National Film Vault

FILM NOTES

Released in 1990, Gremlins 2: The New Batch arrived as a sequel that leaned fully into comedy and satire, trading the darker tone of the original for something wilder and more self-aware. Directed by Joe Dante, it took aim at corporate culture, sequels, and its own franchise with a gleeful anarchic streak. Over the years it has become a favorite among fans who appreciate its inventiveness, its practical creature effects, and its willingness to break the rules.

The Brain Gremlin stands out as one of the film's most memorable creations, an unexpectedly articulate and cultured figure among the chaos. Holding a physical cell from a moment featuring this character connects you directly to the artistry of that era's filmmaking, a small tangible piece of the celluloid that once ran through a projector.