Posted by Jennifer Asencio | Published
Steven Spielberg’s classic The Gremlins was released in 1984 and ended up making film history, in part because it was out of place. Parents took their kids to it expecting a fun ride and not realizing that it was actually directed by Joe Dante, the famous horror director. Crying. The chaos created during the Mogwai’s midnight snack helped introduce a PG-13 rating to the movie when parents felt the violence was too PG-rated but not strong enough for an R.
However, the film also takes place during Christmas, even though it was released in June. Does this make it a Christmas movie?
Christmas Stuff
There are several features that every Christmas movie should have to distinguish itself as a festive holiday movie. Obviously, Christmas images such as trees, lights, snow and snowflakes, and presents should appear in it.
There should be a redeeming theme for the holiday, a “moral of the story” involving family, charity, or love. Christmas should be part of the plan, instead of just putting it off; many movies, such as the Harry Potter movies, have scenes or episodes that take place during Christmas but only use it as a background.
So how did it happen? The Gremlins show these articles?
The film opens with inventor Randall Peltzer looking for a unique Christmas present for his energetic and creative son, Billy. He finds a creature called a “Mogwai” in an antique Chinese shop and convinces the hip young grandson of the wise old owner to sell it to him.
Granddaughter tells Randall that there are three rules to having a Mogwai as a pet: don’t expose them to bright light, especially sunlight, don’t give them water, and don’t feed them after midnight. Although Billy gets his present before Christmas, the holiday doesn’t even come before the rules are broken, and the crippled Mogwai goes crazy.
The small town where Billy lives has all its halls decorated. Kingston Falls is ready for Christmas, and Mrs. Peltzer is doing Christmas baking, the Futtermans’ neighbors are lighting the lights, and it means that Mrs. Deagle is mad at Billy because his dog broke his fancy snowman.
Gremlins The Christmas Miracle
Gizmo, the cute Mogwai who becomes Billy’s friend, is a Christmas present. The whole building is holiday oriented.
When the evil Mogwai led by Spike scares Billy’s dog, they do so by tying the poor puppy with Christmas lights. Mrs. Peltzer even had his Christmas tree attacked with the song “Do You Hear What I Hear?” playing in the background. Christmas pictures confused viewers in the summer of 1984 because they were popular during the summer season.
If there is behavior The Gremlinsit’s about being responsible and following the rules. Everything that happens in the film happened because the rules were broken, not only the three rules of Mogwai; even selling the Gizmo to Randall was a violation of the rules.
Other notable themes of the film are about unfettered capitalism, the intrusion of technology, and the way humans are destroying the environment. Billy’s love interest, Kate, experiences a Christmas awakening that frees the holiday from her sad history. The most important reason that The Gremlins a Christmas movie about love, family and community that keeps the day going.
The Gremlins is currently available to stream on Hulu and HBO Max. Make it part of your Christmas every year.
