In my mind, I had hoped that movies now a days were a lot like video games. You're first movie in a series is basically a test run. You throw out a concept, see if people respond, and if they do you get a bigger budget to do it right in the sequel. What I don't understand is why so many flops get sequels. I thought everyone hated the Expendables.
Some of those on the list are up for debate as sequels. Just because you remaster a movie in 3d doesn't make it a new movie. I understand the Disney movies coming out for a new generation to see in theatres. I don't understand Star Wars Episode 1 coming back out. Is there really a group of kids that are dissapointed they missed it in theaters? I had just the opposite feeling.
You can't tell me you won't see the new Batman. or the Hobbit. That would be a good date for Alisha, she's read all the Lord of the Rings books, which takes some serious effort. I don't even think I made it through the last one, too many elfish names like LorgenNornaDoone.
Also, seeing as the only other movies on the high grossing list are the smurfs and Rio, I think I'll play it safe and go see another Spiderman before venturing out into the world of Adam Sandler based comedies. People do fear change, and sometimes thats not a bad thing. I'm not saying we needed another American Pie, but it's gotta be better than whatever else Will Ferrell is scheming up right now.
Bad Boys II is the perfect example of the video game sequel.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I'll see Batman, and Hobbit. And enjoy them both. But I think it's your other point that the list really highlights.
And everyone did hate the Expendables. No one liked Clash of the Titans, or Ghost Rider, or GI Joe either. And I think they're working on a Green Lantern movie too. And how many of the Lion, Witch, and Wardrobes have they made? But they still, for some reason, have faith in the concept. Which is why the Hulk is recast again in the Avengers.
It's when the sequels fail, and then they still ram one down your throat, that bothers me.
And I've read all the Lord of the Rings books, but my excuse was that I was trapped on a mountain during prep school.
As for the 3d re-releases, it's an easy cash grab. For Star Wars, they can't give you Empire Strikes Back in 3d right away, so they make you work for it.
And I love Lorna Doones. I eat those all the time because they have unlimited supply at work.
Super 8 was the highest grossing non-animated non-sequel, so people will go to see these movies on occasion. But even that wasn't that good. There is something to be said for the comfort a sequel can provide, but the sequels tend to fail to deliver too often these days.
ReplyDeleteThen again, I just saw Mission Impossible 4 and it was probably the best one in the series. Highly recommended. And the Batman prologue was kind of cool, but pretty unnecessary to see out of context. It was basically a really long trailer. The IMAX stuff looks really great though. Almost worth driving to Jordan's. I've never heard an audience applaud in the middle of a movie, but we went nuts after Tom Cruise climbs the Burj Khalifa tower. And I almost peed my pants the first time the camera sweeps over the building.