"Gremlins 2" - Underrated or Just Plain Weird??? (Gizmo Appreciation Post)

Okay, y'all, I just rewatched "Gremlins 2: The New Batch" and I'm...conflicted. I know it's basically a completely different vibe from the first one, way more comically over-the-top. And I'm genuinely curious what everyone thinks because I see so much divide on this one. Like, is it a secretly brilliant satire, a fun romp, or just way too much? Honestly, for me, the highlight is still Gizmo. He's just SO cute and helpless. My heart breaks every time they're mean to him (which, let's face it, is basically the whole movie lol). And I actually really enjoyed the moments where he gets to be more assertive, especially when he Hulks out, gremlin style. It's so unexpected and satisfying. That scene with the bow and arrow? chef's kiss. But did the other gremlins get too cartoonish? Like, the brain gremlin was kinda funny, but some of the others felt...flat? I'm also wondering if the shift in tone affected the performances of Billy and Kate. Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates are great in the first one, but here they almost feel like they're just going along with the craziness. Anyone else feel like they lacked the same depth, or was it just a script thing? I mean, I suppose it would be hard to play the straight man in this context. I'm not sure what I was expecting after watching the first movie. This wasn't it, but it was funny in its way. So, what do you think? Did "Gremlins 2" stray too far from the original, or is its absurdity part of its charm? I'm ready to hear all opinions! Also, someone needs to give Gizmo a hug. He deserves it.