Gremlins 2 ‘Killed’ Famous Film Critic Leonard Maltin For A Hilarious Reason

Joe Dante’s 1990 film “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” is probably one of the best films of the decade. Just as eccentric and well-paced as a slapstick comedy, it stands head and shoulders above its peers, boasting some of the greatest practical monster effects in cinematic history. Additionally, it may serve as a glorious meta-text about the disintegration of cinema itself. On-screen objects frequently break the fourth wall and address the camera directly. The bulk of “Gremlins 2” takes place in a tower, where many low-rent, low-IQ TV shows are filmed. Gremlins storm the TV station and merrily take over the airwaves. Gremlins are monsters that manipulate media machines.

In the film’s most stunning scene, Joe Dante shoots a fake cinematic break, making it appear as if the film’s projector itself is malfunctioning in real time. After the film burns out, and the screen turns white, the gremlin can be seen in silhouette, having invaded the projection chamber. ‘Gremlins 2’ just destroyed ‘Gremlins 2’.

However, earlier in the film, the fabric of reality was already dissipating. After the ghosts have already begun to escape, the action moves to the set of a critical screening of a TV movie called “Movie Police,” hosted by the revered and respected Leonard Maltin. Maltin, perhaps infamously, disliked Dante’s original “Gremlins” in 1984, and can be seen in “Gremlins 2” giving the home video release of “Gremlins” a bad (and honest) review. At this point, ghosts appear behind Maltin and strangle him to death with a strip of 35mm film.

This screening was an enjoyable and unobtrusive handshake between critic and director. Dante took revenge, and Maltin was killed by the creatures. Maltin talked about his appearance on a 2013 episode of “Doug Loves Movies.”

For the record, Maltin disliked “Gremlins” because of its harsh, sarcastic tone and horror. He said the film was undermined by the “very obvious violence and mayhem”. Maltin said on Benson’s podcast:

“I had recently started working at Entertainment Tonight in the early ’80s, and there was no substitute critic. I was the guy, and I was supposed to review all the big new movies, and I had to review Gremlins, which my friend Joe Dante directed. I’m not friends with filmmakers, but in this case I was.” […] I was faced with the unpleasant task of appearing on national television and giving a bad review of his film. It wasn’t fun to do, and it was hard to do. But I had to be honest. I didn’t like the movie.”

After all, a critic is nothing if they are not completely honest about their opinion. However, Maltin had to sacrifice himself to Dante in exchange for the negative review by agreeing to appear in “Gremlins 2”. He knew the monsters would kill him, which would give Dante some karmic payback. Maltin continued:

Several years later, Mike Fennell, Joe’s then producing partner, said, “So, we’re making Gremlins 2, and there’s a scene where gremlins invade a television network, go to all these different studios and destroy all the shows.” And we want to have a movie review show where you do the reviews.’ And I said, ‘Well, I guess I owe you that.'” “That’s how I got to Gremlins 2.”

Maltin said that being directed to a fake film review group was very surreal, and that Dante encouraged him to “just use your own words.” Maltin had to criticize the 1984 film Dante directly to its face.

Maltin’s self-sacrifice was deeply beloved not only by “Gremlins” fans, but by the Critic’s fans as well. He had a sense of humor regarding his reviews and was happy to let Dante kill him. Maltin’s death becomes one of the highlights of Dante’s filmography.

In fact, in the interest of full disclosure, I was personally involved in Maltin’s reenactment of his performance in “Gremlins 2.” In March 2019, she competed in a YouTube show called “The Movie Trivia Schmoedown,” which was part of the Collider media group. It is a trivia competition that is structured like professional wrestling, and competitors are encouraged to stage elaborate entries. My partner, William Bibiani, and I entered the match after being brutally attacked by evil puppets. Then, Maltin, being very sporty, interrupted us and gave a negative review of our vulgar shenanigans upon entry. Our previous entries have been exciting, but this time, he said, will leave you disappointed. One can watch Maltin’s cameo online. He was very athletic and talked about his appearance in “Gremlins 2.”

Film critics may have a reputation for being negative nerds, or movie haters who kill the joy, but they know that no critic worth his salt is ever dishonest. Maltin came out with his open hatred of “Gremlins,” and one can also see his point, even if they liked the 1984 Dante film. To Maltin’s credit, he gave “Gremlins 2” an overall positive review, giving it three stars. However, he had mild criticism for the film’s salacious appearances. One can read Maltin’s many reviews on his website, LeonardMaltin.com.