Brief History: The year - 1984. The place - that same Universal backlot where they filmed Back to the Future and Gilmore Girls. The thing - a heartwarming tale of a young man and his cuddly pet during the holiday season. The result - the Mandalorian (no seriously, think about it). I’m not going to give away this beloved cult classic, but know that both horror and hilarity ensue in this adventure film from the time when kids movies were fantastically dark. And yes, it’s a Christmas movie.

Analysis: Yes, Virginia. It is a Christmas movie. It is about the magic of giving (which includes feeding creatures after midnight) and the joy of helping others. And Snow White. Disney and Christmas can check off a lot of the same boxes. It even has a message for those alone in a bar on Christmas Day and how they can drive away the loneliness with puppets. There is a lesson about understanding of what is best for those you love . . . and what is not so great for your small town’s electrical appliances. And of course, the eternal message - don’t buy your kids pets unless they are ready. A Mogwai is forever not just for Christmas

Blame it on the 80s: Okay, so I only have one blame - what was up with Phoebe Cates’s Santa Claus story. But. . . still Christmasy so . . . at least it backs up my argument. Man. 80s kids movies were intense. I miss them.

Final Thoughts: Gizmo - Mogwai - BRIGHT LIGHTS - Neat! Also, if you mention Gremlins 2 in my presence, you will coal shoved up your . . . stocking.

Images are property of Warner Bros (please don’t sue me)