7 Sequels (And Prequels) That Don't Suck
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Written by: Doug Kelker
Discriminating film buffs see sequels and prequels as having one general purpose: to provide more feathers for filmmakers' nests. Producers and directors simply want to profit twice from a single, more creative film. A sequel is often similar to its predecessor in plot or jokes with a few cosmetic differences. Basically, we're just watching the same old shit. We know this going into the theater, but we can't resist those Austin Powers sequels, can we? The following is a list of the best sequels and prequels that I have seen. They were chosen based on their cinematic value in their own right and compared to their predecessors. The films are listed alphabetically. |
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| 1. |
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983)
These two Star Wars sequels were originally an afterthought in George Lucas' greedy mind, but they are still enjoyable. The plot thickens like Jello in the fridge when Darth Vader reveals that he is Luke Skywalker's pa. Fight sequences and special effects, breathtaking in their time, had a huge impact on the sci-fi industry. Empire and Return glorify Star Wars, but Episodes 1 & 2 (and probably 3) discredit this franchise. (Click here for a full review of these films.)
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| 2. |
The Godfather: Part II (1974)
This is hands-down the best sequel in film history, and not just because of the Best Picture Oscar. The decision to alternate Vito Corleone's rise in power with his son Michael's thirst for such power is brilliant to say the least. Al Pacino's second portrayal of Michael is quite different from the first but equally masterful. Some fans of the Godfather trilogy believe that Part II is better than the original. Sign me up for that club! (Click here for a full review of this film.)
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| 3. |
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
The second installment of this growing film series is a worthy one. The plot is twisting and unpredictable (unless you read the book). Similar to HP and the Sorcerer's Stone, the filmmakers do the novel justice by keeping all of the relevant story elements. Also, the special effects are outstanding, considering that the target audience is young'ins. (Click here for a full review of this film.)
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| 4. |
Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade (1989)
The third installment of the Indiana Jones trilogy uses the same plot template as the first chapter, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Both films start out with Indy finding some random artifact before returning to his college to teach his archaeology class. He is then charged with recovering a powerful religious artifact before the pre-WWII Nazis find it. Not all plot formulas are bad. Last Crusade preserves Raiders' globetrotting excitement but makes a memorable addition to the cast -- Sean Connery, as Indy's father. |
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The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
How can the Wachowski brothers top one of the biggest sci-fi hits in the past 10 years? Answer: more daring SFX and fighting scenes. Interestingly, some companies went bankrupt while producing the SFX for The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. The story is weaker than
The Matrix, and there isn't as much philosophy. That's ok, because the continual action sequences won't let you take your eyes off the screen. (Click here for a full review of this film.) |
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Red Dragon (2002)
RD is not just a prequel to The Silence of the Lambs; it is also a superior remake of the 1986 thriller Manhunter. Silence's screenwriter Ted Tally returns to help make RD become the well-executed sequel that Hannibal wishes it could have been. Finally, it's impossible to beat an A-list cast consisting of Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, and Ralph Fiennes. (Click here for a full review of this film.)
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| 7. |
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
The 1984 cat-and-mouse thriller The Terminator has an interesting premise, but aside from that it's a genre film. T2 contains a strong apocalyptic theme and makes you think hard about the fate of humanity in the presence of nuclear arms (remember Sarah's dream?). T2 is one of the few sequels to clearly exceed the original film. For buying info on any of the above sequels and prequels, click on the images above. Did we overlook your favorite sequel? Drop us a line and tell us which selections you agreed with, and which sequels you think we missed. |
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