Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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 | |
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Shawn Nelson | ... | Wally |
Having moved to New York City after the Kingston Falls complete pandemonium in Gremlins (1984), the young couple of Billy and Kate now works for the money-grubbing tech-mogul, Daniel Clamp, in his colossal Clamp Tower high-rise. But, before long, Gizmo, the orphaned Mogwai, falls prey to the evil scientist, Doctor Catheter, and once more, a splash of water spawns hordes of the mischievous Gremlins that immediately start doing what they do best: wreaking havoc. Is there an escape from the onslaught of the new batch? Written by Nick Riganas
Years after the original outbreak, Gizmo and the gremlins return... and invade the Clamp building (a parody of Trump Tower). Luckily, Billy and Kate are on hand to stop them again, and Dick Miller is ready to fight them to the death. Now in many assorted varieties (thanks to a genetics lab), the threat is bigger... but the laughs are harder.
It's not unusual for horror sequels to become more and more humorous as they go. "Child's Play" slowly became a complete joke as the series went on. The same with "Leprechaun". With "Gremlins", it didn't take long at all -- Joe Dante not only mocks his first film but completely parodies it and turns it inside out. We are treated to an endless barrage of non sequitors, in-jokes, and homages to more than a few dozen movies. Most of the references are obscure (such as Dick Miller killing a gremlin in the same manner as his character Walter Paisley from "A Bucket of Blood"), but that's what makes the film viewable again and again.
Those who loved the first may dislike the second, but those who disliked the first may like the second. That Dante is able to switch gears so smoothly is incredible. With the main characters remaining constant, it should bring appeal from one to the other. How often does a sequel keep the core cast and the director? And dudes, this was during Phoebe Cates' adorably cute phase. Not the sexy seductress of "Fast Times", but a dollface you can't say no to.
I watched this one right after "Howling III" as I was beginning to sober up from drinking Passport Scotch. I switched to Clan MacGregor Scotch, but my belly was full so I didn't drink nearly fast enough. But I think that's quite alright, as "Gremlins II" is a timeless classic that should be enjoyed with a clear mind. (But if you want to drink, drink... it won't make the film any worse.) Did I mention Christopher Lee is in here? He is. Why does he have a pod from "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"? Who knows! But his role as a scientist (not a mad one) is perfect for him, and a nice change from his Hammer horror roles as Dracula (though we still get a nice blood drinking reference). It might be one of the appearances by Lee I enjoy the most.
If you mixed the original "Gremlins" with "Muppets Take Manhattan" (or maybe "The Great Muppet Caper"), it would be almost like this. Well, maybe not. I don't know. But if you get the chance to see "Gremlins II", see it. You've probably already seen it, though, so why am I telling you to see it? You already know. For that one person who reads this that hasn't seen it, you should. Both horror and non-horror fans will love it. Perfect date movie? Perhaps!