Since I had reviewed "The Goonies" previously, I thought it would be a good move to also review "Gremlins." They have a couple of similarities in that Spielberg had a hand in producing both films. The really cool thing is that "Gremlins" is a Christmas movie!
Strangely enough, I don't really remember when I became aware of the film. I know that I learned about "Critters" first, and even then I think I watched "Gremlins" when I was a bit older. Either way, it has become one of my favorite horror/comedies, and simultaneously a fun Christmas movie as well!
Directed by Joe Dante, written by Chris Columbus, and produced by Steven Spielberg, the team who worked on "Gremlins" was top-notch.
Featuring Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer, a young guy working at a bank in the small town of Kingston Falls, who receives a furry creature called a Mogwai as a Christmas present. Unfortunately, there are a lot of rules and regulations that come with caring for the Mogwai, and well...those rules are broken very quickly.
Also starring in the film are, Phoebe Cates as Kate, Hoyt Axton as Billy's father, Dick Miller as Mr. Futterman, and in a small role, Corey Feldman as Billy's friend, Pete. Lastly, "Gremlins" features the voices of Howie Mandel (Gizmo), Frank Welker (Stripe) and Peter Cullen (the Gremlins) of "Transformers" fame.
As I mentioned above, the cast and crew of this film was excellent.
So let's take a look at "Gremlins."
What's special about the film is that it has the feel of a Spielberg film--it's a lot fun, the characters are likable and you root for them along the way.
Gizmo is really cute and has some silly scenes, while the Gremlins are one part scary and another part funny. "Gremlins" superbly blends comedy with horror--siding more on the comedy side than horror.
Some of my favorite moments include: Gremlin Christmas carolers, Mrs. Deagle being thrown from her second story window--it's morbid, but still funny. When the Gremlins are partying it up at Dorry's Tavern, and finally when most of the Gremlins are blown up in the movie theater that's playing "Snow White." Those are scenes that really make the comedy show through in this film.
"Gremlins" is a good time all around. It's not exactly for kids, but maybe for kids who are a little bit older. There are scary moments, but the overall movie is balanced well with comedy--the Dorry's Tavern scene for example. Definitely check this one out if you liked "The Goonies."
Look out for a cameo by Steven Spielberg when Billy's dad is at the convention. There is also shout-outs to Warner Bros, Disney, and "E.T." :)
Have fun!
Good
- Great cast and crew-- You can't beat Joe Dante, Chris Columbus, and Spielberg!
- Well-written script and interesting characters
- A balance of scary and silly moments
Bad
- ...I can't think of anything
One of my favorite old movies too, I loved Gizmo! Great review!
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