Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)

Last updated:
October 19, 2024

Detailed Summary

Introduction to the Clamp Center

Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) and his girlfriend Kate Beringer (Phoebe Cates) move to New York City and work at the high-tech Clamp Center, a skyscraper owned by eccentric billionaire Daniel Clamp (John Glover). Meanwhile, Gizmo the Mogwai, living in a Chinatown shop, ends up captured by a genetics lab inside the Clamp Center after the shop owner dies.

Gizmo’s Escape and the New Gremlins

Gizmo escapes from the lab and reunites with Billy. Trouble starts when Gizmo gets wet and spawns new Mogwai. These Mogwai soon eat after midnight, transforming into Gremlins. They wreak havoc in the Clamp Center, causing chaos and destruction.

The Gremlins Take Over

The Gremlins take over the building. They experiment in the genetics lab, transforming into various bizarre forms. One of these transformations results in the Brain Gremlin, an intelligent and talking Gremlin voiced by Tony Randall. The Gremlins then disrupt the building’s high-tech systems. This leads to a series of comedic and destructive events.

Battle to Contain the Gremlins

Billy and Kate, along with their coworkers and allies, including Clamp and the eccentric scientist Dr. Catheter (Christopher Lee), devise a plan to contain and destroy the Gremlins. They manage to lure the Gremlins into the building’s atrium, where they plan to electrocute them by exposing them to sunlight.

The Final Showdown

In a climactic battle, the heroes execute their plan, using electrical wiring and sunlight to eradicate the Gremlins. The building is severely damaged, but the Gremlins are finally defeated. Daniel Clamp, impressed by Billy’s ingenuity, offers him a better position in his company.

Movie Ending

The film ends on a humorous note as Daniel Clamp decides to rebuild the Clamp Center and expresses interest in developing a new real estate venture inspired by Billy’s hometown. Gizmo is safe and sound, and Billy and Kate look forward to their future together, free from the chaos of the Gremlins.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

“Gremlins 2: The New Batch” is a comedy horror film that blends elements of satire, slapstick, and meta-humor, making it a unique sequel that parodies both its predecessor and various film genres.

Cast

Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer
Phoebe Cates as Kate Beringer
John Glover as Daniel Clamp
Robert Prosky as Grandpa Fred
Christopher Lee as Dr. Catheter
Haviland Morris as Marla Bloodstone
Tony Randall as the voice of Brain Gremlin
Howie Mandel as the voice of Gizmo

Film Music and Composer

Jerry Goldsmith composed the film’s score, blending whimsical and eerie elements to match the film’s tone. His music enhances the movie’s comedic and chaotic atmosphere.

Filming Locations

New York City, New York: Various exterior shots of the city to establish the urban setting.
Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, California: Most of the interior scenes, including the Clamp Center, were filmed on sound stages here.

These locations were crucial in creating the film’s futuristic and chaotic environment.

Awards and Nominations

While “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” did not receive significant awards recognition, it has gained a cult following over the years and is appreciated for its inventive and humorous approach.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Director Joe Dante was given creative freedom by the studio, leading to the film’s wild and satirical tone.
The film includes numerous cameos, including Leonard Maltin, who humorously criticizes the first “Gremlins” film before being attacked by the new Gremlins.
The filmmakers used a mix of animatronics and puppetry to bring the Gremlins to life, pushing the boundaries of special effects for the time.

Inspirations and References

Meta-Humor and Satire: The film parodies not only the original “Gremlins” but also various film genres and pop culture, including spoofs of classic horror and science fiction tropes.
Corporate Culture: The Clamp Center and Daniel Clamp are satirical takes on corporate greed and high-tech office environments.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Deleted Scenes: Various comedic scenes were cut for pacing, including extended interactions between the Gremlins and human characters.
Alternate Endings: No significant alternate endings are known, as the film’s conclusion ties up the plot humorously and neatly.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film’s novelization expands on the plot and characters, providing additional background and scenes not included in the movie. However, the core story remains the same.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Gizmo’s Escape: Gizmo escaping the lab and navigating the Clamp Center.
Brain Gremlin’s Speech: The Brain Gremlin giving a sophisticated monologue on Gremlin society.
Final Battle: The chaotic showdown in the atrium with all the Gremlins.

Iconic Quotes

“Now, was that civilized? No, clearly not. Fun, but in no sense civilized.” – Brain Gremlin
“We’ve been filming inside a movie, and the movie’s inside the building!” – Grandpa Fred
“I think they’re cooking now.” – Billy Peltzer

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The film features numerous references to other movies, including “Rambo” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”
The Gremlins disrupt a film screening, breaking the fourth wall and interacting with the audience.

Trivia

The film’s playful tone was a deliberate shift from the darker original, encouraged by the studio to attract a broader audience.
Hulk Hogan makes a cameo, breaking the fourth wall in a memorable theater scene.
The film parodies various TV shows, including a “Cooking with Gremlins” segment.

Why Watch?

“Gremlins 2: The New Batch” is a wild, inventive, and humorous sequel that stands out for its meta-humor, creative special effects, and playful satire. It offers a fun, chaotic viewing experience that both parodies and pays homage to classic horror and sci-fi films.