SEQUELS: 2nd Time's the Charm - 3rds are Turds

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I usually agree with you on many things, but on this I couldn't disagree more. So much of this is wrong in "my opinion" Im to tired to go in length on all of them, but I will debate the one I think you really went wrong with, that being Highlander 3, I found nothing wrong with this movie, it kept with the newer movies and even the show. If you put it next to part two, this movie should win a [frick]ing Oscar. Part two had nothing to do with shit and tried to make them in to aliens and this was like some jail and ah [frick] I don't even want to try and remember it.

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Yohon--I agree, part 2 was way worse. I remember not enjoying part 3. I've got a Peoples problem. I don't think it was good enough to NOT be in the bad 3 list. Plus, I needed some 3s. Help me think of one that is more fitting.

Shake--I personally liked Back to the Future three. I used to think part2 was the good one because it actually went into the future. But marty ends up going back into the past and rehashing everything that happened in the first one.

Betty, I think I could answer one of your questions. I think I can because I have thought about it quite a bit. I think the answer is in the design of the second film. Usually, the second film leaves an ending that is designed to encourage another sequel. Unfortunately, we don't always have the same directors, writers, and producers returning. The vision is then lost and the studio is trying to capitalize on the loss with a quick release. Another problem is that they try and fit an over-reaching story arch and try to turn something into an epic that should just be treated as a serial. Some releases would be satisfactory while other are great. Indiana Jones is my favorite example of a successive serial that could theoritically go on forever. They should never number movies for this reason. It leave an impression of a three tiered story arc, and going beyond this seem tedious and ad nauseum.

In the past, creators of these storys have made "bibles" that lists rules to be followed in successive storys. These things are done by the likes of James Cameron or George Lucas that have a love and a vision for their stories. I think that is another way to make great movies sequels to go on forever.

rambo 3

I pretty much have to agree with Phinehas. What peeves me most, why does a director/actors even attempt to begin a franchise of any sort without the intention of seeing it through to the end. Chris Nolan is the most recent example of this. Don't get me wrong, Batman Begins and TDK are great, but Nolan acts like he is already tired of the franchise and wants to move on. He should have never started on this franchise if he wasn't immediately willing to see it through to the end. after all, who the [frick] takes a job on such a monumental project not knowing that 3 or more films will come from it. These actors and directors are quick to jump on the boat in order to get their career started or to finally reach the A-list of their profession, but when they get there, they decide they are to good for the very things that are responsible for their fame. Nolan was essentially a nobody before he got on the Batman franchise. Memento was all he had going for him when he started on the Batman franchise, now TDK is one of the best comic films of all time, and he wants to play hardball over doing a third. He may be a brilliant director, but he is a douchebag nonetheless. Nolan is not the first to join this trend, not by a long shot, just one of the most recent examples. What happens if Nolan doesn't return for part 3? Warner is gonna make it anyway, with a new director... and then we are left with the very condition this article is about.

In short, I blame greedy, arrogant directors and actors more than anything for this syndrome. Hugh Jackman is an excellent example of an A-list celebrity who who knows what it was that made him famous, and is adamant about seeing it through til he is too old for the role(save your opinions of the Wolverine movie, like it or not, Jackman did a great job as Wolverine and I don't think anyone will ever be able to fill his shoes as that character) If only all the folks in this business were as eager to pay homage to the roles and films that put them where they are now.

Actually I would have loved it if they would have considered Glen Danzing to play Wolverine. He is a short, stocky, pumped up guy with a shitty attitude and a nasty napoleaon complex who loves comics.

He would have been perfect for Wolverine.

@Hellmont: I read that casting call in Wizard over a decade ago too.

Of course story wise, Robocop 2 didn't even compare to the first but i still enjoyed it thoroughly... hell i even liked the TV show LOL But the third was a mega disapointment.

And what about kick ass movies that never get a sequel like Meteorman!!! LOL

Return of the Jedi

I cant believe I forgot to add terminator 3. It was one of the ones that inspired me to write this. Doh!

Yohon Kalic: When you said "it kept with the newer movies and even the show." regarding Highlander 3, I think that you may be referring to Highlander: End Game. It has been awhile since I've seen the 3rd Highlander but I don't recall it ever bringing in anything of the television show. End Game, yes. H3 was definitely the better of the four films (none touches the first), it was a throw back to the first one so much that it made Highlander 2, pointless and obsolete in the series. H2 is one of those movies you throw out when you buy the box set.

As for the list the God Father films I personally found boring and its pop culture status undeserved. I'd slot in "Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom" before any God Father. But that's me.

Short-Round for the win!

Seriously? Robocop 2? SERIOUSLY?!?!?! your whole article has no merit once you include anything as laughable as a robocop movie.

@ yohon
dude did you actually like those other higlander movies? im mean three was much better then two but come on, ater the first one hey were all terrible. the show was decent. if they would never had made more movies that 1st movie would have been a tue classic but alas the big machine that is hollywood tried to cash in. their best idea was a olanet called ziest funking screenwriters. i did here that the were looking to reboot this as well maybe they can get a good witer this time and
nick cage for conner mccloud

Don't forget the Matrix movies. One was good, two had potential, and the third wiped our faces in dog shit, but I still own them for the fighting.

hopefully they dont do this with
batman 3
transformers 3
iron man 3
and what else.....?

gibbyblalock said:

"INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE!!!! The third in the series and arguably the best of the four.

RETURN OF THE JEDI! Definitely the 2nd best of the six.

DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE! Also 3rd, also arguably the best of the four.

ARMY OF DARKNESS! Definitely the best of the three."

"Your logic is flawed"

lol, no dude, you just have reeeeally shitty taste in movies!

Betty, i find no flaws in your logic whatsoever. The only 3rd movie i remember enjoying nearly as much as its predeccesors was Back To The Future 3

Shadowelfz--Man I hope that doesn't happen with Nolan and the Batchise. And I hope they dont try to outdo themselves. Just make a good damn film and it'll outdo itself. Maybe it'll break the curse and awesome trilogies will rain from the sky. Green Lanterns Avengers Deapools Thors Wolverines Invincibles Chaplain Americas all a harmonious trifecta of cinematic genius!

Then trilogies become cliche and the forth film becomes the franchise killer. "Man, to bad that fourth Super Patriot film tanked, quadrilogies never work."