An Entertaining Classic

Rating: 7/10 (14 June 2020)

Gremlins (1988) Review
Directed by: Joe Dante
Review by: Mr. Anderson & Mr. Anderson

This movie attempts to put many different genres of film together, in a way that both fails in its never fully-realized tone, but triumphs as a delightful jumble of a mess that entertains anyone who lays eyes on it. As a film, it doesn't seem to be able to be critiqued as a certain type of movie. Gremlins in itself is an "interesting" work of art to say the least. Its near-perfect pacing allows the change from comedy to horror to effectively surprise its audience, however when it does go full horror mode, it's still clinging onto comedy at its roots, therefore never feeling like it never has its own tone. Every character in this movie is exactly the same, each and every one of them is flat and uninteresting. Nonetheless, the film tries to make up for its shallow character and oftentimes silly dialogue with the charming Mogwai the film presents to us. The puppetry in the film is very well-done and every Mogwai's emotional expression feels authentic and convincing. With its many flaws and messy execution, Gremlins still pulls off a unique and offbeat family film that will entertain for years to come, making it an instant classic.