Neon Maniacs Advent Calendar - Day 1 - Gremlins

Posted by Daniel Mann (follow me @danielma861)

Seasons Greetings from all of us here at Neon Maniacs. Need some suggestions for Christmas Themed Films? We've got you covered. Introducing the Neon Maniacs Advent Calendar. Every Day on the lead up to Christmas, we will recommend a film per day. Ranging from feel good Sentimental Charmers to Downright Trashy B Movie Schlock.

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Day 1: 10/12/13

Gremlins

Director: Joe Dante

“It’s Christmas time and Billy Peltzer has received a new pet from his father. A cute little mogwai affectionately named Gizmo. Gizmo comes with three particular rules. 1.) Don’t Feed Him after Midnight; 2.) Don’t Expose Him to Water; 3.) Don’t Expose Him to Bright Light. When Gizmo gets some water inadvertently spilled on him, he spawns a host of malevolent mogwai. The spawned mogwai gradually evolve into scaly reptilian Gremlins. The Gremlins immediately wreak havoc amongst the sleepy little town. Leaving Billy, his would be girlfriend Kate and cute little Gizmo to save the day.

’Gremlins’ is the perfect example of a movie that could have only been produced in the Eighties. Considering its family appeal, the content of the film is too deranged, risky and violent by today’s standards of family friendly affair. I would argue that most film studios of the todays politically correct environment would take a look at the script and probably run for the hills. What Joe Dante achieved so successfully with ‘Gremlins’ was to straddle a fine line in making a Horror-Comedy with appeal for both youngsters and adults alike. That’s a tough feat that deserves all sorts of applause.”

The Christmas Verdict: