JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonGremlins (1984) - Trailer Included
December 26th 2007 03:27
Killer Muppets on the loose
Gremlins Special Edition DVD
Writer: Chris Columbus
Starring: Phoebe Cates, Corey Feldman, Zach Gilligan, Hoyt Axton, Keye Luke,
“You do with Mogwai what your society... has done with all of nature's gifts. You do not understand.” – Mr Wing
Originally conceived as a much darker adult satire, Gremlins has become a family Christmas favourite with an edge. Fitting into that Steven Spielberg produced genre of 80’s adventure films that includes The Goonies, Back to the Future, Young Sherlock Holmes and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Set in the prototypical Spielbergian town as an extension of nostalgic 50’s American values and innocence. The opening narration by struggling inventor slash father Randall Peltzer (Hoyt Axton) takes us back to the journey’s humble beginnings.
“Rand Peltzer, Fantastic ideas for a Fantastic World, I make the illogical logical.” – Rand Peltzer
Searching for the perfect gift for his son Randall stumbles upon a mystical trinkets shop owned by Mr Wing (Keye Luke), a wise old Asian man. Amongst the racks and shelves of exotic treasures Mr Peltzer hears the song of a supernatural creature, the Mogwai.
Exactly what he’s been looking for, unfortunately “Mogwai is not for sale”. Thanks to a disobedient nephew and fate soon the forbidden fur ball is in the hands of Randall’s “golly gee” son Billy (Zach Gilligan).
Gizmo as he is named is a cute, furry and intelligent animal that seems like an ideal pet. “With Mogwi comes much responsibility” warns Mr Wing. There are 3 strict rules for care. 1. They hate bright light, keep them out of the sun. 2. Keep them away from water. 3. Never ever feed them after midnight.
“I warned you. With mogwai comes much responsibility. But you didn't listen.” – Mr Wing
It isn’t long before the dictums are accidentally violated and Looney Tunes mayhem is perpetrated on an unsuspecting snow covered middle American population.
Mogwai at play, Mogwai in a cage and Gremlin on a rampage
John Doe says:
Inspired by the WWII spanner in the works and leanings towards the 1943 work of Roald Dahl, the movie, Gremlins is a holiday horror stocking stuffer. Full of childish imagination, pop culture milestones and scenes of gooey, macabre critter slaughter, in short a film geek treat.
Under appreciated genre maestro Joe Dante (Small Soldiers, Piranha, Inner Space, The Howling) uses the FX wizardry of the day to effective ends. The traditional puppet work may occasionally show its hand but individual personalities still burst through.
The visual effects often sight gags work as homage and throughout there is references to past cinema greats. Also unashamedly the achievements of its producer, you will find Indy, ET, Close Encounters and Jaws salutes within.
Inventive dispatching of the reptilian rapscallions sometimes crossed the line on censorship of the day, (there were rumours of an R Rating) but today there diabolical
Regular Spielberg Scribe Chris Columbus (Young Sherlock Holmes) went on to Direct Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. Here he delivers a script that has its share of charm but also charcoal humour and characters forged from classic material.
For instance, the dastardly dog hating Ruby Deagle (Polly Holiday) is a tribute to the Wicked Witch of the East.
Chinese acting legend Keye Luke (Voice of Zoltar in Battle of The Planets, Master Po in Kung Fu, Kato in the 1940’s Green Hornet) is remembered for so many parts and here as the sage Mr Wing he is ideal casting.
Zach Gilligan as the hapless Billy is sometimes frustrating with his doe eyed approach. The romance between him and the terminally gorgeous Phoebe Cates (Drop Dead Fred, Fast Times at Ridgemount High, Bright Lights, Big City) feels unlikely despite the obvious complementary personalities. Her monologue about why she hates Christmas is still melodramatic humour at its funniest.
The mangled career of Corey Feldman (Lost Boys, Goonies, Stand By Me, The Burbs) was still in its gestation period with this typical early role. Playing an over confident prepubescent who thinks he knows it all describes most of his worthwhile characterizations.
John Doe grew up watching this film each time St Nick’s visited and over the years it has continued to be a favourite in the house. Still amusing with its in jokes and sly edginess that some kids find genuinely frightening, I was one when I first saw it on the big screen.
As an adult the flaws are clearer but it still doesn’t diminish the accomplishment of its meagre goals less the suspenseful intention.
Side Note:
For those who are interested JD’s Christmas movies this year were Bad Santa, Nightmare before Christmas, Jaws and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
You can read Bryn's Horrorphile review for Gremlins HERE
Watch the original Gremlins Trailer
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