The 1984 cult classic ‘Gremlins’ has stood the test of time–well, at least 34 years thus far–as a case study in the cinematic quality and effectiveness of practical effects. Specifically, puppeteering. While CGI (computer-generated imagery) has its place in films, that place should be limited and difficult to decipher or not distracting from reality.

Gizmo is proof of this.

Once again: That movie called ‘Gremlins’ achieved this impressive feat in the mid-’80s. Yes. It’s true.

And the rewards for dedication to practical effect artistry in the ever-innovative movie industry almost can’t be measured in tangible metrics. The expectation for good storytelling demands the best of everything while we escape into a fantasy setting, which includes two-dimensional ropes for audiences to hang onto.

This expectation even reaches (well, reached) into our own reality.

Warner Bros. understood that blurring the line–and even creating a direct link–between a movie and our daily life is the most valuable metric.

A metric that shouldn’t be tracked past midnight.