The Gremlin

A dark, crazy, twisted, inventive straight-to-DVD classic. There's really no way to classify or categorize this film. I watched it when I was nine, and while it did scare me there for a while, I still loved it a lot. With style, charm, and humor to spare, this film was among the top echelon of movies from 2007. After this movie there were several other movies that tried to capitalize on its success. This movie is very funny and enjoyable to watch. An interesting blend of funny, entertaining and effective F/X. The first half of the movie is the best. Even though nobody famous stars in or directs this great film, it's still worth a watch.

Justin Russell has made a name for himself, single handedly crafting respectable indie horror offerings. Death Stop Holocaust and The Sleeper riff on the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Black Christmas respectively with even less money to work with.

The Gremlin is his first foray into the feature world. Gathering his family and friends, he made a micro- budget horror comedy pre-dating Tucker and Dale Vs Evil. The comedy on display here, while not for everyone, is hilarious. Obvious nods to horror tropes and comedy slap stick hilarity compensates for the off the wall plot.

A man wearing many hats, Russell is the starring villain, after writing, directing, and shooting the film. The cast, each friends and family, do a decent job of carrying the story, actually breaking the fourth wall, admitting their own loss for words with the gremlins goings on.

Based on his future works, The Gremlin really is an exercise of a director finding his voice. We all start somewhere and this is Justin Russell's proof of that. Humor, horror, and heart permeate his projects. While not perfect, The Gremlins heart is in the right place.