The Weekend Series: hyped movie sequels that didn’t suck
Zoolander 2 arrives in cinemas today and it is safe to say that there are high expectations for its overall quality. To mark the occasion we though it would be worthwhile putting together a list of five much-hyped movie sequels that weren’t complete stinkers.
22 Jump Street (2014)
Who is in it: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube, Peter Stormare, Jillian Bell
Why it worked: It’s often the case that comedy smash-hits have trouble backing up for a second go, but thanks to Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum’s chemistry and the film’s self awareness and self-effacing nature the production avoided the typical sequel pitfalls.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
Who is in it: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
Why it worked: A sure-fire way to follow up an explosion-filled, action-packed blockbuster is to add more explosions and more action. Terminator 2: Judgement Day did this but also threw audiences for a loop with the twist of Arnold playing a good guy. Robert Patrick also ably filled the bad guy role, creating a truly intimidating villain.
Toy Story 2 (1999) & Toy Story 3 (2010)
Who is in it: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
Why it worked: Okay, we are cheating a bit here. We selected both Toy Story 2 and 3 because they manage to build upon the wonder of the original without losing any of the magic or resorting to gimmicks. The toys we wish we owned became part of cinematic history and the entire story is endlessly re-watchable.
The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
Who is in it: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles, Karl Urban
Why it worked: If you haven’t already heard, a fourth Jason Bourne movie is coming to cinemas. If it wasn’t for the precedent set in the heart-stopping second instalment, The Bourne Supremacy, we might never have been able to see Matt Damon kick butt all over again. The film builds upon the spycraft, fight scenes, and epic chases by also clueing us in to the mysterious past of Jason Bourne, who can’t seem to escape what he can’t remember.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Who is in it: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Why it worked: Although shaped heavily by the tragic death of Heath Ledger before the film’s release, The Dark Knight is long remembered for Heath’s amazing portrayal of The Joker, who blended sinister intent with an unmatched display of acting intensity. This movie set the benchmark for gritty superhero adaptations, the calibre of which is yet to be seen in contemporary cinema.
Honourable mentions: Before Sunset (2004), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Back to the Future Part 2 (1989) and Part 3 (1990), The Godfather Part 2 (1974), Aliens (1986).
