Beech Tree News Network

Being that summer is prime movie watching time, I found it appropriate to talk sequels.  This is especially timely with the release of the latest Jurassic Park movie Jurassic World.  Obviously a “best/worst of” topic of any kind will spark endless debate.  This will more or less be personal takes. Nothing scientific here. 
A few months ago, I finally got around to watching Hangover 3.  They should’ve stopped after the second one.  That was actually the birth of this column idea.  Most sequels are nothing more than a money-grab.  Look at the Karate Kid.  Let me preface this by saying that I loved the Ralph Macchio’s Karate Kid of the ‘80’s.  Then some genius had this bright idea, “hey, let’s put Will Smith’s kid in the title role of a Karate Kid reboot”.  My response when I heard that idea and then saw the trailer: “God no!-I was not alone in this sentiment.  Ticket sales for that dreadful movie proved my point. 
For every Mad Max 2, Toy Story 2, and Dark Knight(one of the best sequels in years, in my opinion), you have your stinkers such as Taken 3( Liam, you should’ve stopped at 2), 1990’s sequel to Look Who’s Talking called, shockingly, Look Who’s Talking Too, 2 Fast 2 Furious.  That’s tricky because I love this franchise.  Yes, they’re corny.  That’s fine.  Not everything has to be so serious.  I saw Furious 7 and I’m certain I’ll see Furious 8 when it’s released in a few years.
Jaws was another suggestion of one that should’ve been one and done.  The theory that you can improve on perfection could be applied here.  I just heard production is to begin on Halloween Returns, the next installment in the seemingly endless Halloween franchise.  Godfather I and II- that should’ve been all.  There should’ve been no more in that franchise.  Saw is another franchise that should’ve stopped at the first. 
Batman Begins and Daredevil shouldn’t have been made, one said.  I got Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter as good sequels.  Back to the Future actually got a worst vote.  I’ll be honest, that surprised me.  It’s all a matter of personal taste, I suppose. 
Jurassic World set a global record with a $511 million opening weekend.  The previous record was 2012’s Avengers with $204.6 million.  Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Rambo, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars all got a favorable mark. 
Anywhere you ask this questions, you’re going to get some strong opinions as to what sequel should not have been made.  Whether it be Rocky, Batman, Hangover or whatever, it is a matter of personal opinion.  It’s tough to make the sequel even remotely as good as the first.  Lightning seldom strikes twice.  You can also have too much of a good, or in some cases not so good, thing.  Those are two things that Hollywood just doesn’t understand.  They only see dollar signs.  A lack of creativity could also be involved.  Of course, nobody would ever admit that, would they?