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Gremlins at 40: The Mischief, Mayhem, and Merry Madness of a Cult Christmas Classic

08 Saturday Jun 2024

Posted by in retrospective

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As we mark the 40th anniversary of Gremlins, it’s a perfect time to reflect on why this 1984 classic continues to charm and terrify audiences. This film, directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, is more than just a quirky horror-comedy; it’s a multifaceted narrative that weaves together themes of bullying, satire, and the holiday spirit into a unique cinematic experience.

A Commentary on Bullying

At its core, Gremlins serves as a darkly humorous critique of small-town America and its social dynamics, particularly focusing on the theme of bullying. Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan), the protagonist, is a kind-hearted but often marginalized young man, working at a job below his potential and dealing with the condescending treatment from authority figures like his boss and the bank’s mean-spirited Mrs. Deagle (Polly Holliday). Billy’s struggles resonate with many who have faced similar social hierarchies and injustices.

The arrival of the adorable Mogwai, Gizmo, who subsequently spawns the malevolent gremlins when fed after midnight, can be seen as a metaphor for the hidden, darker side of human nature that bullying can bring out. The gremlins themselves embody unchecked chaos and rebellion, turning the tables on the town’s bullies and hypocrites, serving them their just desserts in comically exaggerated fashion.

Satirical Humour

Gremlins masterfully blends horror with satire, using its monstrous antagonists to lampoon a range of cultural and societal norms. The gremlins’ antics, from disrupting Christmas carolers to mimicking iconic scenes from movies, are laced with a sardonic wit that underscores the absurdity of the situations. The film’s dark humour is especially evident in scenes where the gremlins wreak havoc in a local bar, parodying human vices with gleeful abandon.

This satirical edge is a significant reason why Gremlins has endured over the decades. It offers a commentary on consumerism, suburban life, and the veneer of civility that thinly masks our baser instincts. By exaggerating these elements, the film invites viewers to laugh at the absurdity while simultaneously reflecting on the underlying truths.

A Cult Christmas Horror

Despite its summer release, Gremlins has since become a staple of Christmas viewing, carving out a unique niche as a cult holiday horror film. The movie’s setting during the festive season, complete with snowy landscapes and twinkling lights, provides a stark contrast to the chaos unleashed by the gremlins. This juxtaposition heightens the film’s impact, blending the cozy familiarity of Christmas with the unexpected terror of a gremlin invasion.

The festive backdrop also amplifies the film’s themes of family and tradition, albeit through a twisted lens. From the heartwarming relationship between Billy and Gizmo to the darkly comedic mishaps involving Christmas decorations and carolers, Gremlins offers a refreshingly unconventional take on holiday cheer.

The Prognosis:

Four decades on, Gremlins remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its innovative blend of horror, humour, and social commentary. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to entertain while provoking thought, making us laugh even as we shudder at the chaos on screen. As we revisit this gem on its 40th anniversary, it’s clear that Gremlins is not just a film about mischievous creatures; it’s a timeless observation of human nature, cleverly disguised as a holiday horror-comedy.

  • Saul Muerte

Movie Review: Midnight Peepshow (2024)

19 Monday Feb 2024

Posted by in Movie review

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I’ll say, straight off the bat, that I’m not the biggest fan of Horror anthologies, where there is a series of short stories interwoven with a greater arc that unites them all. The result is usually a mixed bag, with one or two strong entries and the rest flailing in the wind and easily forgotten.

So, to say that I was a little apprehensive is a fair statement when I came across this straight to VOD release, hoping to tap into the dark Web world and ensnare viewers with a bent or intriguing interest.

It’s an ambitious move considering the low budget attached to the feature and the constraints that come with it, as audience members drawn to this style of film, will be hoping for a gratuitous, gore-laden torture fest. Too heavy and you lose your average punter, too laid back and you’ll lose your core group, first drawn to the movie.

Where Midnight Peepshow excels is in the manner that it ensnared you, enticing you down the rabbit hole with a warped metaphor of Alice in Wonderland, tempting you to chase the Black Rabbit.

We’re presented with three tales to embark upon as we’re guided through various tales of mistrust, sexual masochistic vibes and debauchery.

The first tale, Personal Space (Directed by Airell Anthony Hayles) aims to set the precedent with a home invasion with a twist, as a couple are forced to endure a harrowing ordeal and their relationship is pushed to the limits.

The second is just as tense but with a more comedic tone as 3 guys and a girl awaken to find themselves bound and tied and only through a series of gruesome tasks can escape be possible. Presenting them with their challenges entitled, Fuck, Marry, Kill (Directed by Andy Edwards) is an unseen Gamesmaster, voiced by Zach Galligan.

Before, rounding out the trio of macabre narratives, The Black Rabbit (Directed by Jake West)  a man tries to win back the heart of his wife and follows her deeper into the dark Web only to face the most horrifying experience that he could have imagined.

The Prognosis:

The bond that ties the stories together may feel a little loose and unconstrained, but the journey is a twisted mix of curiosity, dark humour, and monstrosity that can only lead to ruin. It may struggle to ignite some passionate voyeurs, but there’s enough of a scent to lure you in and lean into the dank milieu from the three creators, despite its misgivings.

  • Saul Muerte