Gremlins (1984)

This week on Once, When I Was Cool, we're heading back to the wonderfully weird world of 1984 to revisit a film that forever changed the meaning of holiday cheer. Cute, cuddly, mischievous, and downright terrifying, Gremlins remains one of the most unique movies of the decade—a genre-bending blend of comedy, horror, creature feature, and Christmas chaos.

Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, Gremlins introduced audiences to Gizmo, the adorable Mogwai whose simple care instructions somehow prove impossible for humans to follow. What begins as a heartwarming gift quickly spirals into a night of mayhem as an army of destructive gremlins turns the quiet town of Kingston Falls into a playground of anarchy.

Join us as we revisit the film's unforgettable practical effects, its dark sense of humour, and the surprising moments that pushed the boundaries of what audiences expected from a family movie. We'll explore how Gremlins helped inspire the creation of the PG-13 rating, examine the incredible creature work that still holds up today, and discuss why the film remains a holiday favourite more than forty years later.

We'll also dive into the movie's darker themes, its satirical take on small-town America, and the strange balancing act that somehow makes it both a Christmas classic and a horror movie.

So lock up the kitchen, keep an eye on the microwave, and whatever you do, don't feed them after midnight. It's time to find out whether Gremlins is still a holiday classic or just a nostalgic creature feature from a bygone era.