Sequels

I think it's time I talk about something positive.  I don't want to be just that negative guy on the internet complaining about everything.  And when it comes to movie sequels there are plenty of them that just don't live up to the original.  So, how about I talk about my top three movie sequels that are way better than the original.  I'm sure you can think of others but these are the ones that stand out as the top three in my mind.

3) Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.  The First Star Wars (episode IV) is a classic.  It's so iconic and sets the tone for a modern fantasy story full of evil magicians, princess in destress, and an unlikely hero being tutored by the wise sage.  So how do you improve on this story?  By upping the stakes in just about every way.  The movie starts on a desolate planet with the Empire right on top of them and they are relentless.  The plans of the Empire change as well.  They went from being a rule with an iron fist to we will make the hero fall to the dark side.  And for both of you that have never seen the surprise twist towards the end, I won't spoil it but the goals of Luke Skywalker change forever.

2) Aliens.  The sequel to the cult hit Alien starring Sigorney Weaver.  Ridley Scott is no longer the director but in comes James Cameron.  The original Alien was much more of a horror movie.  The tag of the movie was: "In space noone can hear you scream."  In the sequel we learn more about the mysterious Aliens.  And just like in all good sequels, they raise the dread.  Instead of one alien, this time there is an entire colony of them.  Again I won't spoil the movie for those that haven't seen it but the plot is largely the same from the original but upped times ten.  Far more action and even more danger makes for a brilliant movie.

And number one is:

1) Terminator 2: Judgement Day.  Are you at all surprised?  Much like Alien, the original was a mix of science fiction, action, and horror that works just so well together.  And again we get James Cameron fresh off of directing the Abyss and Aliens.  In the original it is the Terminator (Schwarzenegger) on a relentless mission to kill Sarah Connor before she can give birth to the savior of the human race.  In T2, John Conner is a teenager and the machines want him dead.  This time instead of the dreaded T101, we get the liquid metal T1000.  He can look like anyone, sound like anyone, and is virtually indestructable.  How do you fight such a monsterous threat?  With another Terminator.  Schwarzenegger now is the friend of humanity with a single goal; protect John Connor.  A brilliant movie.

All of these movies are worth your time and go against the rule of sequels being horrible.  If you haven't had the pleasure, check them out.

See you at the movies.