STORYLINE:  After receiving an exotic small animal as a Christmas gift, a young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet, which unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous creatures on a small town.  (IMDb)

   I can’t recall when was the first time I saw Gremlins. A Blockbuster rental sometime in the late 90s would make perfect sense.  My interest in cinena was on the incline, and I am sure someone, somewhere told me this was a must see.

    Over the years, I have watched the movie, with some amount of frequency. I put it on every couple of years, to remind myself it’s there, and I enjoy it.  Despite owning a copy, I can’t recall everGRemlo watching the 1990 sequel.  Owning it, is the byproduct of a dvd double feature, of both Gremlins movies.  

    At a recent screening of the Christmas set, shenanigan filled, motion picture I came to fully realize why I enjoy this film. I have always had a good time watching it, that’s why I went to the screening. The communal experience of a theatrical setting reenforces that. 

    Gremlins 100 percent indulges my inner child. I laughed at it, as if I were a ten year old.  I was enjoying the mischief, as it occurred.  In a peculiar way I found myself enjoying the socially awkward moments.  

    Reflecting on the screening, it was not a nostalgic viewing.  Rather, it seems like a reaction, as if I were seeing it for the first time.  The magic of seeing it on the big screen, I guess?

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!

FILMS FEATURED IN THE 2026 HOLIDAY RETROSPECTIVE:

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), The Shining (1980), & Gremlins (1984)