What Every Sequel Should Have

In my last post, I spoke about 10 sequels which were better than the original movie. The movies on the list vary in genres, and what made them better all depended on each movie, such as Mad Max 2: Road Warrior having more action, or The Evil Dead 2 mixing comedy into the horror elements. Despite that, there are things all the films I listed had in common on a substantial level, and what would make sense for a sequel to have in order to be considered a worthy part of a series of films. While reading the list, think about how each of them applied to the listed 10 movies, and can apply to others as well. The list includes:

• expand on what the previous entry established
• not ruin anything the previous movie was praised for
• fix any criticisms the previous movie received
• assume the viewer has seen the previous entry and have the pace match that
• make the plot something fresh and not recycle the previous story
• make sure it can stand on its own merits
• include anything that the creators wanted to put in the first but couldn't should be implemented

While movies don't work on a formulaic level, these tips are ones that were apparent in the previous top 10, and should be applied on any sequel. If not, there is a better chance the movie will be a bust. And no one wants that.

10 Sequels Better than the Original

Sequels are often seen to be cash grabs or uninspired for having to rely on an established film. Many movies which have sequels sometimes have the audience simply ignore the fact that the sequels even exist. Everyone has heard the phrase "only the first one was good". Today I am listing 10 movies which I believe to not only hold up to their predecessor(s), but surpass them to be the best in the series. These sequels are so good that even if you did not like the original you should give the sequel a chance. These films are so good, even if you never watched the original, you should just so you can watch the sequel.

1. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
2. Aliens
3. Terminator 2: Judgement Day
4. Silence of the Lambs (Most people aren't aware that this is a sequel to Manhunter!)
5. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
6. The Rescuers Down Under
7. The Bourne Ultimatum
8.  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
9. The Evil Dead 2
10. Spiderman 2

Funny thing about this list is that two directors had their work show up more than once,  James Cameron and Sam Raimi. Perhaps they have a knack for working with follow ups?

Review: Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard is the story that many people in Hollywood live. It is about a woman named Norma Desmond who was adored by the masses until her age caught up with her. She faded into obscurity to live a life in which her only enjoyment is reminiscence of her younger days. She meets a struggling script writer and she shows him her own story she has written in which she will star in and re-launch her career. She asks him to touch it up since he has more experience, and the two of them partner up.

What follows is an amazing character driven story that is both engaging and emotional. As things unfold, we sympathize with what Norma has gone through, and how warped her mind has become. It makes us think about the people who have tasted glory only to be thrown to the floor, and how much it means to them that they regain that glory as if it has become their identity.

If I was to give one flaw about the movie, it would be that the ending is revealed at the beginning. It sets the tone and gives the audience an idea of what kind of events will unfold, though its a shame it couldn't have gone about this in another way to leave the end to be a grand reveal. Despite this flaw, the story is still gripping.

I consider this to be one of my favorite films, and instantly comes into my mind when I think about what a well written story should be like.

Final Verdict: Red. Make a stop on Sunset Boulevard.

Credit Where Credit is Due

I was reading up an article on Wikipedia for certain info on my next movie to be reviewed, Sunset Boulevard. Reading through, there was one section where it discussed influences this film had on the world. I noticed a show that I particularly liked which had one episode pay direct tribute to the film's opening was excluded, so I just went ahead and added it.

Before:

Television

• The film inspired a 1959 episode of The Twilight Zone titled "The Sixteen-Millimeter Shrine".^[48]
• The season five premiere of Columbo, titled "Forgotten Lady", also drew heavily from Sunset Boulevard.^{[citation needed]}

After:

Television

• The film inspired a 1959 episode of The Twilight Zone titled "The Sixteen-Millimeter Shrine".^[48]
• The season five premiere of Columbo, titled "Forgotten Lady", also drew heavily from Sunset Boulevard.^{[citation needed]}
• In the episode of American Dad, entitled "Star Trek", the plot revolves around the downfall of stardom and pays homage by replicating the opening scene of the movie.

Gotta love that internet.

Review: Rashomon

Many people have watched a television show in which something unknown happens and each character involved is questioned with each giving a different story usually to comedic effect. Rashomon (1950) is the film which pioneered this story telling device, though done instead to tell the tale of a serious crime from four different points of view.

The story takes place in a court. Four testimonies are to be heard from four members of the party involved. This includes the bandit who is on trial, a samurai, his wife, and a passerby woodcutter. Each story is contradictory to the others. As each person speaks, the viewer tries to find similarities between the stories to try and uncover the truth, similarly playing part of the court.

To compliment the interesting story, there is a great use of lighting and camera work to keep the visuals interesting as each person's version of the story is told. Audiences watching can wonder what parts, if any, of the stories are true. The motivation and reasoning behind why the stories being told are so different has the viewer question and maybe even sympathize with how or why the truth seems less appealing at times.

This is a fantastic movie that can be enjoyed by any adult. The plot is interesting and the ambiguity keeps a viewer invested for a very believable story.

Final Verdict: Red Light. Take time to stop and watch Rashomon sometime.