queer people by reactionaries, particularly in small communities. There are also a couple of jibes directed at real-life bigoted bully Trump. Most of the production is competent, despite a few faltering performances, and the clowns’ makeup is reasonably creepy.

Unfortunately, the vengeful deaths – the focus of the film – are pretty feeble despite a couple of splattery moments. A tighter edit and shorter running time would also have benefitted the movie. Patient fans of trashier horror who don’t suffer from coulrophobia may find Clowns in the Woods worth a look, if desperate, but most people would be wise to avoid it due to the shoddy presentation and inert delivery. A painful rap song over the end credits does nothing to add to the film’s somewhat limited appeal.
Adrian J Smith, MOVIES and MANIA

Trailer:

Full film – free to watch online:

Cast and characters:
Dalton Letta … Marcus; Roselyn Kasmire … Amy; Biz LaChance … James; Adrian Esposito … Rosco; Arlowe Price … Jingles; Greg Lentz … Jekko; Luther LeBron Layne … Jester; John Karyus … Mr Punch (voice); Hailey Anne … Liz; Anthony S. Creek … Brad; Michael Ciesla … Zack; Kevin Millane … Jerry; Amy Zubieta … Alice; Nolan Tierce … Dan; Amelia Favata … Kelly; John Renna … Mr Belson; PJ Ryan … Peter Bannon; Rhonda Parker … Aunt Debbie

Technical specs:
1 hour 30 minutes
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1

Budget:
$35,000 (estimated)

Recommended trustworthy external reviews:
The Rotting Zombie
Screen Stars [YouTube]
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