36 reviews
If you like bad horror movies this is a must watch. I'm a fan of poorly done b horror but this is like D or E level. Everyone that had anything to do with this film is terrible at that job. The actors or beyond bad, the filming is bad the story is bad the costume department is bad, but whenever everything is bad it sometimes makes for an entertaining experience and this movie accidentally does that. My favorite part is the dad who appears to maybe be 60 but is trying to look like hulk hogan with bleaching his hair then making his facial hair jet black. Once he comes on screen you know you are in for a real terribly funny movie.
If you've seen all of the Terrifier films but still haven't had your fill of sadistic killer clowns, then Circus of the Dead might do the trick. The psychotic circus performers in this film don't have Art the clown's style and wicked sense of humour, but they do deliver when it comes to killing people in extremely nasty ways.
The latest victims of Papa Corn (Bill Oberst Jr.) and his gang of creepy clowns are the Johnson family - Donald (Parrish Randall), his adulterous wife Tiffany (Chanel Ryan) and his two daughters - who rue the day the decided to go to the circus. This film's sole purpose is to shock with its violence and in that it succeeds: the acting is a bit off, the sound quality isn't great and certain plot points take some swallowing, but the gory nastiness is definitely eye-opening, with one scene involving a pregnant woman being particularly disturbing.
Yes, some of the 10/10 reviews are most likely fake, but all of the 1/10 and 2/10 reviews can be dismissed just as easily: no, Circus of the dead isn't the greatest horror film ever made, but it's far from the worst - gore hounds should find plenty to enjoy about this sick puppy.
The latest victims of Papa Corn (Bill Oberst Jr.) and his gang of creepy clowns are the Johnson family - Donald (Parrish Randall), his adulterous wife Tiffany (Chanel Ryan) and his two daughters - who rue the day the decided to go to the circus. This film's sole purpose is to shock with its violence and in that it succeeds: the acting is a bit off, the sound quality isn't great and certain plot points take some swallowing, but the gory nastiness is definitely eye-opening, with one scene involving a pregnant woman being particularly disturbing.
Yes, some of the 10/10 reviews are most likely fake, but all of the 1/10 and 2/10 reviews can be dismissed just as easily: no, Circus of the dead isn't the greatest horror film ever made, but it's far from the worst - gore hounds should find plenty to enjoy about this sick puppy.
- BA_Harrison
- Oct 28, 2024
- Permalink
WE WANT CLOWNS! Said no audience in the history of entertainment. If you dig sadism, this is for you. And you like extremely stupid cops and main characters. Someone is a huge fan of Rob Zombie here and thought "Captain Spaulding + 4 other clowns." And apparently the clown posse murders and rapes in every town they stop on, yet NO one thought of any connection? Surveillance cameras EVERYWHERE? The writers know that we have telephones and computers, right?
I will say most of these other user reviews must be people working on the production or hired bots.
I will say most of these other user reviews must be people working on the production or hired bots.
I really wanted to enjoy this movie. There have been some good reviews and I can understand how people had a good time, but I guess I just felt like it didn't go far enough in many ways. Violence for the sake of just making the film disgusting just doesn't work for me, and given how barren of humor this film is, I just felt nasty and bored. Many deaths seem similar and for a film like this, didn't really shine. Bill Oberst Jr. is very good here and he really carries the film. Otherwise, the clowns can be creepy, but they lose their scary steam and there seems to be no consequences and no connection to reality. The film is polished and it looks like they spent some money. It has some nice camera and lighting work and I think this director can do well in the future. Maybe come up with a more compelling story with less torture and more suspense.
- gerilovesmovies
- Mar 20, 2017
- Permalink
A bunch of circus clowns kidnap a guy, kill his wife, and hold his children hostage to ensure his compliance as they bring him along on a killing spree.
First, the good stuff. Technical work is proficient. No notable problems with editing or sound. Lighting is dark, but most likely was intentional. It was nice to learn about the existence of the strange arcade game, Gals Panic.
Second, the bad stuff. The movie doesn't have that much in way of plot or development of anything. It's one violent encounter into the next. It's mostly an exercise in testing the viewer limits. I don't have resistance to that in particular - after all, I was able to watch this without issue.
But there seems to be a breakdown in understanding what makes thing scary. We should care about the captive, and his children. Without time spent developing him and giving him character, the movie amounts to a big shrug.
The budget limitations are mostly apparent with the lack of any other acts at the "circus". There are extras for an audience, but there only seems to be a ringmaster.
