Gremlins is one of those films that just nails what it sets out to do; a perfect blend of horror and comedy. Boasting a unique concept and special effects that still impress to this day, the film is a black comedy with a heavy emphasis on black. Most people know the story: when Billy gets a pet Mogwai for Christmas, he accidently feeds it past midnight (something you shouldnt do), spawning more Mogwai that eventually change into Gremlins, rambunctious and deadly creatures. They soon spread and cause trouble all over town. I saw Gremlins when I was very young, and honestly, it gave me nightmares that night. The film may be laden with scenes intended to be humorous, but it also has its fair share of genuinely well crafted and tense scenes of horror, and it was these scenes that stuck in my tiny developing brain. The Mogwai, specifically little Gizmo, lure children into a false sense of security, making their transformations all the more frightening. And lest we forget the infamous There is No Santa story that randomly popped up and ruined many a childhood? The film is also very violent, especially for a PG rating, and, along with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, would lead to the creation of the PG-13 rating. Watching it as an adult, it becomes clear what the filmmakers intentions were. The film is constantly treading the line between horror and comedy, and this constant shift goes unnoticed to the mind of a young child. Gremlins are little beasties that want to rip you to shreds, partying while doing it, and that can be pretty scary.