Mythical, Magical, Munchie
Munchie is a 1992 family comedy film directed by Jim Wynorski, and serves as an In Name Only sequel to a long-forgotten Gremlins ripoff called Munchies.The film centers on Gage Dobson (Jaime McEnnan) a new kid in town who's down on his luck, he's frequently bullied, failing math and the only girl Andrea Kurtz (played by a young Jennifer Love Hewitt in her film debut) doesn't know his existence. This is until he meets a magical creature named Munchie (voiced by Dom DeLuise) who vows to help Gage using his magical powers, only for wacky hijacks to ensue later.
Featured on a Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode, for tropes referring the episode go here.
Tropes
- Bad People Abuse Animals: Dr. Elliot apparently tortures cats and dogs by inserting cancer cells into them.
- Though to be fair, this appears to be as part of oncology research and is simply framed as bad.
- Been There, Shaped History: Munchie's MO, apparently having co-authored Romeo and Juliet.
- Bully Magnet: Gage Dobson. The two bullies torment him every day at school.
- Cassandra Truth: Gage is constantly blamed for the things he didn't do, either because of the bullies or Munchie himself.
- Comedic Underwear Exposure: As the head bully Ashton performs a scene from "Romeo and Juliet" with his crush Andrea during the school assembly, Munchie casts a spell that causes Ashton's pants to fall down. Ashton is left standing in his boxer shorts as the whole audience (including Andrea) laugh at him.
- Disappeared Dad: Gage's mother is said to have divorced his father, he is never shown in the film.
- Donut Mess with a Cop: During the climax, Elliot crashes into a Winchell's Donut Shop and is promptly arrested by the two cops hanging out in there.
- Engineered Public Confession: Munchie turns on the school PA system while the principal is making time with his secretary.
- Get Out!: Upon discovering the Wild Teen Party, Cathy disbands it and sends everyone home with, "Everyone, out!"
- Imagine Spot: Gage has several within the first act to depict the dread he feels about his situations: approaching the executioner, being shot by firing squad, and even his own funeral.
- Intergenerational Friendship: Professor Cruikshank seems to be Gage's only friend.
- Megaton Punch: Gage hits one of the bullies with an uppercut that sends him flying into a laundry cart and causes it to roll all the way across the locker room into the showers.
- Missing Mom: Shown with Andrea's family, she is mentioned to be dead.
- New Powers as the Plot Demands: Munchie's powers seem to vary throughout the movie.
- One-Word Title
- Parent with New Paramour: Gage is less than thrilled when he sees his mom with Dr. Elliot.
- Really 700 Years Old: According to a book owned by Professor Cruikshank, Munchie is as old as time.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: The coach reminds Gage of the no fighting rules in the locker room, but looks the other way because he knew Gage was acting in self-defense.
- Wild Teen Party: Munchie throws one while Elliot and Cathy are away, much to Gage's disapproval.
- Whatever Happened to the Mouse?: The bullies in the movie seem to disappear from the plot after Munchie humiliates them.
