Get ready for a dose of festive mayhem as Gremlins (1984) returns to the Cameo for one special holiday screening on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4:30 p.m. Few films capture both the magic and the madness of the holiday season quite like this cult classic: a film where snow falls, Christmas lights twinkle and adorable creatures turn into chaotic little monsters.
Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, Gremlins is a darkly funny blend of horror, comedy and Christmas charm that has become a beloved holiday tradition for audiences around the world. Written by Chris Columbus, who would later direct the first two Home Alone films and the first two Harry Potter films, the film strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and anarchy, reminding us that sometimes, the most memorable gifts come with unexpected consequences.
The story begins when a struggling inventor, Rand Peltzer (Hoyt Axton), stumbles upon a small, furry creature called a mogwai in a mysterious Chinatown shop. Hoping to find the perfect Christmas present for his son Billy (Zach Galligan), Rand brings the adorable creature home, naming it Gizmo. But this isn’t your average pet. The shopkeeper issues three strict rules: keep it out of bright light, don’t let it get wet and never, never feed it after midnight.
Of course, those rules don’t last long. One accidental splash of water leads to a surprising reproduction and before long, the peaceful town of Kingston Falls is besieged by mischievous gremlins wreaking havoc on Christmas Eve. From sabotaged traffic lights to a disastrous carol-singing scene, the chaos that follows is both terrifying and hilarious.
Gremlins became an instant hit when it was released in 1984, grossing over $200 million worldwide and redefining what a “holiday movie” could be. With its mischievous tone and groundbreaking creature effects by Chris Walas, the film walked the line between family adventure and fright-filled comedy. It also helped inspire the creation of the PG-13 rating, along with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, proving that even “family films” could deliver a good scare.
At its core, though, Gremlins remains a film about responsibility, compassion and the consequences of ignoring the rules. Gizmo’s gentle nature contrasts sharply with the chaos of his offspring, creating a surprisingly heartfelt story amid the destruction.
One of my favorite scenes is the scene with the mother in the kitchen, and who can forget Phoebe Cates' famous speech about Santa Claus? The movie theater scene is great, too.
Featuring a memorable cast including Hoyt Axton, Keye Luke and John Louie, along with unforgettable puppet performances that still hold up four decades later, Gremlins continues to enchant new generations. The film’s offbeat humor and holiday setting have cemented it as both a Christmas favorite and a timeless piece of ’80s cinema.
For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit https://www.cameoarthouse.com/special-events/