Relive the chaos and charm of Gremlins, the 80s cult classic that brought horror-comedy, quirky creatures, and timeless thrills to the big screen.
When it came to movies, the 80s was a truly unique decade. It was a period of time when everyone was focused on big hair, neon lights, spandex, and the belief that anything could happen if you had enough imagination. It was within this backdrop that the world was introduced to Gremlins. The film, which was a horror comedy, also happened to be released over the holidays, making it a Christmas movie.
Yet, it wasn’t just a movie, it was a completely different experience. It was almost as if someone had taken a warm, family-friendly Christmas story and said, “Hold my beer!” And all of a sudden, you had tiny monsters running around and tearing things up. Gremlins wasn’t just another film in the 80s, it was a phenomenon that remained popular for several decades to come.
The Basics of Gremlins
Let’s start with the nitty-gritty:
- Title: Gremlins
- Release Date: June 8, 1984
- Director: Joe Dante
- Main Cast:
- Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer
- Phoebe Cates as Kate Beringer
- Hoyt Axton as Randall Peltzer
- Plus, Gizmo (the adorable Mogwai voiced by Howie Mandel)
- Genre: Horror-comedy
- Runtime: 106 minutes
- Box Office Performance: A massive hit, grossing over $212 million worldwide
- Home Video: A VHS staple in the 80s and a streaming favorite today.
Plot Summary: Cute Meets Chaos
Randall Peltzer was a lovable but unlucky inventor. And, he enjoyed buying unusual gifts for his son Billy. On one business trip, as he wandered through an antique store, he found a fuzzy little creature called a Mogwai. The owner of the store informed Randall that he could have the Mogwai, provided he followed three very specific rules:
- Do not exposure to bright light,
- Do not let it get wet, and
- Whatever you do, never feed after midnight.
I mean, these rules sound simple enough, but, it only takes one little mistake for everything to go very wrong. Naturally, Billy accidentally breaks the rules, and all of a sudden his sweet little Mogwai, whom he named Gizmo, begins to spawn a horde of mischievous Gremlins.
The gremlins start off with simple, harmless pranks. But things quickly escalate. And, in no time, the town is terrorized by full-blown chaos. The Gremlins had to the streets, and make their way downtown, where they began to terrorize different business establishments. Kingston Falls quickly falls to the Gremlin horde, and it’s up to Billy and Gizmo to save the day.
The 80s Vibes: Why Gremlins Stole the Show
Gizmo: The Original Baby Yoda
So, let’s start off by talking about the real star of the show. No, it’s not Billy. Rather, the little fluffy critter who is so cute that it’s almost criminal, is the real star. He’s the type of creature that you simply want to cuddle even if he does come with a terrifying user manual. When you watch Gizmo sing or ride his toy car, it is pure joy. And, he is naturally the perfect counterbalance to the shenanigans of the Gremlins.
A Perfect Blend of Horror and Humor
Let’s face it, the 80s were all about pushing boundaries. And, Gremlins nailed it. They managed to find the perfect sweet spot between scary and silly. One moment, you’re laughing so hard that your sides are splitting open. The next minute you are completely creeped out. It’s almost as if the director took the concepts of Home Alone and Alien, and then smashed both movies together. It’s a type of vibe that only an 80s film could pull off.
Christmas Chaos
As we’ve already discussed, Gremlins is actually a Christmas movie. And, what’s better for a Christmas movie than a carol-singing monster in a department store? The holiday backdrop of the film makes the mayhem more magical. The events and the holiday spirit truly shine through when Billy’s girlfriend, Kate, goes off on a tangent about why she hates Christmas altogether.
Behind the Scenes: How the Magic Happened
The film was directed by Joe Dante, who brought a quirky, offbeat sensibility to the project. At the same time, Gremlins was influenced heavily by Steven Spielberg which helped to create that truly magical blockbuster appeal. Then there was the script. Written by Chris Columbus, the story was originally much darker. In fact, in the original script, the Gremlins were supposed to eat the family dog. Thankfully, Spielberg pushed back as he wanted a more family-friendly tone. What resulted, was the perfect blend of dark humor and fun.
The Puppetry Masterclass
You have to remember that the 80s was all about practical effects. Although the computer industry was in full swing, CGI still was not an option. As a result, the Gremlins were brought to life with the help of animatronics and puppetry. Even by today’s standards, these effects are still very impressive. And, in creating all of the puppets, the puppeteers took the time to ensure that each Gremlin had its own unique personality.
Fun Fact: The Spielberg Touch
Without question, one of the cutest moments in the entire film, was Gizmo driving a toy car. This was never in the original or the edited script. Instead, it was an idea that came from Spielberg himself, at the last moment. And, that simple little scheme is a constant reminder of how much creative energy went into every single detail of this film.
Cultural Impact: Gremlins Fever
Gremlins hit the theaters back in 1984 and quickly became a box office sensation. It wasn’t just another movie, it was a cultural event. The kids, they loved it. And, parents were equal parts thrilled and horrified. All of a sudden, Mogwai toys were flying off the shelves at Toys “R” Uss everywhere.
Redefining the PG Rating
It’s interesting to note that the film actually helped to redefine the PG rating. The movie, when it was first released did not meet the standards for an R rating. But, it definitely was not a typical PG film either. As a result, when deciding how to rate the film, the Motion Picture Association created the PG-13 rating.
A Merchandising Goldmine
And, let’s not forget all of the amazing Gremlins merchandise. Just about everyone had a Gizmo at home, and there was even a board game. The movie itself spawned a merchandising empire. And, I can remember even owning a Gizmo lunchbox. There’s no exaggeration when we say that Gremlins was a defining part of 80s pop culture.
Reception and Legacy: Still a Fan Favorite
Naturally, at the time of its release, the critics were divided. Some of them simply love the inventive mix of genres. But, others weren’t quite sure what to make of it. Nevertheless, the audience is simply didn’t care. The movie itself was a box office hit and quickly became a cult classic.
Today, the film is recognized as a genre-defining film. And, it is re-watched religiously every single Christmas. It is also the go-to reference for anything mischievous and fun in pop culture. The film also spawned a sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch which took the chaos to a whole new level. Then there were the video games. Yes, there was even a Gremlins videogame available for the Atari.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Gremlins
Is Gremlins a Christmas movie?
Without question, Gremlins is a Christmas movie. It has snow, the singing of carols, and the holiday spirit. It just so happens to have a bunch of monster mischief.
Can kids watch it?
This really depends on the kid. The movie itself received a rating from the Motion Picture Association of PG. But, some of the scenes might be a bit intense for younger viewers. It is because of Gremlins that the Motion Picture Association later created the PG-13 rating.
Where can I stream it?
The amazing film can be streamed on a wide variety of platforms like Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and many others.
Key Takeaways: Why Gremlins Still Rules
Gremlins is a unique movie and the type of movie that only the 80s could have produced. It provides the world with the perfect blend of chaos, comedy, and heart. And, it is a testament to the era’s creativity. The film features practical effects that still shine today and a storyline that is endlessly entertaining. So, regardless of whether you are watching it for the very first time or the fiftieth, this is a movie that never gets old.