There are a handful of movies that seem to be influences. In particular, Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Devil's Rejects. And for some reason, I'm reminded of Bloodsucking Freaks.
By the end of this, the viewer is left wondering where the story was. For a movie that runs over an hour and a half, with the lack of development, the whole thing could have been trimmed down to about 30-40 minutes without much loss to how effective it is.
Why am I bothering to write this review? Because the 5.9 on iMDB right now is seriously misleading. Even for fans of pushing horror to extremes would be disappointed.
First, the good stuff. Technical work is proficient. No notable problems with editing or sound. Lighting is dark, but most likely was intentional. It was nice to learn about the existence of the strange arcade game, Gals Panic.
Second, the bad stuff. The movie doesn't have that much in way of plot or development of anything. It's one violent encounter into the next. It's mostly an exercise in testing the viewer limits. I don't have resistance to that in particular - after all, I was able to watch this without issue.
But there seems to be a breakdown in understanding what makes thing scary. We should care about the captive, and his children. Without time spent developing him and giving him character, the movie amounts to a big shrug.
The budget limitations are mostly apparent with the lack of any other acts at the "circus". There are extras for an audience, but there only seems to be a ringmaster.
There are a handful of movies that seem to be influences. In particular, Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Devil's Rejects. And for some reason, I'm reminded of Bloodsucking Freaks.
By the end of this, the viewer is left wondering where the story was. For a movie that runs over an hour and a half, with the lack of development, the whole thing could have been trimmed down to about 30-40 minutes without much loss to how effective it is.
Why am I bothering to write this review? Because the 5.9 on iMDB right now is seriously misleading. Even for fans of pushing horror to extremes would be disappointed.
We have to say that this was a film to watch by yourself or with other people with the same morbid curiosity as we did. modern grindhouse film with scenes that will offend more than a few. The story did start off a bit slow, but once we got rolling it was pretty much non stop. We wished it would have developed the family dynamics just a bit more so when time came you would definitely feel more for the primary character. We do love the crazy, demented and psychosis of the main antagonist and an does he put the cringe in the back of your neck. There were one or two parts where the music was cut off or didn't mesh well, but not enough to make it a point to take you completely out of the film. the attention to detail on set design and small details like costumes make it a real treat! Overall a really gritty, dark and well made film and worth a watch a few times. Looking forward to see if they make a second part.
- Film_Noob_David
- Sep 13, 2019
- Permalink
Awful, disjointed, illogical, poor production value, poor acting, terrible script, and trailer trashy. One of the absolute worst horror movies ever made.
I hope the distribution company imploded for saddling the rest of us with this stupidity.
This is what you get when you cross wannabe talentless hack filmmakers with easy access film tech.
Don't waste your time with this tripe garbage and horrible content. It's bad, just bad.
This movie would be entertaining and more intelligent if you play it in reverse at 2.5 x speed. ANYTHING different would help.
There's nothing here for you, if you have an active mind.
I hope the distribution company imploded for saddling the rest of us with this stupidity.
This is what you get when you cross wannabe talentless hack filmmakers with easy access film tech.
Don't waste your time with this tripe garbage and horrible content. It's bad, just bad.
This movie would be entertaining and more intelligent if you play it in reverse at 2.5 x speed. ANYTHING different would help.
There's nothing here for you, if you have an active mind.
- jeff_fields-460-630186
- Oct 28, 2023
- Permalink
- nogodnomasters
- Aug 11, 2017
- Permalink
When you read the other reviews it's obvious that they're connected to the movie, way too many 10/10
It unfortunate that these review can be hijacked because I do appreciate hearing other peoples honest reviews.
It unfortunate that these review can be hijacked because I do appreciate hearing other peoples honest reviews.
- jpcanning-33496
- Apr 28, 2022
- Permalink
- devlinarmsco
- Mar 19, 2018
- Permalink
- jvsrealestate
- Aug 19, 2020
- Permalink
I couldn't even make it 20 minutes in. The best acting is from the little girl playing the younger daughter. Pets can act better than the cast. Terrible dialogue writing. Painful to watch. I had to turn it off.
