So, I'm looking for a non-traditional Christmas movie to show my seven-year-old son and remember one of my favorite movies from my youth Gremlins.
Gremlins is of course the 1984 fantasy comedy about what happens when the recipient of a small creature fails to observe three seemingly innocuous rules. Chaos ensues as the town is overrun by Gremlins. The entire story takes place during Christmas time in a small town.
So, Devin and I are watching the film and I, having not seen the movie for many years, am remembering scenes as they come up and giggling to myself as I realize how much fun Devin is going to have with each moment of increasing mayhem.
But...
There is a scene late in the movie when Phoebe Cates explains to Zach Galligan why she hates Christmas. I instantly remember that she is about to describe in vivid detail how her father sought to surprise her by dressing as Santa and climbing down the chimney (note to fathers out there: this is a fundamentally stupid idea; fathers are capable of stupid things, but we are talking Darwin award here). The father becomes stuck, DIES, and then is found by his daughter when she tries to start a fire (again, I don't usually allow my own children to start fires in the house, but...).
Luckily, I remember this just before it happens and choose that moment to ask my son about his day. The scene seemingly ends and my son has heard none of it. Then Phoebe Cates offers this coda:
"And that's how I found out there was no Santa Claus."
My jaw drops. My son turns to me with this curious look and says...
"Wait a minute...."
I hold my breath for the inevitable question.
"...there's no Santa Claus..."
I have crushed a little boy's sense of wonder...
"...in this movie?"
I pause.
"I guess not. This movie must not have a Santa Claus. Isn't that weird?"
"Yeah, that's really weird."
Note to parents: Let this be a cautionary tale. Always prescreen your movies. Even if you've seen it before. You may also want to read the screenplay and interview the director if possible.
