Gremlins 2: The New Batch

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer
• Phoebe Cates as Kate Beringer
• John Glover as Daniel Clamp
• Robert Prosky as Grandpa Fred
• Robert Picardo as Frank Forster, chief of Clamp Center’s security
• Christopher Lee as Doctor Cushing Catheter
• Haviland Morris as Marla Bloodstone
• Dick Miller as Murray Futterman
• Jackie Joseph as Sheila Futterman
• Gedde Watanabe as Mr. Katsuji
• Keye Luke as Mr. Wing
• Kathleen Freeman as Microwave Marge
• Don and Dan Stanton as Martin and Lewis, Catheter’s assistants
• Jason Presson as Alex, a frozen yogurt-selling clerk
• Belinda Balaski as a mother at a movie theater that the film is being shown at. Balaski played Mrs. Harris in the first film.
• John Capodice as a fire chief
• Paul Bartel as a theater manager
• Kenneth Tobey as a theater projectionist
• Julia Sweeney as Peggy, the lab receptionist
• Charles S. Haas as Casper, Catheter’s other assistant
• Leonard Maltin as himself
• Hulk Hogan as himself

Storyline:

Having survived the destructive Kingston Falls Incident in Gremlins (1984), Billy and Kate move to New York City, eager to wipe the slate clean and start afresh. Instead, orphaned Mogwai Gizmo catches the eye of evil scientist Doctor Catheter in money-grubbing tech mogul Daniel Clamp’s colossal high-rise. And once more, a splash of water spawns hordes of mischievous Gremlins. As a result, the pesky little creatures start doing what they do best: wreaking havoc. But the rules were simple. Now the city is about to taste a hearty slice of pure pandemonium. Do they have what it takes to escape the nightmare of the new batch?

About Gremlins 2: The New Batch Movie:

Gremlins 2: The New Batch is an American comedy horror film directed by Joe Dante, serving as the sequel to the 1984 film Gremlins. The screenplay was written by Charles S. Haas, and the film features returning stars Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates, along with new cast members including John Glover, Robert Prosky, and Christopher Lee. Howie Mandel reprises his role as the voice of Gizmo.

Plot Summary

The story picks up after the events of the first film. Gizmo, the adorable mogwai, is left alone in Chinatown after the death of his owner, Mr. Wing. He is captured by scientists and taken to the Clamp Center, a high-tech skyscraper in New York City owned by the eccentric billionaire Daniel Clamp (Glover). Meanwhile, Billy Peltzer (Galligan) and his fiancée Kate (Cates) have moved to New York City for work.

Once at the Clamp Center, Gizmo accidentally gets wet from a broken drinking fountain, spawning new mogwai. These new creatures quickly turn into gremlins after eating after midnight, causing chaos throughout the building. Unlike their predecessors, these gremlins are more anarchic and comedic, showcasing a variety of transformations due to exposure to experimental genetic serums in the lab.

As mayhem ensues, Billy and Kate must find a way to stop the gremlins before they escape into the city. The film features various parodies of popular culture and films, including references to Rambo, The Wizard of Oz, and The Phantom of the Opera.

Production Notes

Directed by Joe Dante, Gremlins 2 was produced by Michael Finnell and features creature designs by Rick Baker. The film was shot with a budget ranging from $30 million to $50 million but grossed only $41.5 million at the box office, making it a commercial disappointment despite receiving generally positive reviews for its humor and creativity.

Reception

Upon its release on June 15, 1990, Gremlins 2: The New Batch received mixed reviews from critics but has since developed a strong cult following. Critics noted its shift toward a more comedic tone compared to the original film’s darker elements. The movie’s slapstick violence and cartoon-like style earned it a PG-13 rating from the MPAA.

Legacy

Despite its initial box office struggles, Gremlins 2 is celebrated for its inventive approach to storytelling and character development. It remains a beloved entry in holiday-themed cinema for its unique blend of horror and comedy, memorable characters, and chaotic antics of the gremlins. Fans continue to appreciate the film for its humor and creativity within the franchise.

Budget & Box Office Collection: