MMM: Critters Make Kweeny Happy

So, on my last day of the blogathon, I thought I'd bring you something near and dear to my heart. Some movies just hold special places. So I thought I'd talk about a little movie called Critters, and why I love the little buggers.

Critters came out in 1986. I was about 5 then, and wouldn't actually see the movie until I was about 9 or 10. If you've never seen Critters, the premise is simple: These aliens from space that look like giant fuzzy turd pellets with huge teeth land in this small town and eat ALL THE THINGS. That really does sum up the whole movie. It doesn't promise you anything but that. It's so bad it's hilarious, and I love the stupid little monsters. Not because of anything they themselves did mind you. Sure, they are entertaining to watch, and it's not like they didn't contribute to my love of their madness. The thing I love best is that they remind me of a very wonderful memory with my mother while she was alive.

It's just a simple memory. I'm just brushing her hair while we are laughing and watching Critters. She's sober. This sadly is a big deal, because she was a drug addict. We are for once just content to be together. To enjoy this silly movie, and each others company. She leans over to me and says softly, "This is nice. Thank you."

It doesn't sound like a momentous event. But to me, it meant everything.

I'm a horror fan probably because of memories like this one. The good times I had with my mother when she was alive, we were watching horror movies. This matters to me. I relate horror to happiness on some level, even if the horror I watch isn't exactly a "light-hearted" time.  When I watch Critters it makes me STUPIDLY happy. They are silly, nasty little things and I remember my mother having a good time with me, and that's enough for me. I want to always remember that.

Sadly, my mother was not a happy person most of the time. So when she had a small moment of pleasure, it was important. When I mention briefly I had a rough upbringing, it's because she wasn't well. Mentally or physically. She killed herself in 2002, and so when I watch Critters, it gives me a solace I can't explain. It reminds me of the moments I had where my mother was laughing. Genuinely laughing. I feel like Critters time-capsuled it for me. Those stupid, furry beasts are my link to a woman I wish I saw more often. I cherish them, and the moment, and I will forever love them.

Monsters are very personal for me. I love them, I have a blast with them, and they touch me in multiple ways.

PS: I've watched the series of Critters flicks, because they are Ridiculously AWESOME! Though they tend to have the same premise. Critters visit new places and eat things. The nasty little fuzz monsters made like 4 of these movies. I'm not the only one who couldn't get enough.