ClownTown

Extreme fear of clowns is so prevalent that there's a word for it: “coulrophobia.” Filmmaker Tom Nagel's cheapo horror film revolves around four friends stranded in a seemingly abandoned town, who discover that they're being stalked by vicious psychopaths dressed as circus clowns. Allegedly inspired by true events, ClownTown begins with a pretty young babysitter removing her halter and baring her breasts before being knifed in the belly. Skip ahead 15 years to a scene in Stanley's Diner, located somewhere in southern Ohio. Jill (Katie Keene) and Mike (Andrew Staton) are double-dating with Sarah (Lauren Compton) and Brad (Brian Nagel), all headed for a country music concert in Columbus. When they ask for directions, they're told by the local sheriff about a shortcut but warned not to stop in any of the small towns. Predictably, they become lost…and Jill realizes she left her cellphone in the diner. When a Good Samaritan calls to say he found the phone, they arrange to meet in Clinton, a town devastated years earlier by a horrific train crash. Here, they join up with two construction workers (Tom Nagel, Jeff Denton) as the axe-swinging slaughter begins. Jill is kidnapped, tied up, and ghoulishly tortured, while her terrified cohorts listen to the sordid history of ClownTown, related by a crazy old coot named Frank (Greg Violand). Naturally, there's a psychotic reason behind the senseless screamfest, but most viewers won't care. Not recommended. (S. Granger)