Gremlins 2: The New Batch

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Gremlins 2: The New Batch ★★★½ 1990 (PG-13)

The sequel to “Gremlins” is superior to the original, which was quite good. Set in a futuristic skyscraper in the Big Apple, director Dante presents a less violent but far more campy vision, paying myriad surreal tributes to scores of movies, including “The Wizard of Oz” and musical extravaganzas of the past. Also incorporates a Donald Trump parody, takes on TV news, and body slams modern urban living. Great fun. 107m/C VHS, DVD . Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, John Glover, Christopher Lee, Robert Prosky, Robert Picardo, Haviland (Haylie) Morris, Dick Miller, Jackie Joseph, Keye Luke, Belinda Balaski, Paul Bartel, Kenneth Tobey, John Astin, Henry Gibson, Leonard Maltin, Hulk Hogan, Charles S. Haas; Cameos: Jerry Goldsmith; D: Joe Dante; W: Charles S. Haas; C: John Hora; M: Jerry Goldsmith; V: Howie Mandel, Tony Randall.