Gremlins opens with "Steven Spielberg Presents." Although he is only in the credits as one of several executive producers, it feels very much like a Spielberg film. Along with Back to the Future and Goonies, Spielberg attached himself to many 80's classics, that he did not actually direct. The one thing they all have in common is that they are fun, entertaining, and for the most part, family films. I hate to sound old, especially about movies from the 80's, but they just don't make them like they use to.
Billy is a young man working at a bank in a small town. He is his families sole source of income. His mother is a stay at home mom, while his dad is an unsuccessful inventor. Just before Christmas, his father brings him a present he got from a shop in China town. It is an adorable furry creature called a Magwi. It looks like an Ewok with bat ears. Billy names him Gizmo. His dad tells him that he must bide by three important rules, "Don't get him wet, keep him out of bright light, and never feed him after midnight."
A day does not go by before he gets him wet, which causes him to create several more Magwi. These are not as nice as Gizmo. They trick Billy into feeding them after midnight. This causes them to go into a cocoon and when they come out they are no longer cute, or the least bit friendly.
All hell breaks loose as they take over the town. They kill people and destroy every thing they can. They have a playful attitude, which leads to many funny scenes, such as when they all watch Snow White an the Seven Dwarfs. My favorite part has always been when Billy's mom, who looks anything but dangerous, takes on several of the evil Magwi. She's like Martha Stewart by way of Sigourney Weaver from Aliens. Don't mess with her!
Where as Michael J. Fox and Sean Astin went on to more fame and success, Zach Galligan disappeared after Gremlins 2. He had an innocent face and boyish charm. Billy lives at home and reads comic books. He has a job but takes his dog along. A co-worker likes him but he seems to barely notice her. He is a boy in a mans body. It is that wholesome combination that makes him a perfect adversary for the utterly vile Gremlins.
One thing I always note while watching this movie, is that the town Billy lives in looks awfully familiar. With the park in the center of town it reminds me of the set of Back to the Future. When Billy is walking by the small businesses in town, it looks like George Bailey running through Bedford Falls.
Not every thing works, such as the neighbor complaining about foreign made products or Polly Holliday making like The Wicked Witch of the West, only not as scary. Cates has a great moment when she tells Billy why she does not celebrate Christmas. Although she is very dramatic, her story is so over the top that it is almost funny. This is some what of a dark comedy after all. Check out how helpful the police are when Santa is being killed by some Gremlins. Because of those kind of scenes, Gremlins has not become a Christmas classic, but it is still a fun watch.
