Somehow a film about murderous little critters that multiply with a mere splash of water has become something of a festive favourite. And though Gremlins may be set at Christmas-time, director Joe Dante's film is also riddled with moments to disturb the entire family (especially the monologue Phoebe Cates' Kate gives about her father dying down the chimney on Christmas Day *shudder*). Still, Gremlins remains cheerfully mischievous for those who like their fantasy movies dark, and there's hardly anything more pleasurable in PG-13 cinema than seeing all the various ways in which someone can dispose of a micro green monster. You'll never look upon the common household microwave the same way. Star Zach Galligan may be no great actor, but who cares - it's all about the special effects and the sense of gleeful anarchy that Dante and producer Steven Spielberg bring to proceedings.
Lover of film, writer of words, pretentious beyond belief. Thinks Scorsese and Kubrick are the kings of cinema, but PT Anderson and David Fincher are the dashing young princes. Follow Brogan on twitter if you can take shameless self-promotion: @BroganMorris1
