The 1980s was a decade packed with classic movies. Even among the likes of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Goonies, and The Lost Boys – timeless and beloved movies, each and every one – some others slipped somewhat through the cracks. Gremlins is one such movie: not forgotten, by any stretch of the imagination, but all too often overlooked when talking about the best offerings of one of cinema’s greatest decades.
For those unfamiliar with the film, Gremlins follows a young boy who receives a fantastical pet called a mogwai from his father as an early Christmas gift. When he fails to adhere to the three cardinal rules for caring for the creature, he accidentally creates the titular monsters. They break loose and go on a holiday rampage through the town of Kingston Falls, and it’s up to Billy Peltzer, his crush Kate, and his pet mogwai Gizmo to stop them.
In true ’80s fashion, Corey Feldman puts in an appearance, but other than Phoebe Cates, Dick Miller, and a very young Jonathan Banks, it’s hardly a star-studded affair. Even so, Gremlins‘ large cast and small-town setting contribute perfectly to its status as a Christmas movie, even peppered as it is with fantastical horror. But what exactly is it about the film that makes it such an undeniable classic?
Gremlins Seamlessly Blends Festive Horror With Light Comedy
The film’s premise is a simple one: a young man fails to properly manage his responsibilities around the holidays, and his life soon falls apart. Obviously, there’s more to it than that (y’know, the little green monsters charging around the place), but the film is essentially an examination of how consumer culture and greed effectively eat away at tradition and happiness. On the surface, it’s simply a fun and festive horror movie that also offers up plenty of comedy.
Unlike many Christmas movies, it doesn’t feature dysfunctional festive families or cheesy clichés. There’s snow and Christmas music, but other than that it’s largely about the more horrifying elements of its monsters’ escapades. By keeping its focus on the Gremlins themselves, the film maintains a singular vision and purpose that keeps it engaging from start to finish.
It may not be groundbreaking by today’s standards, but its visuals hold up surprisingly well. Gizmo the Mogwai and his evil Gremlin counterparts are all brought to life convincingly throughout (bar one or two less aesthetically pleasing moments), contributing further to the film’s status as a timeless classic. By delivering emotion, comedy, and light horror in turns, Gremlins is a true festive classic and well deserving of a place in Corner of Film’s Hall of Fame.
Rating: 80%
Summary: In places it may be silly and campy, but Gremlins is thoroughly good fun from start to finish.
Highlight: Seeing the horrible woman who threatened the protagonist’s dog get her just desserts when the gremlins sabotage her stairlift is comedic gold and sadistically satisfying.