The Pros and Cons of a Sequel: Sequel Boogaloo (Part 3)

hello there
I've been thinking lately about a few upcoming sequels. It got me thinking of sequels of the past. I'd like to express my thoughts on the entire concept of a sequel including the different types, and the pros and cons of them. Welcome to;

THE PROS AND CONS OF A SEQUEL (part 3)

Starting things off we have;
THE COMEDY SEQUEL

The comedy sequel is rather rare. Generally, a comedy ends very conclusively (and usually happily). This should negate any possibility of a sequel, but it does indeed happen. Some good, some bad.

Pros
1. If the first one is hilarious, the writers could be working on the sequel. Funny filmmakers could equal funny movie.
2. Not too much narrative is needed to transfer from film 1 to 2. Since most comedies are focused on the characters more than the story, all that is needed is to place those characters in a new (wacky! zany!) situation
3. The characters are beloved, and people can see more of their (wacky! zany!) adventures

Cons
1. The first one sucks. It's not funny but it makes enough money to get them to make another (scam) movie.
2. The writers from the first one don't return. new writers join and they suck. bad movie. ruined sequel.
3. Caddyshack 2
4. Lightning just doesnt strike twice. It just happens like that sometimes.


Some examples of good 'comedy sequels'

Toy Story 2. Succeeds from pros #1, 2, 3
Pixar doesnt fail me. Not yet anyways. This is absolutely one of the top 5 best sequels of all time. It's one thing to make a sequel better than the original, it's a whole different ballpark to make it better than a masterful classic like Toy Story.

Clerks II. Succeeds from pros #1, definitely 2, 3
(Please note that I am a huge Kevin Smith fan, and I don't want any Kevin bashing on here. If you don't like him, simply state that you don't enjoy his movies. I'll understand completely)
Basically, the dialogue did it for me. some of the funniest conversations i've seen go on in the movie. I really really like this film.


Some examples of bad 'comedy sequels'

Caddyshack 2. FAILS from cons #1, 2, 4, and especially 3
I almost can't watch the first one anymore...just stay away. stay far away.

Harold and Kumar: Escape from Guantanamo Bay. Suffers from con #4
It's just not that funny. The story tried to become "bigger" but they didn't realize that we just want something like going on a long trip to feast on burgers. Props to Neil Patrick Harris and his awesome unicorn.


Overall, the comedy sequel is a bit too uncommon for its own good. There's simply not enough (legitimate) ones to base an overall opinion. I'm freaking out about Toy Story 3 and am highly interested in the sequel to the Hangover.


Next we have;
THE REBOOT/REMAKE

Reboot this! Remake that! That seems to be hollywood nowadays...so is this a good thing??

Pros
1. The original is dated. It needs effects, better actors, better dialogue
2. A new spin can be put on the remake/reboot to make it less of a rehash of used ideas
3. That "make it stop!" effect I mentioned at an earlier blog makes an appearance. The series has grown tired. it needs a reboot. Hopefully with more talented people

Cons
1. The original still holds up. It doesn't need a remake.
2. Just making the same movie with better effects and calling it a remake does not fly with me. I'm looking at you, The Omen!
3. Every fucking remake recently just has to be a horror remake, leaving out original horror movies such as Drag Me to Hell. We're in the dark age of horror my friends.

Some examples of good 'Reboots/Remakes'

Dawn of the Dead. Succeeds from pro #2.
This movie honestly introduced me to zombies. And zombies are what introduced me to the love of movies. For that I thank you Zack Snyder. Thank You (for ALL of your work, yeah, I love 300 and Watchmen)

The Thing. Succeeds from pros #1, 2
The Spill crew actually introduced me to this one (and the original) and I have to say that it is miles ahead of the original. It's tense as hell, and the visuals were amazing provided what they had back then.

Some examples of bad 'Reboots/Remakes'

Friday the Thirteenth. Suffers from cons #1, 2, 3, but still succeeds from pro #3
Ok, I had fun, but absolutely nothing was done with the franchise that wasnt told as well/better in the original 3 parts. Still, a condensed version of the first three is nice to introduce Jason to some younger generations (am I right in assuming these movies promote abstinence?)

Halloween 1 and 2. Suffers from cons #1,3
The saying goes that Rob Zombie is the greatest director to make shitty movies (the devil's rejects excluded). Theres no exception here. The creative changes made to the character just took the mystery out of Michael Myers, which is the whole point of the character!! Oh well, I'm actually fairly interested in Zombie's 'The Blob'

Overall the reboot/remake has completely flooded the market. But is this good? it depends on your perspective on the point of a remake. Lately, it seems to be working (Star Trek, hopefully Nightmare on Elm St.)
We'll just have to see how the tidal wave of upcoming remakes/reboots fairs.



I'd just like to talk about a few irrelevant things. Just some recommendations;

I've been listening to the new Kid Cudi album that releases on Tuesday, the 15th. It is fantastic. Check out Man on the Moon: The End of Days, by Kid Cudi on youtube whenever you get the chance

also I CANNOT stop listening to this haha

FOR EARLIER PARTS OF SEQUEL PROS AND CONS
Part 2
Part 1