The director of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes argued that it took a ''certain kind of mentality'' to enjoy the film

"The weird combination is part of the appeal."

NAI Entertainment

As a fine art, there are plenty of arguments to be had about whether a movie is good or not. In our opinion, if you like a film, that means it's a good movie. It's as simple as that.

Although today it has gained a cult following, a movie like Attack of the Killer Tomatoes received mixed reviews upon its theatrical run. However, the co-writer and director of the film, argued that much of the mistrust of the film lay in a fundamental misunderstanding from the audience.

"About ten percent of the people who heard the title thought it was serious," said John DeBello, director and co-writer of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, during an interview with the Associated Press. "That really scared me about the human race."

Intended as a parody film, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes wasn't exactly award-winning material, but it is well-loved by its fans to this day. "The title sort of spawned the movie, and the rest is history," said DeBello."

DeBello said that the film was "a combination of esoteric humor and pie-in-the-face." 

"The weird combination is part of the appeal," said Debello during an interview with the Dallas Morning News. "The script is quite funny, and acting is all across the board and the production value is that kind of fifties schlock look. People say, 'This looks really stupid - why am I laughing?'"

But despite some misgivings, DeBello was ultimately grateful for the fanbase that his film had garnered over the years. "I think it takes a certain kind of mentality to like Killer Tomatoes," said DeBello. "You need to be educated on one hand, but you need to have the mindset of an eight-year-old on the other. People realize intuitively that there's no pretension."

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18 Comments

jdiperri 1 month ago
This one was just not my bag baby. My wife called it a real dud. She was right. This was one I just couldn’t finish.
Moonpie 1 month ago
Heard about this movie forever never seen it. Forced myself to watch it. I'll never get back those two hours.
Did not find it the least bit funny. Give me Airplane any day.
Wiseguy70005 1 month ago
If you like a film, that's means it's a good movie.
Ridiculous. It's perfectly all right to like a bad movie just as it's acceptable to dislike a good movie. Popularity and quality are two different concepts.
WGH 1 month ago
Now spin needs to get Attack of the Killer Donuts.

Not kidding. It's a real movie. And it's even better. The scene where the cops get attacked by the donuts and the cops start eating them is hilarious.
Avie 1 month ago
"However, the co-writer and director of the film, argued that much of the mistrust of the film lay in a fundamental misunderstanding from the audience."

No comma between "film" and "argued."

And "however" belongs at the end of the sentence, never at the beginning.
jonesy1957 1 month ago
gotta miss the show tonight...the DETROIT LIONS ARE PLAYING!!!!
WGH jonesy1957 1 month ago
Wouldn't exactly call that playing. Unless you consider the Christians playing with the lions in the arena.
mikemcmichael 1 month ago
Sorry METV, I really don 't like Tomatoes at all.
WGH mikemcmichael 1 month ago
You have to love the theme song. I bought this movie on VHS then again on dvd. It's one of my all-time favorites. It's so bad that it's great.
clovergirl 1 month ago
This is one of my favorite movies! I watch it every time it's on TV.
Badge714 1 month ago
They filmed Attack of the Killer Tomatoes around 1978 at our local Jr. College -- Southwestern Jr. College -- in Chula Vista (San Diego County). A bunch of people we all knew, credited and non-credited, are in it .. . the college drama teacher Bill Virchis has a quick scene as a doctor who takes a big drag on a cigarette and blows the smoke out his nose like a dragon ... we had a premiere showing at our old local movie theater, The Vogue (now empty) and everyone smoked some 'alfalfa' and laughed our heads off. Good memories.
Tommyboy22 1 month ago
Love watching old tv shows. Reminds me of my childhood DAYS!!!
Stoney 1 month ago
This is the perfect Svengoolie movie! Looking forward to seeing it again!
WGH Stoney 1 month ago
And again. And again. And again. And again. Etc etc etc
Tresix 1 month ago
I saw this movie on a triple bill with “Plan Nine from Outer Space” and “Robot Monster”. Unlike those two, I like “Killer Tomatoes”. I found myself laughing with it instead of at it.
WGH Tresix 1 month ago
Exactly. You get it.
WGH Tresix 1 month ago
If you'd like this, check out surf Nazis must die. I met the producer/writer/director of the film because he's a friend of a friend.
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