Film Theory: Sequelitis–Hollywood Dominated by Blockbuster Franchises
Hollywood in New Millennium: Sequels Syndrome
Please combine with Recycling and Remakes
While they have always existed, it’s only since the 1980s, that sequels have become a Hollywood staple, sort of the industry’s infrastructure.
The opinions of filmmakers, critics, ad viewers on their pop-cultural and artistic value have shifted among both filmmakers and viewers.
No longer were sequels perceived and made as just quasi-remakes with few returning faces and cheaper budgets. Over the past four decades, sequels have become movie events (and event moves) that the studios and their marketing arms could promote as highlights of their yearly slates, especially during the summer season.
That’s not to say sequels gained favor overnight and outran schlock overnight (see 1983’s Jaws 3D) or that plenty of bad sequels weren’t released (1984’s Conan the Destroyer).
But when you look at today’s film culture, it’s clear that franchises rule and sequels tend to make up for the vast majority of the world’s highest-grossing films, for better and worse.
Still, it’s no easy task to make a hit follow-up, especially if the first film was a critical and/or commercial success.
It’s even harder to make a sequel that’s better than the original when the original is such an accomplishment in itself.
With so many follow-ups hitting the screens this summer, here’s a look back at the films that surpassed their predecessor, thus moving their respective franchises forward.
