'Munchies' is a 1987 slapstick horror comedy directed by Tina Hirsch. The movie is often seen as a knockoff of 'Gremlins', produced by Roger Corman. It follows Simon Waterman, a scientist who explores archaeological digs in search of alien proof. Accompanied by his son, Paul, who hopes to be a comedian, they stumble upon an alien which they comically name Arnold.
The movie pokes fun at various elements as Simon decides to leave Arnold with Paul while he goes out. Unsurprisingly, chaos ensues as Arnold turns into multiple mischievous creatures known as Munchies. The creatures wreak havoc and the characters resort to various humorous antics to manage the situation.
With a blend of slapstick humor and horror, 'Munchies' takes many cues from 'Gremlins', from its creature design to comedic sequences. However, it stands out for its intentional absurdity and playful approach to themes it borrows. The film was shot in 12 days, featuring a notable voice cast including Frank Welker and Fred Newman.
The cultural references and ties within the movie parody the line of Gremlins-inspired films of that era, establishing 'Munchies' as an entertaining entry in the comedy-horror genre.