The sequels that were better than the original
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- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsAl PacinoRobert De NiroRobert DuvallThe early life and career of Vito Corleone in 1920s New York City is portrayed, while his son, Michael, expands and tightens his grip on the family crime syndicate.The first Godfather was a landmark film, with amazing performances and incredible story telling and production qualities. Somehow, though, Godfather part 2 was able to take it to the next level. It delivered a little more depth, a more complex storyline, parallel stories from different time periods seemless run side-by-side and the way it ties off is simply masterful. Apologies to those loyal to the first, but this one simply went 'one better.'
- DirectorRichard LesterStarsGene HackmanChristopher ReeveMargot KidderSuperman agrees to sacrifice his powers to start a relationship with Lois Lane, unaware that three Kryptonian criminals he inadvertently released are conquering Earth.While the first was good, the vast majority told of the history of superman and the real action only unfolded towards the end. Furthermore, it is a bit dated now and I never seem to be in the mood to watch it again. Superman 2 was action packed from start to finish, with great special effects for the time, a strong story, new and great powers are revealed, it features excellent villains, a magnificent showdown and is timeless. Seen it a million times and it was clearly the best of the Christopher Reeve Supermans.
- DirectorIrvin KershnerStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter the Rebel Alliance are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett.Not much needs to be said that hasn't already been said by others over the years. "Empire" holds a special place in the hearts of all Star Wars fans - it's dramatic, complex, poetic, well produced, features great action, tight special effects, patient story telling and arguably cemented Star Wars in cinematic history by hitting greater heights than the original.
- DirectorChuck RussellStarsHeather LangenkampRobert EnglundCraig WassonA psychiatrist familiar with knife-wielding dream demon Freddy Krueger helps teens at a mental hospital battle the killer who is invading their dreams.The first was good, but was ultimately a shallow teen fright film. The second was a strange diversion that wasn't particularly memorable. The third, though, was incredible. Set in a psychiatric ward, it provides character development, mature themes, more mystique about dreams, strong acting, a chilling undercurrent and delivers unexpected twists. A surprise and still watchable; and occasionally humourous.
- DirectorJeremiah S. ChechikStarsChevy ChaseBeverly D'AngeloJuliette LewisThe Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.Just has the edge over European Vacation as the best of the "Vacation" series. Good fun, full of laughs and has become a staple on TV on Christmas eve.
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsMel GibsonDanny GloverJoe PesciRiggs and Murtaugh are on the trail of South African diplomats who are using their immunity to engage in criminal activities.While the first was terrific, it was also dark and felt a little molded by action film formulars of the 1980s. Lethal Weapon Two delivered action and seriousness, but managed to blend in low-level humour and fun, to provide a greater entertaining experience than the original.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSigourney WeaverMichael BiehnCarrie HennDecades after surviving the Nostromo incident, Ellen Ripley is sent out to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony but finds herself battling the Alien Queen and her offspring.I have reservations about Ridley Scott and somehow I felt that Alien (the original/first) was not as good as it could have been. With James Cameron in control, Aliens became one of the most classic films of all time. Sublime mix of strong story, great special effects, intense action, gripping suspense, analysis of group conflict and memorable moments. The best of the Alien franchise and is good enough to almost be regarded as a stand-alone.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLinda HamiltonEdward FurlongA cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her ten year old son John from an even more advanced and powerful cyborg.Terminator was a sleeper hit. This film went one better, delivering ground breaking special effects, strong storyline complexity, amazing action sequences and real 'polish.' One you can watch over and over.
- DirectorJay RoachStarsMike MyersHeather GrahamMichael YorkDr. Evil is back and has invented a new time machine that allows him to go back to the 1960s and steal Austin Powers' mojo, inadvertently leaving him "shagless".The original was great fun and introduced a timeless character. But this sequel really let loose, with over-the-top energetic performances and side-splitting moments. New characters were great and plotting was perfect fun. It went "one better" to the original film and has much more re-watchability.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMichael J. FoxChristopher LloydLea ThompsonAfter visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985...without interfering with his first trip.The sequel we were waiting year for was finally released at the end of the 1980s. This had great complexity, brilliant plotting, depth, originality and managed to seemlessly follow on from the original and preserve its "feel" and entertainment value. It was just that little bit better and faster than the original.