In search of the perfect Christmas present for his teenage son, Billy, Randall Peltzer comes across a cute furry creature called a "Mogwai". However, this otherwise sweet pet companion comes with a huge responsibility and warning. Should its owner break the three fundamental guidelines of, keeping it out of bright lights, never getting it wet and never feeding it after midnight, then all hell will break loose. Of course, Billy disregards these strict rules, and as the once-adorable animal spawns terrifying minuscule critters, the suburban haven of Kingston Falls is under siege. Now, there is no turning back, and destruction is at hand. Is there an escape from this endless Yuletide nightmare, and the horrible menace of the Gremlins? This is another superb creation from the best decade for movies ever to occur, the 1980s. Despite being set during the festive season, this is a film that can be enjoyed all year round and can be considered an unconventional Christmas flick. However, I highly recommend giving it a watch during Christmas for the full effect. I love the unique design of the creature, Mogwai. Later named Gizmo, this little being is one of the cutest pets I have ever seen and has certainly warmed many viewers' hearts. All the scenes featuring Gizmo are adorable, from singing in tune to the notes of a keyboard to driving around a store in a toy car, racing to help save the day. Unfortunately, if you do not adhere to the rules set in place, things will take an unpleasant turn. When Gizmo accidentally gets wet, he begins to multiply, creating, even more, Mogwai that act quite differently. Things seem fine until one night the five new creatures eat some chicken before midnight but, unbeknown to Billy, they had tampered with the clock. Now, having eaten well after midnight, when the family wakes up, they find them all cocooned in egg-like pods. This is where the horror side of the film comes into play because once they have hatched, they are now dangerous green Gremlins. Once these fierce monsters arrive, it instantly alters in tone proving how this movie isn't for children, despite the cute little Gizmo, don't let it fool you. There are some horrific scenes in this film with people getting attacked and even some Gremlins getting killed in some very violent imagery. Billy's mum gets a few brutal kills during the kitchen sequence, from trapping one Gremlin in a microwave, that blows up, and even knifing one! I mean for a kind and loving mother, she shows no mercy with these creatures and it is honestly scary. I don't know who I should have been afraid of, her or the Gremlins. However, they did attack her first so it's understandable, I guess. Other than that scene, the Gremlins have the most kills after they multiply even more, attacking the entire town. I think my favourite part of the film is the crazy antics of the Gremlins. They are so funny in their on-screen moments, like when they take over the bar and you can see them swinging from ceiling fans, playing poker and dancing. The puppets and mechanical Gremlins (including Gizmo) all look fantastic and so life-like, which is one of the reasons why I love these older films. They feature real movie magic put into them that culminates into a marvellous product. Another segment I enjoyed is the battle between Billy and the lead Gremlin, Stripe. Their fight is brutal with Stripe doing a real number on Billy attacking him with blades and even a chainsaw. Another entertaining aspect is the bounty of visual background references in the science fair, where none other than Robby the Robot from
Forbidden Planet (1956) can be seen, as well as, the time machine from
The Time Machine (1960). I love the detail of it vanishing between shots, travelling through time leaving bystanders looking confused whilst Billy's father is on the phone unaware of what is going on. Such a funny gag. Overall, I adore this festive comedic horror. It manages to blend all the elements very well. It does go a little over the top at times, especially with that tale from Kate (if you know, you know). It's a thrilling experience that I will always put on during Christmas time. Definitely check this one out, especially the hilarious sequel: Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990).
No comments:
Post a Comment