Review of Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) by Manny C — 09 Sep 2012

It's that rare sequel that is just as satisfying as its predecessor. Part of that may be because Gremlins 2: The New Batch was made at a time when sequels weren't as automatic as they are today.

Sequels had to really be earned, and Joe Dante's deliciously fun 1984 Gremlins definitely earned another outing. As loved as Gremlins is, Gremlins 2 is strangely underrated. With Dante back behind the camera, the action moves from small town America to New York City, where the young heroes of the first film, Billy (Zach Galligan) and Kate (the lovely Phoebe Cates, miss her) work for a power-hungry media mogul (John Glover), a real dig at the Ted Turners and Donald Trumps of the time.

The two are reunited with furry little 'Mogwai' Gizmo, who of course is soaked with water and spawns a brood of mischievous, lethal creatures with a never ending desire to eat. As the creatures take over the mogul's Manhattan building, Dante infuses the action with a barrage of pop culture bits.

It's not in depth by any means, and it's not supposed to be. It's just good fun.