I love the movies. I love going to the movies and get pulled into a universe of space ship fleets, battles of epic proportions, breath-taking beauty and inspirational speeches. A movie where you love to root for the underdog and hate the villian. A movie where you can eat a whole bag of popcorn to.
However, lately I’ve been getting the feeling that Hollywood doesn’t care so much for the “magic” part of the movies and more with the “How can we make $40 million fast?” I realize that movies are a business and businesses need to make money. I buy their merchandise in support…or at least that’s what I tell myself when I look at all my Star Wars figurines. The problem I have is that Hollywood no longer has the spirit to take a chance on a new, aspiring director or take a chance on a plot that doesn’t follow the regular formula. How many movies have come out lately where you could guess what was going to happen later on?
What’s even more annoying than unoriginal movies are sequels. Both the unoriginal movie and the sequel are a void of creativity. They don’t even attempt to disguise the fact that all of their characters are from central casting. Central casting means that a character in a certain role has a certain personality and quirks. For example, every cop is a loose cannon on the edge, or the side-kick is a doofus, and all the husbands are helpless idiots with hot wives who are nags.
At least the unoriginal movies have some sort of point to them whereas some sequels are pointless even; everything was done and wrapped up in the previous movie. No loose ends. Then another movie is simply cranked out just to capitalize on the success of the previous one. For example: the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie was great. It had everything – laughs, adventure, battles, sword fighting and pirates in dresses. It ended well, and I loved it so. However, with Dead Man’s Chest, I was disappointed. With the third Pirates movie, At World’s End, when I came home my dog found me curled up in the fetal position in the shower. And there is another sequel in the works. It’s called On Stranger Tides, and it is strange since the cast of the first three movies are not in it. So I have have no idea where they are going with this.
Pirates isn’t the only one though that gave in to the sequel sickness. Movies that have been left alone for years are all of a sudden being revived like Frankenstein (just not as pretty). Liked Evil Dead? It’s getting a sequel. Enjoyed Independence Day, or Men in Black, Mad Max, Monster Inc., or Super Troopers? All are being given either the second or third movie to their series.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit 2. They’re doing it. I’m not kidding. I wish I was. I’m not.
Big Momma’s House 3. Goddammit.
It’s one thing to have a plot that’s simply too big to contain in one movie. But, sometimes its okay to leave something to the audience’s imagination. No one ever asked for a sequel to Casablanca. See why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3odtrWWc2A
Please comment on this entry. Do you agree or am I being too harsh on Hollywood or too idealistic? Here’s a thought to comment on: if you could have a sequel to any movie every made and have it as good as the original, what movie would you choose?
Links to more sequels at http://denofgeek.com/movies/405391/updated_86_movie_sequels_currently_in_development.html For the movie lovers, try http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-Rr_BtUBR4&feature=PlayList&p=64867E76ED7CFF91&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=8. I do not claim to have made either video.
Musings from Suburbia 
Hey Joe, I think this blog is great. You make a lot of good points. But, I wonder if maybe you are being unfair in putting all the blame on Hollywood and not enough on the consumers. If you think about it Hollywood is just giving people what they want. Hollywood is giving us recycled characters and plot lines- because this is what is in demand. I think you should put blame where it is due. We as a culture have become complacent enough to accept whatever Hollywood pumps out. We are living in an environment that creates nothing but a generic, pre-packaged culture. If we don’t like it, we shouldn’t support it.
With that seriousness aside, if I was to have a sequel to a movie, I suppose I would like to see what happens in The Quiet Man. I always wanted to see what the children of John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara’s characters would look like.
I am simply saying that perhaps that if Hollywood take its time in giving people what they want, and focus on quality instead of quantity of movies, we’d have movies worth waiting for.
But Joe, Hollywood is giving the consumers what they want. They want a quick fix. Nobody really cares too much about the quality.
Well put Joe! I very much like your blog…. although I have to admit I did enjoy the second and third Pirates movie lol. Sure they were a little long and slightly unnecessary… but I was just happy to see the characters again.
Ummm… I can’t think of anything I want a sequel to right now. Not a darn thing. Although I will tell you this much… I totally want to go see Shrek 4 LOL!!
Why must the majority of movies have to have a positive outcome? I sometimes feel that is the ultimate twist on a movie since you expected something else the entire time. Even though one might feel pissed and unsatisfied leaving the theater, you know it was a good ending. They probably don’t do it often because they feel its anti-climactic, but whatever.
Also, many movies should never be made into sequels, but I do believe in remakes. Remakes offer that nostalgic value you cant get from other films, as well as telling a story that was limited to its technology and production value. However, if they just puree the original film and press it into hollywood’s ‘million-dollar cookie cutter’ I’ll pass.
