Mention the greatest Christmas movie and everyone has an opinion. If they don’t answer Gremlins, though, disregard whatever they say next.
What? It’s true. How can anyone not agree that the Joe Dante-directed horror comedy from a script by Chris Columbus is the best Christmas film of all time?
Forty years after its release, Gremlins still holds its unmatched charm and feel-good factor. It’s also one of the rare films that Hollywood hasn’t tried to remake, because even the studio executives must know this is a once-in-a-lifetime, lightning-in-a-bottle magical production. Okay, okay… At this point, you’re probably wondering what makes this film so special and deserving of the effusive praise? Well, wonder no more, because you’re about to find out why Gremlins is the G.O.A.T. and no other movie comes close to matching its cheery appeal.
Think about Gremlins for a second and where it takes place. The film is set in Kingston Falls, Pennsylvania – a cozy town that’s covered in snow and wrapped up in the joy of the festive season. Everywhere you look, it’s the quintessential white Christmas, as the townspeople finish up their daily activities to rush back to their comfortable homes to celebrate the holiday with their family.
Race ahead to the Peltzer house and its physical embodiment of Christmas. One can almost smell the smoky aroma of fireplace burning as this home sparkles with warm colors and bright lights – both inside and out. The matriarch, Lynn (Frances Lee McCain), goes the extra mile too, baking gingerbread and festive-themed cookies for her family – all this happens before those pesky gremlins get into her kitchen and destroy her plans, of course.
The all-encompassing Christmas atmosphere plays a critical role in shaping the mood for Gremlins. The unmistakable allure of the festive season hugs every scene, disarming the viewer but also eliciting sympathy for the fact that the nefarious events take place during the most wonderful time of the year. No matter what, though, there’s no disputing when this film takes place.
Randall Peltzer (Hoyt Axton) gets the mogwai Gizmo as a Christmas gift for his son, Billy (Zach Galligan). Randall relays the three important rules – don’t expose him to light, don’t expose him to water, and don’t feed him after midnight – to Billy, but accidents happen and that’s where the carnage begins after Gizmo spawns the insidious gremlins. Regardless, no one can blame Gizmo for any of the mishaps. He’s innocent in this whole ordeal and only tries to help.
Gizmo makes a wonderful pet. He’s friendly, loving, and carries a beautiful tune that endears him to everyone. Unlike the gremlins, he looks more than happy to have a new home and a friend in Billy. In fact, how heartbreaking is it when Mr. Wing (Keye Luke) arrives at the end to take Gizmo back? As devastating a scene as that one from Old Yeller.
When people speak of other so-called Christmas movies, they mention the likes of Home Alone or Die Hard. Now, tell us this: In these films, did the protagonists receive an adorable pet like a mogwai as a gift? Nope, they didn’t. Kevin McCallister and John McClane received the equivalent of coal in their stockings. Therefore, based purely on cute value alone, Gizmo puts Gremlins in a league of its own.
Oh, those gremlins get up to all kinds of mischief in the movie. Yet, even in their chaos, they never forget about the importance of the Christmas spirit. Look at the scene in which they terrorize Mrs. Deagle (Polly Holliday) for example. Before they wreak havoc on the miserable woman, they carol outside of her home. While they might not know the words to what they’re singing, what beautiful, beastly voices they possess! Like angels with bat wings. It’s not their fault that Mrs. Deagle is a grinch and doesn’t appreciate their efforts.
Also, why has no one discussed how they support local businesses during one of the quietest times of the year? Now, it isn’t only Dorry’s Tavern that they visit for a few drinks and fun, but they also head out to the local theater to enjoy a special screening of Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Yes, Stripe and his pals might be on the disruptive and rowdy side, but the gremlins do everything as a group – like a family. And what symbolizes family more than Christmas? See where this is going now? We rest our case, Your Honor, because Gremlins never fails to make us merry.
