Billy Peltzer has just received the most amazing present for Christmas - a one of a kind furry little creature called a mogway. He is thrilled with his new pet, which he names Gizmo. But his new pet comes with rules; no water, no food after midnight, and no bright lights. When two of these rules are broken, the adorable little Gizmo releases a gang of little green gremlins bent on violence and mayhem.
After some mischief and mayhem, the gremlins come up against Billy's mom, who manages to kill many of them off in a gory kitchen battle. But the leader, Stripe, escapes and goes for a swim at the YMCA and soon the quaint town is over-run. Meanwhile Billy struggles to convince the authorities of what is going on before it is too late. When the police finally do go to investigate, the gremlins make short work of them. Finally its left to Billy, Gizmo, and Billy's co-worker and love interest, Kate, to take on the gremlins and save whats left of their small town.
Gremlins is not a run of the mill Christmas movie. This is not only because it is a horror-comedy about malicious green monsters causing havoc and, albeit silly, death. Nor is it only because of its complete lack of religious dogma. It's also because it is a biting critique of the rabid consumerism of western capitalist society and how it has subjugated the holiday season to its will. The movie is packed with little shots at the culture of greedy and dangerous over-consumption that is promoted in the countries of the First World. It finished with sharp words on the topic from the Chinese merchant who originally sold Gizmo to Billy's father. He then repossesses the Mogway in order to avoid further carnage.
Not only does the movie have a message, it's funny as well and safe for pretty much the whole family which seems to ensure it lots of rotation on TV during the holidays. Much as Gizmo spawned a horde of Gremlins, Gremlins spawned a horde of copycat movies that tried to play off of its success. Movies like Critters, Ghoulies, and Hobgoblins may have had their moments, but could never live up to Gremlins when all was said and done. Gremlins did, however, lead to one sequel, The New Batch, which was a success despite being highly slap-stick and much lighter than the classic original.
4.5 stair lift accidents out of 5
Rated PG for mild violence and frightening scenes.
Watch the Gremlins trailer.
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