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Admit it. If you grew up in the 80s, you absolutely wanted a Mogwai. Specifically, you wanted Gizmo. Who wouldn’t want that adorable, singing, big-eared creature as a pet? Of course, owning one came with a very strict, and famously ignored, set of instructions: 1) Keep them out of bright light, 2) Don’t get them wet, and 3) Never, ever feed them after midnight. Simple, right? What could possibly go wrong…
For years, owning a Gizmo remained a childhood dream. I even managed to win a fluffy Gizmo plush from a claw machine on a trip to Blackpool once – the closest I thought I’d ever get! But then, LEGO Ideas did something magical: they gave us the chance to build our very own.
The LEGO® Ideas Gremlins: Gizmo (21361) isn’t just a set; it feels like finally getting the pet you always wanted, minus the potentially catastrophic risks (mostly).
The Build: Fulfilling a Childhood Dream
Opening this box felt less like starting a LEGO build and more like that moment Billy Peltzer first peeked inside the crate from Mr. Wing’s shop. The build itself is an absolute joy. It’s not overly complicated, but it’s packed with clever techniques, especially using SNOT (Studs Not On Top) bricks to create Gizmo’s surprisingly “furry” look.
One of the brilliant things about this set is that the instruction book gives you a choice partway through: you can decide whether to build Gizmo in a standing pose or a sitting pose. The instructions cleverly branch off depending on your preference. I opted for the classic standing look (so you won’t see sitting pictures here!), but having the option adds fantastic replayability or lets you choose the perfect pose for your display space.
Regardless of which pose you choose, the personality just pours out of the bricks as he takes shape. The designers have nailed his endearing expression. The best part? He’s incredibly posable! You can tilt his head, flap those enormous ears, wiggle his fingers, and adjust his feet. Honestly, clicking the pieces together felt less like construction and more like bringing a little friend to life. For a few hours, I forgot I was a grown adult – I was finally getting the Gizmo I always wanted.
Features & Movie Magic: “Bright Light! Bright Light!”
This is where the set truly captures the Gremlins spirit. LEGO included the perfect accessories to reference those crucial movie moments.
You get a water splash element that clicks onto his back – a cheeky, slightly terrifying reminder of what happens when Rule #2 is broken. But the absolute standout, the piece that ties it all back to the film’s brilliant dark humour, is the pair of brick-built 3D glasses.
Instantly, you’re transported to that unforgettable scene where Stripe and his mischievous gang have taken over the Kingston Falls cinema, gleefully watching Snow White while causing utter chaos. Seeing the LEGO Gizmo wearing these glasses is pure nostalgic gold.
It even inspired me to dig out my own Gizmo history – that plush toy I won years ago in Blackpool! Putting the LEGO glasses on him felt like a hilarious, full-circle moment. It just goes to show how iconic this little accessory is.
The Verdict
The LEGO Ideas Gizmo set is pure joy in a box. It’s a fun, engaging build that results in a stunningly expressive and posable figure. It perfectly captures the adorable charm of Gizmo while constantly reminding you of the delightful darkness of the movie that made him famous.
For anyone who ever wished for a Mogwai of their own, this set is the dream finally realised. It’s a fantastic display piece, a conversation starter, and a tangible piece of 80s movie magic. Just remember the rules… mostly.