- jessiewaterhouse
- Aug 28, 2020
- Permalink
- nmel-64866
- Apr 19, 2024
- Permalink
For most of the movie it is just a bunch of clowns killing people in disgusting ways. No good qualities in the entire movie. No motive for the clowns killing people other than to kill people. Where is the plot? Where is the suspense? Where is the good acting? Just torture, screaming, torture, spurting blood, etc. Etc. Etc. I did watch the whole movie with the last hour of the movie with the volume turned down really low while doing something else as I couldn't stomach all the torture, screaming etc. I always try to watch a movie to the end in case it gets better. With this movie it did not, terrible in the beginning, terrible in the middle and terrible in the end. I would not recommend this movie for anyone who enjoys a good horror movie that is actually scary, has a plot, has good acting and has good direction. I would give this movie a zero if I could.
- richardbutch-19164
- Mar 1, 2024
- Permalink
Low budget clown gore porn with decent practical effects, but lack or story development, poor acting and gore for gore's sake doom this movie. Even the gorgeous Chanel Ryan couldn't save this film. Circus of the Dead came out one year after Damien Leone's All Hallows Eve so is it a "coincidence" that Papa Corn, the lead killer clown, looks pretty similar to Art The Clown? Please refer to Leroy Jethro Gibbs Rule #39 for the answer to that question. In a nut shell if Rob Zombie and Damien Leone decided to team up and make the worst possible horror movie in the history of horror movies as a gag, Circus of The Dead would be it. #HardPass.
- hammerheadcases
- Dec 1, 2023
- Permalink
- kyralynne-90247
- Sep 17, 2022
- Permalink
- jorgito2001
- Sep 27, 2020
- Permalink
I loved this movie. I would say it is one of the best roles I have seen Bill Oberest play. He makes such a good antagonist!! This is one of the few torture porn movies that I can actually enjoy. Although papa Corn was an absolute savage, I loved him at the same time. Don't know what that says about me as a human, but oh well.
- dgonzalez-40797
- Jun 14, 2021
- Permalink
Circus of the Dead..wow!
We have seen killer clowns before but not like these guys,..you do not want to be going to their circus.
Horror these days can be so generic and has to be about credibility for many so this movie is very real in style..the thought that people like these guys could exist is the real horror..no real reason for them to be killing and torturing people just for the fact they enjoy it and it certain cases get off on it..thats real nasty horror.
All the cast involved were good to great..Bill Oberst Jr as Papa Corn is truly mesmerising and can easily be said to be one the most disturbing killers on screen in recent years..you will not forget him in a hurry.
What i liked was that the other players even tho not as crazy still had their own personalities and sick nature..Noodledome the Clown just made me laugh with his constant giggle and Mister Blister was so laid back and didnt give a crap made me like him even tho he was an awful person.
Parrish Randall was just fantastic as the poor guy they abduct and put through hell..you really felt for the guy.
Billy Pon has created an indie classic here and would love to see this get more widespread..I saw this around the same time as Rob Zombie's 31 and i thought this was way way better than that !
So if you want to see something crazy, disturbing and yet still enjoyable check it out..will stick in the mind for a very long time
- chockybikky
- Feb 12, 2018
- Permalink
I love clown horror! I had been following this movie on Facebook for awhile waiting for it to come out. Was excited for it and usually when that happens I end up being disappointed. Not this time! I got to see a screening of it at Scares That Care horror convention and it was glorious! Fun at times, creepy at times, and always at the right times! All the actors playing the clowns were great but yes Papa Corn (Bill Oberst Jr) steals the show. Daring, creepy and disturbingly enough rather sexy, his portrayal of the clown king was magnificent.
This is the second Billy Pon movie I've seen. Bought Doll-Boy while waiting for COTD to come out. I have a feeling his name is going to get quite big in horror circles! I do hope the big studios don't snatch him up, there's just something about indy movies that fits him. I want him to always have creative control over his stuff.
I can not wait for this to get a DVD release. I want it in my collection now!
This is the second Billy Pon movie I've seen. Bought Doll-Boy while waiting for COTD to come out. I have a feeling his name is going to get quite big in horror circles! I do hope the big studios don't snatch him up, there's just something about indy movies that fits him. I want him to always have creative control over his stuff.
I can not wait for this to get a DVD release. I want it in my collection now!
To start this off I'm gonna say, this is one Circus you might want to just skip. Otherwise you'll be like poor Donald and his family within this "delicious" nightmare. The way the film was written, Clowns that take pleasure of killing, sex, and well eating or if not showing those the "way of the path" I'll say for lack of a phrase.
From winning the prize to putting down there address on a piece of paper for "Government" use, the Clowns hunt and kidnap you down, or worse. Papa Corn, the leader and mind behind the clowns seek out those by cards. There not just any cards though, there like "bingo, but from Mexico." as Papa Corn would say. Once a specific card is drawn or just skimmed through, if it matches up to someone or in this you, you might as well consider yourself dead.
