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!

Okay, the first film is better, but Gremlins 2:The New Batch is a very entertaining sequel that is by far one of the better ones out there. I think it is more of a comedy than the first film was, the original had plenty of comedy and horror and succeeded in both areas. The plot isn't quite as clever or as wonderfully simple as the one in the original, and one or two moments don't quite work. Still, it is very funny thanks to a good script and efficient direction, and the time just flies by before you even know it. And of course the gremlins steal the show, and boy don't they do it well. They are brilliantly designed, if maybe not as scary, and there is a good voice cast. Tony Randall especially is brilliant as Brain Gremlin. The human actors do a great job, with Zach Galligan more appealing here, he was a tad bland in the original, and Keye Luke is simply great in his reprising role as Mr Wing. Christopher Lee is an exceptional actor, and he also does well as Doctor Catheter. And Jerry Goldsmith's music is again very impressive. I do think this sequel is underrated, it isn't perfect but it is well worth watching. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Joe Dante directs another movie filled with in jokes and references to old horror and science fiction movies, which is a pretty good reason to watch the film if you're a cult movie fan in the first place. Just spotting all of the visual references passes the time pleasingly enough. There isn't a plot but instead the film is full of gags, which is not necessarily a bad thing, in fact it was a pleasure to watch something different for a change.

Christopher Lee stars in the film, playing a sinister (what else?) doctor, which is another reason to watch it, and he gets to utter some hilarious lines, such as when he receives a parcel; "Oh splendid this must be my malaria!". This is one of Lee's better roles from the period but to be truthful, that isn't saying much. Also on hand are the twins Don and Dan Stanton, who you may remember from TERMINATOR 2, playing two scientist clones. The in-jokes are numerous; Lee appears carrying a pod from INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS; THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS is playing at the cinema. Hulk Hogan, the epitome of all that was wrong with the early '90s, even puts in a guest appearance! Robert Picardo, best known to audiences as the holographic doctor in STAR TREK: VOYAGER, plays an unlikeable businessman who forms an unlikely bond with a female gremlin.

There are a lot of memorable scenes as well, such as when a gremlin is fed into a shredder, causing one hell of a mess! The spider-gremlin is also very creative and well designed, as is the bat-gremlin. Dick Miller, a Dante and Corman regular, puts in a welcome heroic performance as a man on the street who battles the creatures, and Gizmo even becomes Rambo, tying a bandanna around his head after seeing RAMBO : FIRST BLOD PART II on television! There isn't much plot but it's a fun film to watch. Remember, though, kids, that this is primarily a comedy so if you're looking for horror or plot it would be wise to go elsewhere