One of the cutest protagonists of all time... (Gremlins (DVD))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Gremlins (DVD)
Date:	06/07/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great creature design, very fun

Disadvantages: None

Gremlins is one of the quintessential comedy horror films of all time - it is not as kid-friendly as you might expect, boasting some pretty dark and grim moments, but it is undeniably funny, and boasts some fantastic special effects, as well as creating an icon of its furry protagonist, the Mogwai named Gizmo.

Gremlins concerns a young man named Billy (Zach Galligan) who receives an odd gift from his father (Hoyt Axton) - an odd creature called a Mogwai, a furry little ball with slightly human characteristics (that very clearly inspired the Furby range of toys), which they name Gizmo, and keep as a pet. However, there are three rules that one must abide by - keep it out of sunlight, don't get it wet, and don't feed it after midnight. Of course, these rules are broken, which causes Gizmo to give birth to other creatures who transform into evil Gremlins - grotesque versions of Gizmo. The film is replete with plenty of dark humour, foregrounded by a Christmas time setting that gives it a pleasant pretense.

This is an extremely entertaining film - the creature designs are second to none, and I defy you not to be arrested by Gizmo's cute design, and be in awe at the grotesque creature designs of his evil offspring. Also, there are some spirited performances here - Phoebe Cates notably plays Billy's fiance, an unfortunate young woman caught between Billy and the Gremlins, and can't quite believe what she's seeing! This is a very knowing, self-aware film that mocks and parodies numerous genres with flair and intellect, and thus is a sure classic of the 1980s.

Hugely enjoyable and inventive, this creature feature boasts fantastic special effects and a solid cast, as well as introducing us to one of the cutest protagonists of all-time - Gizmo the Mogwai.

Summary: A great 80s film