Maybe I should add how screwed up these Clowns really are, especially when it comes to Papa Corn, who was acted by Bill Oberst Jr. Papa gets pleasure out of, well everything. If it involves raping, slitting, marking, torture or even sexual appearances, you'll be finding Mr. Corn touching himself. If he isn't chasing you bare bottom as well, oh yeah he does that too. Noodledoom, a large man with a mallet. You know the hammer you use to try ringing the bell, oh yes, you wouldn't want to run into this particular Clown. Who loves to eat flesh of any sort, even your cut off tongue. Mr. Blister seems to be a chill out Clown that likes to play games, and only kills when needed it seems. Jumbo, he's one clown you need to keep an eye on. He's like a dwarf that could easily not be seen inside of a vehicle to end your demise. Pepe the Mime, well add Leatherface idea to this Mime and juggling and you should understand this Clown already. Finally, Doll Boy, I wouldn't say he's a Clown, but someone who wears a Doll's face as a mask and his choice of weapon, sledgehammer.
You may be wondering the inspiration for Circus of the Dead, well maybe the beginning quote just might be the clue of this unnatural and messed up circus that we witness, at least it's on a screen and not actually inside of it. Because Papa Corn, may be watching you already while looking through his deck of cards for a match.
John Wayne Gacy, a real life serial killer who sexually assaulted, tortured and murdered at least 33 teenage boys and young men between 1972 and 1978 in Cook County, Illinois. Gacy became known as the "Killer Clown" because of his charitable services at fund-raising events, parades, and children's parties where he would dress as "Pogo the Clown" or "Patches the Clown", characters he had devised.
Circus of the Dead uses great practical effects with no CGI, as to what I can tell. It's all practical and nothing added by computer. The kills are just bloody amazing, and the story, well let's just remind you like I stated at the beginning. You might want to skip this one to spare your life, if not your entire families. Clowns, they're suppose to be entertainment. We aren't suppose to fear them, but then again Clowns can be scary. Don't forget, watch past the credits.
From winning the prize to putting down there address on a piece of paper for "Government" use, the Clowns hunt and kidnap you down, or worse. Papa Corn, the leader and mind behind the clowns seek out those by cards. There not just any cards though, there like "bingo, but from Mexico." as Papa Corn would say. Once a specific card is drawn or just skimmed through, if it matches up to someone or in this you, you might as well consider yourself dead.
Maybe I should add how screwed up these Clowns really are, especially when it comes to Papa Corn, who was acted by Bill Oberst Jr. Papa gets pleasure out of, well everything. If it involves raping, slitting, marking, torture or even sexual appearances, you'll be finding Mr. Corn touching himself. If he isn't chasing you bare bottom as well, oh yeah he does that too. Noodledoom, a large man with a mallet. You know the hammer you use to try ringing the bell, oh yes, you wouldn't want to run into this particular Clown. Who loves to eat flesh of any sort, even your cut off tongue. Mr. Blister seems to be a chill out Clown that likes to play games, and only kills when needed it seems. Jumbo, he's one clown you need to keep an eye on. He's like a dwarf that could easily not be seen inside of a vehicle to end your demise. Pepe the Mime, well add Leatherface idea to this Mime and juggling and you should understand this Clown already. Finally, Doll Boy, I wouldn't say he's a Clown, but someone who wears a Doll's face as a mask and his choice of weapon, sledgehammer.
You may be wondering the inspiration for Circus of the Dead, well maybe the beginning quote just might be the clue of this unnatural and messed up circus that we witness, at least it's on a screen and not actually inside of it. Because Papa Corn, may be watching you already while looking through his deck of cards for a match.
John Wayne Gacy, a real life serial killer who sexually assaulted, tortured and murdered at least 33 teenage boys and young men between 1972 and 1978 in Cook County, Illinois. Gacy became known as the "Killer Clown" because of his charitable services at fund-raising events, parades, and children's parties where he would dress as "Pogo the Clown" or "Patches the Clown", characters he had devised.
Circus of the Dead uses great practical effects with no CGI, as to what I can tell. It's all practical and nothing added by computer. The kills are just bloody amazing, and the story, well let's just remind you like I stated at the beginning. You might want to skip this one to spare your life, if not your entire families. Clowns, they're suppose to be entertainment. We aren't suppose to fear them, but then again Clowns can be scary. Don't forget, watch past the credits.