Robbie Lopez’s Critters: All You Can Eat delivers exactly what fans of the franchise expect—mayhem, absurdity, and plenty of gnarly little furballs wreaking havoc. While not without its flaws, this low-budget, high-energy installment feels like a love letter to the Critters series, blending practical creature effects, chaotic action, and an eclectic cast of characters into an entertaining, albeit slightly rough-around-the-edges, ride.
The film kicks off in a rather unconventional manner. The first eight minutes function as a trailer asking for funding, which is a bit confusing given that the movie itself follows immediately after. We then get an introduction from cult favorite Eddie Deezen, who amusingly admits to only seeing Critters 2 despite having also appeared in Critters 4. While Deezen mostly spends the introduction plugging upcoming autograph signings, his presence adds an oddball charm. Considering his reputation for being difficult to work with, credit must be given to Lopez and his team for managing to complete the film with him on board.
Once the actual movie begins, we’re treated to a solid opening featuring the Critters in space, accompanied by Deep Purple’s “Space Truckin’.” The creatures—practically made but with animated eyes and mouths—crash-land in Grover’s Bend, Kansas, setting the stage for small-town carnage. The setup is classic Critters, tiny alien monsters causing chaos in unsuspecting locations, this time a strip mall filled with hapless townsfolk.
Sean Gestl as the Dog Catcher steals the show, fully committing to his role and giving it his all. Another standout, CJ Robles, makes an impact despite not being in the film for long. The film is peppered with amusing, offbeat moments—like a tattoo artist casually chatting about Suzanne Somers before being interrupted by an invading Crite. The soundtrack adds to the film’s energy, with a particularly great moment featuring The Ramones playing while the Crites go on a full-blown rampage in a restaurant. This scene is easily the highlight of the movie, blending absurdity, gore, and music into a chaotic spectacle that perfectly captures the spirit of the franchise.
That said, Critters: All You Can Eat isn’t without its rough patches. Some of the voice work is noticeably out of sync, which can be distracting. While the Bounty Hunter character looks cool, his kills are all CGI—something that feels like a missed opportunity given how well the practical effects work elsewhere. The film wraps up quickly, clocking in at just 22 minutes of actual content, making it more of a Critter side quest than a full-fledged feature.
Despite these issues, there’s an undeniable charm to Lopez’s film. It’s fun, ridiculous, and doesn’t take itself too seriously—exactly what you’d want from a Critters entry. Sure, it could use some more polish, but at its core, it’s an enjoyable ride for fans of the franchise. Stick around after the credits for some behind-the-scenes footage, which offers a fun glimpse into the film’s production.
Critters: All You Can Eat may not reinvent the franchise, but it serves up a solid helping of nostalgic creature chaos, proving that sometimes, all you really need is a bunch of Crites, some practical effects, and a killer punk rock soundtrack!
Jessie Hobson