"Critters Attack!" presents a challenge when attempting to assess it. It seems this movie wasn’t really intended for critics; it's difficult to determine what the filmmakers were aiming for. The film appears as though it's a reboot, yet Dee Wallace’s presence and her character’s comments suggest the Crites have existed previously. Her role is perplexing—she acts much like Lee from the earlier films, leading one to wonder if she might actually be Terrence Mann in disguise (who is noticeably absent; I was anticipating his appearance because it just doesn't feel complete without him). It’s hard to say. So, let's examine this more closely. One positive aspect is that the filmmakers largely relied on practical effects, which helps maintain a connection to the original films. CGI Crites would likely have been detrimental. They even incorporated the giant Critter Ball from the second film, although the smaller-sized Crites seen in the first are missing. The creatures should be puppets, but something about these newly designed puppets feels slightly off. They’ve always had large mouths, but now they feature flip-top heads. It's a bit odd. However, this reliance on practical effects introduces an unusual element: extensive prosthetics used for the Crites to consume. This isn't inherently problematic; what makes it strange is that it elevates the film’s violence and gore significantly compared to its predecessors. I enjoy a gruesome horror movie as much as anyone, but it feels out of place in a "Critters" film. The earlier movies were far more mild, with only two deaths occurring in the first installment. This change might be acceptable considering audiences have matured, but it's jarring nonetheless. The script is another significant issue. It resembles something written by a novice filmmaker. The narrative lacks coherence, wanders aimlessly without clear direction or explanation, and concludes abruptly—or at least that’s how it feels. The characters are underdeveloped and the filmmakers employ gimmicks to make them memorable since they lack substance; for example, one character is obsessed with bagpipes. I often forgot about a younger boy in the main group because his gimmick is that he doesn't speak and communicates solely through texting. They probably intended this as humor, but it instead creates a considerable obstacle. Ultimately, while still a rather poor film, you can sense that the filmmakers were fans of the original and attempted to create something akin to a tribute. And frankly, unless you’re familiar with at least the first movie, you're unlikely to seek this one out. It genuinely feels like an amateur fan production. You aren’t missing anything substantial if you skip it or remain unaware of its existence, as I was until I stumbled upon it purely by chance. I almost regret having seen it.

Source on TMDB