“Critters,” directed by Stephen Herek, is a science fiction horror comedy that blends humor with suspense. The story begins in a distant prison asteroid where a group of small, furry, carnivorous aliens known as Crites escape captivity. These malevolent creatures steal a spaceship and make their way to Earth, landing in a rural Kansas town.

The Brown family, consisting of father Jay, mother Helen, teenage daughter April, and young son Brad, soon find their peaceful farm life disrupted. The Crites, with their voracious appetites and deadly spines, begin terrorizing the Browns, eating livestock, and causing havoc.

Meanwhile, two alien bounty hunters, Ug and Lee, are sent to Earth to recapture the Crites. These shapeshifting hunters assume human forms and awkwardly navigate Earth’s customs as they search for their prey. As the night progresses, the Browns, with the help of the bounty hunters, must fend off the Crites and protect their home.

The film combines elements of classic creature features with a tongue-in-cheek approach, making “Critters” both thrilling and entertaining. With its mix of horror, action, and comedy, “Critters” stands out as a memorable entry in the 1980s sci-fi horror genre.