Gremlins 2: The New Batch is a 1990 American comedy horror film directed by Joe Dante (Burying the Ex; The Hole; The Howling; Piranha) from a screenplay written by Charles S. Haas (Matinee). The movie stars Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Dick Miller, Jackie Joseph, Keye Luke, John Glover, Robert Prosky, Haviland Morris, Robert Picardo and Christopher Lee.
The Gremlins creature designs were created by Rick Baker.
Plot:
The magical collectibles store that Gizmo calls home has just been destroyed, and the tiny monster finds his way into a newly erected skyscraper. Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) and his bride-to-be, Kate (Phoebe Cates), who have previously dealt with Gremlins run amok, discover that Gizmo and an impish legion of reptilian pals are inhabiting the downtown building.
The couple tries to stop the creatures from escaping into New York City, but this new batch of beasts might be uncontrollable…
Reviews:
“Gremlins 2: The New Batch tries not very successfully to get around the fact of being essentially the same film as its predecessor. It adds a few inventive twists and ups the scale of things, introducing more technically elaborate and a wider variety of gremlins, but never manages to disguise this single fact. It is eventually done in by its own silliness.” Richard Scheib, Moria
“Speaks to the gleeful hell-raising monster in each of us, and it speaks with much more verve, cleverness and good humor than the film on which it is based. Add this to the very short list of sequels that neatly surpass their predecessors.” Janet Maslin, The New York Times
“Gremlins II The New Batch is a meditation on sequels and, like most sequels, it’s a faded imitation of the original. Yes, it has some big laughs, and yes, some of the special effects are fun, but the movie has too many gremlins and not enough storyline.” Roger Ebert
“… not merely the rare sequel that is funnier than the original, it is one of the funniest comedies of its time, a veritable live-action cartoon from Joe Dante at his most unrestrained.” Sean Axmaker, Stream on Demand
“The sequel to Gremlins is superior to the original, which was quite good. … director Dante presents a less violent but far more campy vision, paying myriad surreal tributes to scores of movies, including “The Wizard of Oz” and musical extravaganzas of the past. Also incorporates a Donald Trump parody, takes on TV news, and body-slams modern urban living. Great fun.” VideoHound’s Golden Movie Retriever
“An hilarious sequel featuring equal parts creature slapstick for the small fry and satirical barbs for adults.” Variety
Cast and characters:
Zach Galligan … Billy Peltzer
Phoebe Cates … Kate Beringer
John Glover … Daniel Clamp
Robert Prosky … Grandpa Fred
Robert Picardo … Forster
Christopher Lee … Doctor Catheter
Haviland Morris … Marla Bloodstone
Dick Miller … Murray Futterman
Jackie Joseph … Sheila Futterman
Gedde Watanabe … Mr Katsuji
Keye Luke … Mr Wing
Kathleen Freeman … Microwave Marge
Don Stanton … Martin
Dan Stanton … Lewis
Shawn Nelson … Wally
Technical details:
106 minutes
Technicolor
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: 70mm 6-Track (70mm prints)| Dolby SR (35mm prints)
