'Gremlins 2'' is sloppy and inconsistent, just as it needs to be -- its bumptious, adolescent humor would wilt away if it were subjected to craftsmanship and mature reflection.

What lends it novelty and makes it such wicked fun is the change of locale from a Capra-esque small town to rude, hectic New York City.

Gremlins 2 The New Batch has so much comic energy that we overlook its lack of anything worth calling a plot.

The movie plays like one long in-joke.