Hi Joe, interesting commentary. I too hate the sequels to some movies, I like a lot left to the imagination.But it depends on the type of movie, I think. If it is a historical drama, we don’t need a sequel. We kind of know what has happened, but can have our own thoughts about the sequence of events leading to a particular ending. Sometimes it is more exciting than the movie fiction. If it is a mystery, we may want to follow the life of the hero detective, as in the paperback novels.I can think of a few “cop ” movies that I love watching just because of the interactions of the main characters. I don’t know if that is a sequel, but just another story with one or two of the main characters used as a thread. I’m not sure I’m making sense, but just jotting what is on the top of my head right now. toy story is a cute fictional film, same characters, don’t know if it is a “sequel” so much as just another film using some of the original characters.
When I was a young girl I loved reading the Nancy Drew books. I wouldn’t consider them sequels to the original book but just new stories with a few of the same characters. wouldn’t you call these movies, if made, a series, or a collection?? Don’t know.
Just saw “The Road” last night. So sad. There was a glimpse of hope at the end, but I truly would rather imagine the outcome, than have it be shown in a sequel to that movie.
I’m not sure the sequels themselves are the problem, but the lack of imagination on the part of the producers and directors and their poor choices.
” We as a culture have become complacent enough to accept whatever Hollywood pumps out. We are living in an environment that creates nothing but a generic, pre-packaged culture. If we don’t like it, we shouldn’t support it.”
I absolutely agree with Karen’s comment. However, I do not think a majority of consumers are self-aware of their complacency. And considering that going to the movies is just “something to do” or maybe the only thing to do in some places, I don’t think they’d stop supporting it even if nobody liked it.
I do think Hollywood should be willing to push the envelope and do something new, even if it’s not instantly successful. I suppose if there;s a dilemma it is that Hollywood films are generally expensive to produce and with actors’ demand for millions of dollars per role–they really do need to focus on making a profit to stick around and make another film.
What happens when Hollywood doesn’t give us what we want? What if Hollywood as a whole decided to drop everything it knew–formulas, sequels, remakes be damned? Are we not going to go to the movies anymore? I doubt it. A well-constructed movie trailer can generate interest in target audiences and create enough mystery or intrigue to attract viewers who may not usually subscribe to the genre.
Perhaps I put too much faith in the power of editing and marketing. Since I love editing, I guess I am idealistic myself.
Despite Hollywood pumping out films I want to see in my consumer complacency, I am already on the verge of not going anymore with ticket prices getting beyond ridiculous. So at this point, for me, I want a reason not to abandon the movie theater all together.
As for a sequel I’d love to see that would be as good as the original? I really enjoyed I, Robot. I do think there are plans for, if not production of a sequel, but my wish would be that it would be as good or better than the original.
I love your blog, Joe! Great first entry!
P.S. I cannot comprehend the Big Momma’s House films. I think these films and those like it are Hollywood’s scum buckets.
Hi Joe: I agree that many sequels seem contrived to extract as much cash as possible from the viewing public. However, I also agree, as someone else said, that much of the blame should originate with the consumer. Who could blame a company that sells mass quantities of crap if the crap sells?
There is a growing trend toward Independent Movies and their themes are original, the characters are interesting, and there is development of plot! Unfortunately, a society stuffed with junk food-like media may not completely appreciate the subtle flavors of these films. I have faith that people will grow tired of the same old crap and being bombarded with blasts, explosions, gratuitous sex and violence and stale, regurgitated story lines. Everyone enjoys a little junk in their life, but we should also enjoy some substance.
Really interesting article that made me think of your blog:
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1995182-1,00.html
Marie, I seem to agree with you on this. It is what sells that prompts the making of these movies. I love the independent films and they can often be seen on PBS. They are a different type, and of course, I’m watching it on TV so there goes the money expected from the making of the film. Where are the writers??
Joe, great blog! You gave us a lot to think about. I’d say that sequels are a way to try and capitalize on the popularity of the first movie. We all want to see the same characters again and so they will get an automatic audience if people liked the first movie. I’d also say that there are many bad movies out there nowadays, just as there have always been bad movies (did they call them “B” movies?) or bad books, for that matter. They churn out stuff that appeals to the masses–action movies, comedies, etc. More thoughtful movies get a smaller audience and are made independently because they won’t sell to the masses as well. What bugs me is when there’s too much focus on the special effects and not enough character or plot development. Then I’m just bored! I think many movies that are popular can also be insightful and full of meaning, like “Slum Dog Millionaire.” When that happens, I feel very good about the world! Someone mentioned happy endings. I myself like happy endings. I come to the movies to be entertained and as an escape from my own worries. I also want to feel that “all’s right in the world” even for a few hours. The happy endings give me some hope or vicarious thrill that at least things worked out well for these people in the end.