CriminallyVu1gar wrote:
Now I'm not saying that all sequels are crap or that they don't on occasion make immensely enjoyable movies, but it's gotten to the point where companies and writers don't even try anymore. And why would they? People blindly follow.
Look at the top grossing movies of 2009 and see how many are based off an existing franchise.
1). Transformers 2 - Sequel, based on existing franchise
2). Harry Potter 6 - Sequel, based on existing franchise
3). Up - Original
4). Twilight 2 - Sequel, based on existing franchise
5). Avatar - Original
6). The Hangover - Original
7). Star Trek - Based on existing franchise, prequel of sorts
8). Monsters vs. Aliens - Original
9). Ice Age 3 - sequel, based on existing franchise
10). The Blind Side - based on a true story
Over half of those are based on something else, be it an earlier film, a pre-existing franchise with defined characters, history and events, or a true story where the writers didn't even have to come up with a plot.
It's kind of annoying to real writers and artists that actually want to create, to make something new and original. Look at Joss Whedon, who does an unbelievable job of creating entire worlds who can't get a TV series to save his life because people just want the same old crap.
so are you bashing sequels, or movies with a previous basis?
if your going to bash sequels that you should bash sequels in every media, from the second and third LotR books to the Star Wars movies to tv shows like Smallville and all the CSI's since they are all based on something else. truth be told i dont see the problem with sequels as long as they dont become money grabs (Rocky) and actually fit with the story(ies) of the previous chapters (Harry Potter, Star Wars). sequels can actually serve as a way to flush out characters, and make them more interesting.
if your bashing movies that are based on something then you are probably talking about 90% of the movies out there. Just about everything that is produced now a days has taken bits and pieces from other forms of media. Avatar, for example, is more or less follows the same plot structure as Pocahontas and Fern Gully. According to Phil, the characters, setting, and all that is ripped from a novel by some french (I think) guy. Monsters vs Aliens rips off almost all the characters from classic monster movies and just rearranges them into a kid friendly movie. It is almost impossible to find a movie that is 100% original. All the workable ideas have been used up. now its up to writers, directors, producers, to find a way to rehash it into something new(er).
as for the general public wanting the same old stuff. of course they do. humans are creatures of habit. we tend to like our stories to end with a happy ending and have the bad guys dead or in jail. we like the cookie cutter characters that are found is most movies because they work and we find them believable. now, from time to time, a character or story will emerge that goes against this "public image" and people will except. the independent writers and directors, while they might have grand visions and followers, seem to challenge the "safety bubble" of the public and will, more then likely, fail because they are trying ti put a product out that is to radical. the producers know it wont sell so what would be the point of putting it out there. but for the most part, the general public will want the typical story with typical characters that makes them feel good at the end.
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