Verbal Diorama - Episode 116 - Gremlins 2: The New Batch - Verbal Diorama

Episode 116

Gremlins 2: The New Batch

Published on: 30th September, 2021

The final episode of Sequeltember, Gremlins 2: The New Batch is, in many ways a total anomaly. It's likely many a millennial's first foray into the Gremlins universe (Gremlinverse?) due to it's focus on the cartoonish humour, rather than the horror aspects of the 1984 original. Plus it’s not often a director gets to make a sequel that the studio is so desperate for that they will relinquish creative control.

This is a movie that knows it’s a cash grab sequel, but makes a mockery of it. It successfully manages to lampoon everything about its own world and mythology, even down to the ridiculous rules of Mogwai ownership.

There’s no denying that Gremlins (1984) is a classic, and yet Gremlins 2 somehow manages to elevate itself because it knows the premise of the first movie is ridiculous. It doesn’t just stop at self-referencing and satirising itself though, it takes the Hollywood system of sequels and just throws shot after shot, while also upping the ante of its own production by making more diverse; literally a new batch of Gremlins.

Gremlins 2: The New Batch is a completely self-aware, insane commentary on '80s excess, commercialism and greed, as well as being hilariously and fourth-wall-breakingly funny. That alone makes it one of the best sequels ever made, and the perfect end to this Sequeltember season.

I would love to hear your thoughts on Gremlins 2: The New Batch! The previous episode on Gremlins can be found at https://www.verbaldiorama.com/episode/gremlins

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About the Podcast

Verbal Diorama
The award-winning podcast celebrating the history and legacy of movies you know, and movies you don't.
The award-winning podcast celebrating the history and legacy of movies you know, and movies you don't.

Have you ever wondered how your favourite movies were made? Hosted by Em, Verbal Diorama takes you behind the scenes to discover the extraordinary stories of cast and crew who bring movies to life.

Movies are tough to make, and this podcast proves how amazing it is that they actually exist. From Hollywood classics to hidden gems, each episode explores the history, legacy, and untold stories that make cinema magic.

Ear Worthy 2024 Best Movie Podcast Winner | Golden Lobes 2025 Earworm Award Nominee | Ear Worthy 2025 Best Movie Podcast Nominee

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About your host

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Em .

Hi! I'm Em. I created Verbal Diorama in 2018, and launched the podcast in February 2019 to rapturous applause and acclaim.... from my cat Jess.

The modus operandi of Verbal Diorama is simple: movies are tough to make! The coming together of a team of people from all walks of life to make something to entertain, delight and educate us for 90+ mins is not an easy task, and yet so many succeed at it. That must be something to celebrate.

I'm here to do just that - to celebrate movies. Their history and legacy, and why they remain so special to so many of us.

Episodes are audibly book ended by Jess. She sadly passed away in March 2022, aged almost 18. She featured in many episodes of the podcast, and that's why you can hear her at the end of every episode. The role of official feline producer is now held by the comparatively quieter Evie and Peggy.

I love podcasts, and listen to many, but never my own.

I unashamedly love The Mummy (1999) and Grease 2. I'm still looking for a cool rider.