Shakes the Clown

A bizarre concept filled with some truly disturbing jokes. "Shakes" is nearly unwatchable, yet I have a strange affection for it; possibly because the idea of a clown-based society is so off-the-wall. Truly, it is, as the box proudly proclaims, "The 'Citizen Kane' of alcoholic clown movies".

Definitely not as good as I think, but I do love Bobcat and I sincerely appreciate what he was trying to do. Probably something you'd prefer to watch as part of a black comedy weekend, it makes great marathon filler.

The first half hour of this is about as funny to me as anything, trouble is, the film is quite a bit longer than that. A few vulgar things that fall flat, but really, considering Sandler is ok, and Goldthwait is actually funny, which is really unusual, it's great. Hard to reccommend unless you're pretty sure they're ready for drunken, profane clowns.

Tom Kenny stands out in a black comedy whose original concept outstrips its blasé plot in a way that makes it seem like a sequel to a far superior non-existent predecessor.

Genre: Guuuuuh.

Goldthwait's tragicomic debut follows a drunken clown framed for murder by an insane rival. The film has a light touch despite its often grim portrayal of a pathetic alcoholic, and although it's not uproariously funny, there are more than enough amusing moments. Adam Sandler and Tom Kenny do well in early roles, and Williams' cameo is reasonably enjoyable.

Though it has a few chuckles, Bobcat's campy first outing at the helm stretches its gimmick fatally thin after fifteen minutes, let alone 90.

Starts off with a decent concept and establishes the world well, but then basically squanders it into an...adventure? It's not unwatchable. It's rather unmemorable even though it's a movie about drunk clowns. I'm not familiar with Julie Brown to know whether that was a bad accent. Fav scene: Shakes going berserk inside the home.

Disturbing, but like a train wreck you can't turn away from. Goldthwait is a whacko.

An all-star cast of comics can't make this into a good movie, sadly.

One of the worst movies I've made it through. I kept thinking it might get better. It had potential but the main character was too disgusting to care about. One redeeming feature was Robin Williams as a mime instructor. He made me laugh within seconds.

Beatupmimeslool+thenhehastodisguiseasone+robinwilliamsmimeteacherlol+istoppedpayingattentionlmaobettheyjustbeatthevillainandhisgfsurvivedandhewentbacktoclownworkmaybehegottheshowyehedid

I know it sjust supposed to be a slapstick movie but it wasn't that funny. It did have some moments though

This movie is not at all what I expected from Bobcat. One of the funnier movies I have seen.

This is why Bobcat Goldthwaite isn't famous. It's also why he's a genius

A good idea and a nice try by bobcat goldwaith (once married to the uber hotty nikki cox - which proves that all it takes is a good sense of humor!) . Not a bad movie but one can easily see this is a debut of the director. The script was good, and the rest ; pacing, cast etc was all average if not slightly above. Look out for a young adam sandler in one of his first movie roles.

This is a bad movie, but it's particularly cool seeing Tom Kenny and Adam Sandler so early in their career.

he audio presentation on this picture was so poor when i saw it, i might have enjoyed it much more were i able to hear it. All the same the idea was amusing and much of the movie funny as well. I do occasionally find myself in that quandary wondering if all this abuse is just sad.

Bobcat. Tehe. Like every other mediocre movie, it has its moments.

This is a bizarre and original film. There are moments that are really funny and ones that miss the mark completely. Most of the performances are inspired and the script is original. You must check out this film if you are a fan of Bobcat Goldthwait.

Woah woah looks like I gotta defend this movie's honor. Misanthropic with a weird grungy vibe. Robin Williams runs away with the show with only a few minutes of screentime.

So the movie sucks? It's still Bobcat Goldthwait. That's enough for me.

SHAKES THE CLOWN touches from time to time on the details of clown society, and in retrospect, this development of the film's universe is far more engaging than the fairly dull framed-for-murder storyline. And Bobcat Goldthwait's direction betrays his novice status, especially during the climax. But on a subjective level, it's good for kicking back and reveling in some black/absurdist comedy, executed by a game cast, including an early appearance by Adam Sandler--and a certain big name.

Remember that scene from Uncle Buck with the drunk clown? Always thought it'd make a great full movie? No? You were right. The first few character-establishing minutes seem promising, if underwhelming, before this film just gives up completely. I've seen worse, but the lack of laughs throughout is criminal, and the whole thing feels like a one-take side project knocked up while filming something else. Spotting Sandler and Williams pop up amongst the cast is the only entertainment on show. Shite.