One mantra observed at The Movie Buff is rediscovering old favorites, and that was exactly the case with my weekend viewing of the 1984 Stephen Speilberg and Chris Columbus blockbuster “Gremlins.” A film that I watched on a near endless vhs loop as a kid had somehow managed to evade me for the past two decades.
A Netflix error prevented the disc from reaching my mailbox when intended, so out into the snow I dashed on a Saturday night mission (5 days before Christmas), and found myself as ecstatic as a child on Christmas morning when I uncovered the Blu-ray for a mere $7.
Joining the ridiculous class of 84′ horde of blockbuster classics, “Gremlins” would succeed in the box office, grossing over $150 million in its first six months and launch an incredible campaign of merchandising and success that would reach much further than the walls of the theatre.
While “Gremlins” was created as a dark comedy, the backdrop of the Christmas holiday plays an integral role. Taking place in the snow covered fictitious town of Kingston Falls, you’ll immediately feel the festive nature and doubtless want to relocate there. With snowball fights, decorations, and snowmen abound, the film opens with the sounds of Darlene Love’s Christmas classic Baby Please Come Home and you’ll be engulfed in the holiday season.
The story opens with a narration by Rand Peltzer (Hoyt Axton – with a raspy baritone voice that’s perfect for dialogue) a hack of an inventor, as he is shopping in the bowels of a seedy store in Chinatown. Rand has just discovered the perfect Christmas gift for his son – a bizarre fury creature identified as a Mogwai.
Upon departing the store, Rand is given three ominous rules essential for the care of the creature; instructions that are now a permanent part of cinematic lore. Instructions that can be recited verbatim by ever fan of film – hard core or casual.
Though comical throughout, “Gremlins” does harbor a handful of scenes that would frighten many viewers, particularly young ones. As the cute and cuddly Mogwai (nicknamed Gizmo) manifests into a horde of sinister troll like monsters that wreak havoc on the small town, violence, mayhem, and murder are the results. One scene in particular will send chills down your spine – twenty-five years later and I still get goose bumps every time the song Do you see what I see plays.
The story’s unlikely heroes come from Rand’s timid son Billy (Zach Galligan) and his adorable girlfriend Kate (Phoebe Cates) who are forced to do battle with the army of Gremlins and in effect save the entire town. Notable names like Corey Feldman and Judge Reinhold fill out the cast, along with comedian and television star Howie Mandel who offers the voice behind Gizmo.
With a successful blend of comedy, horror, and Christmas, “Gremlins” would also be instrumental in the MPAA’s creation of the PG-13 rating. With its bouts of violence and gore, and overall dour presence, “Gremlins” is a perfect example of a film that shouldn’t be viewed by children, but can certainly be handled by adolescents.
Six years later, a silly and cartoonish sequel was released, that fails in comparison in each and every way to the original. Overall, “Gremlins” is a classic movie that fits the Christmas collection perfectly, offering a change of pace from the humdrum of rom-com’s and the festive merriment of musicals.
by – Matt Christopher
