GREMLINS II: THE NEW BATCH

THE NEW BATCH of Gremlins are even more demonic looking than the batch from GREMLINS I (which was released in 1984). The sequel opens with Gizmo, the cute and lovable doll-like Gremlin from I, dwelling in a mysterious Chinatown merchant’s antique shop. When the building is razed by Clamp Cable Network, the little Mogwai creature is found and brought to the genetics lab in CCN’s “smart building.”

From Orwellian surveillance measures to revolving doors that whirl at blinding speed, the sight gags are many and the lampooning satirical, as the film creates an obvious parody of media magnate Ted Turner and his CNN empire. Employee Billy Peltzer, though, rescues Gizmo from the lab and hides him for his fiance Kate to later pick up and bring home. He reminds her of the rules: no bright light, water or eating after midnight, or else….

A series of accidents, however, create a totally new generation of Gremlins that aren’t quite so lovable. Wrecking havoc in the building, they metamorphose into hordes of truly horrifying and demonic-looking creatures that swoop through the giant hi-tech skyscraper, turning it into a shambles as they terrorize with glee. Overrunning the genetics lab, the Gremlins imbibe beaker-filled experimental serums that mutate and transform them into further catastrophic monstrosities.

Because the movie is extremely sinister in its special effects (which are technically outstanding), parents are advised not to take their children to see the film, even though it is aimed at youngsters. According to the film’s producer and director (Michael Finnell and Joe Dante, respectively), who share the same philosophy, “making an audience believe in something that can’t happen by creating an illusion that it can happen is very exciting.” However, someone should tell Mr. Finnell and Mr. Dante it is also very dangerous, particularly in that these demonic images can be fixated in children’s impressionable minds long after the film has ended.

Philippians 4:8 exhorts us to fill our minds with just the opposite, things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy… “think about such things.” The movie offers none of these things, but instead overflows with grisly sights and sounds, including one gruesome scene in which a Gremlin is force-fed through a paper shredder.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please address your comments to:

Mr. Robert A, Daly

Chairman

Warner Brothers, Inc.

4000 Warner Blvd

Burbank, CA 91522

(818) 954-6290