For the past decade, Hollywood films have been dominated by the use of sequels.
This summer, 10 blockbuster films released were sequels. A sequel allows a fan base to relive its favorite characters, resolve unknown plot lines and make new memories.
Unfortunately, with today’s profit-focused movies, sequels have been washed into poor, uninteresting and noncreative films that have damaged the appeal of Hollywood.
In order to have a successful sequel it needs to, “continue the story, continue the characters, but you’ve got to swerve in a crazy direction and it has to make complete sense when you’re watching it...you need to think like a fan,” famous director James Cameron said, according to Geek Nation.
The overall critical rating of the 10 sequels released this summer, according to The International Movie Database, was an average of six out of 10. Only three of the films actually made a profit. Those three films were “The Conjuring: 2,” “The Purge: Election Year” and “Finding Dory.”
All of these films followed Cameron’s advice and continued their stories and characters. “The Conjuring: 2,” directed by James Wan was lucky to have Wan’s experience with the horror genre and sequels. Wan knows how to effectively advertise a movie.
“The Purge: Election Year” was also successfully advertised on social media. These films did well in theaters because of advertising that brought fans back wanting more.
“Finding Dory” had the advantage of using its Disney charm. Dory’s character was always a mystery. Her backstory was never declared in the original film and children instantly loved her. Using this to their advantage, Disney created the highest grossing animated film in U.S. history.
The biggest flop of this past summer was “Independence Day: Resurgence,” losing $62,217,420 at the box office. The film completely came out of the blue with new characters and a boring, regenerated plot line.
In 1996’s “Independence Day,” every character was relatable to the audience, which helped the film reach the success that it did.
According to IMDB, “Now You See Me: 2” lost $24 million and a third installation has already been announced.
Sequels can make their own success if they are built like the original movie. The best sequels are the sequels that a fan is proud to watch.
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