I wanted a light horror movie to watch, one with heart and humor too. So when someone suggested Gremlins, I couldn’t resist. What a throwback to my teenage years! And yes, even though this is technically set during Christmas time, I still consider it a horror movie.
When Billy’s father gives him an exotic pet as a gift, Billy accidentally breaks three of the cardinal rules regarding the adorably furry, big-eyed creature: never put it in bright light, don’t let it near water, and don’t feed it after midnight. Soon, Gizmo replicates, and the new creatures that emerge from the slimy cocoons are not so cute. In fact, they are green, mean, death-inflicting Gremlins, and they are out to create havoc in the entire town, starting with Billy’s teacher, his mother, and then at a local restaurant/bar where Billy’s friend Kate works (this last mixing scenes of mischief and destruction with humorous pop-culture nods). Knowing their town is on the line, as well as Gizmo’s survival, Billy and Kate decide to finish off the Gremlins. Will they get them all before it’s too late?
Top Scare: 80’s attire
Heartbeats: 1 out of 5
Gore Factor: 2 out of 5
Scare Factor: 1 out of 5
Recommended for: 11 or 12 and up for profanity, smoking
Tanya Konerman, Author 