''Munchies'' is a 1987

comedy horror Comedy horror, also known as horror comedy, is a literary genre, literary, television genre, television, and film genre that combines elements of comedy and horror fiction. Comedy horror has been described as able to be categorized under three ty ...

film starring

Harvey Korman Harvey Herschel Korman (February 15, 1927May 29, 2008) was an American actor and comedian who performed in television and film productions. His big break was being a featured performer on CBS' ''The Danny Kaye Show'', but he is best remembered f ...

Charlie Stratton Charlie may refer to: Characters * "Charlie," the head of the Townsend Agency', from the ''Charlie's Angels'' franchise * Charlie, a character on signs for the CharlieCard, a smart card issued by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority * ...

, and Nadine Van der Velde. Directed by

Tina Hirsch Tina Hirsch (born 1943)—also known as Bettina Kugel Hirsch, Bettina Hirsch, and Bettina Kugel—is an American film editor and an adjunct professor of editing at the University of Southern California.

, the film editor for ''

Gremlins ''Gremlins'' is a 1984 American black comedy horror film directed by Joe Dante, written by Chris Columbus, and starring Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Polly Holliday, and Frances Lee McCain, with Howie Mandel providing the voice ...

'', the film features a similar plotline.

Plot

The protagonist, space archaeologist Simon Watterman, discovers a fossilized "Munchie" in a cave in

Peru , image_flag = Flag of Peru.svg , image_coat = Escudo nacional del Perú.svg , other_symbol = Great Seal of the State , other_symbol_type = Seal (emblem), National seal , national_motto = "Fi ...

and accidentally reanimates it. Bringing the specimen back to the United States, Watterman's son and girlfriend name it Arnold. Cecil Watterman, Simon's evil twin brother and snack food entrepreneur, kidnaps Arnold while Cindy and Paul are making out. When Arnold is hurt by his kidnappers, it becomes aggressive and attacks Cecil's adopted son. Attempting to kill Arnold, they chop him into quarters, but instead of dying, Arnold multiplies into four new Munchies. The quartet of creatures develop a love of women, attacking people, beer, and

junk food "Junk food" is a term used to describe food that is high in calories from sugar and/or fat, and possibly also sodium, but with little dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, or other important forms of nutritional value. It is also known as ...

in the process.

Cast

*Charlie Stratton (Charles Stratton) as Paul Watterman * Nadine Van der Velde as Cindy *

as Cecil Watterman and Simon Watterman *Alix Elias as Melvis Macintosh Watterman *

Hardy Rawls Hardy Rawls is a character actor. In 2003, ''Adweek'', ''Ad Age'', and the ''New York Post'' described Rawls' best-known role as that of the father on Nickelodeon's ''The Adventures of Pete & Pete''. For Maytag's 2004 marketing campaign, Rawls ...

as Big Ed *

Robert Picardo Robert Alphonse Picardo (born October 27, 1953) is an American actor. He is best known for playing the Cowboy in ''Innerspace'', Coach Cutlip on ''The Wonder Years'', Captain Dick Richard on the ABC series ''China Beach'', the Doctor on '' Star ...

as Bob Marvelle *

Wendy Schaal Wendy Schaal (born July 2, 1954) is an American actress known for her work in Joe Dante films such as '' Innerspace'', ''The 'Burbs'', and '' Small Soldiers''. Her other film credits include starring in films such as ''Where the Boys Are '84'', ...

as Marge Marvelle *

Paul Bartel Paul Bartel (August 6, 1938 – May 13, 2000) was an American actor, writer and director. He was perhaps most known for his 1982 hit black comedy ''Eating Raoul'', which he wrote, starred in and directed. Bartel appeared in over 90 movies and ...

as Dr. Crowder *

Ellen Albertini Dow Ellen Rose Albertini Dow (November 16, 1913 – May 4, 2015) was an American film and television character actress and drama coach. She portrayed feisty old ladies and is best known as the rapping grandmother Rosie in ''The Wedding Singer'' ...

as Little Old Lady *Steven Bernstein as Dean *

Frank Welker Franklin Wendell Welker (born March 12, 1946) is an American voice actor. He began his career in the 1960s, and holds over 860 film, television, and video game credits as of 2022, making him one of the most prolific voice actors of all time. With ...

as the voice of Munchie * Fred Newman as the voice of Munchie

Production

Tina Hirsch had edited three films for Corman in the 1970s and in the mid 80s told him that she wanted to direct. Corman wanted to make a ''Gremlins'' knock off, which were profitable at the time, and, since Hirsch had edited that film, it seemed a good fit. ''Munchies'' was shot over 12 days, followed by three days of filming puppets and inserts.

References

External links

* * 1987 films 1980s comedy horror films American comedy horror films 1980s monster movies 1987 horror films Puppet films Films produced by Roger Corman American monster movies 1987 comedy films 1980s English-language films 1980s American films {{comedy-horror-film-stub