Ryan McNeil
Feels like every six months, I need to take a moment and question the need for an intended sequel. And right on cue comes this week’s news…
First of all, Hollywood has been all a-tither with the prospect of a third Ghostbusters movie. Why? Someone please tell me who the heck this one is intended for. We are twenty years removed from the steaming bowl of stupidity that was part two…are there really that many fans out there with an unsatisfied hunger to go trilogy?? Last year, rumour had it that Judd Apatow’s crew would make G3. I’ll admit that the prospect of seeing actors like Seth Rogen and Jason Segel in the jumpsuits makes me want to let my dork flag fly and turn up the Ray Parker Jr….but it’s a fleeting reaction.
Really, I’d much rather Hollywood just let this one be.
Dusting off 80’s dorkiness might seem odd, but that’s nothin compared to the news on Cinematical that Hollywood is working on a sequel to EASY RIDER.
Say it with me now – “WHY??!!”
EASY RIDER is one of my favorite movies, but it’s not one that I consider a must-see since it’s become incredibly dated. It holds an important place in cinematic history, but I’ve never looked at it and thought to myself “Now there’s a movie ripe for a sequel”. Not to mention the plot of the movie doesn’t exactly leave much story to be told in a sequel.
I guess there is a pocket of writers, directors, and producers out there who must operate under the notion that if they can’t achieve the next great movie…at least they can create the sequel to one that already exists.
…Oh, and speaking of sequels, check back this weekend for my review of TERMINATOR: SALVATION.
The important thing to remember is – it’s not for you. They keep pumping out reimagines, reboots and sequels to films of the 80’s to use that “brand” to lure teenie boppers into the seats.
They just announced they cast someone for the remake of Footloose – and I’m sure before we know it they will have completed Mannequin 3 – because the world needs another Mannequin film it’s been too long…
Anyway – we’ve got to remember we’re encouraging them – the #1 grossing film of last year was the second installment in a reboot, right? The Dark Knight. I must admit I’m somewhat interested in a sequel to Ghostbusters – not one with the Judd Apatow crew – but interested.
You’re right – remakes are nothing new, and growing up I know I took the bait on more than a few.
All the same, I don’t hold quite the same venom for reboots. If a studio wants to try and breathe new life into a franchise by starting all over, I’m intrigued…so long as it’s done right (read: STAR TREK, CASINO ROYALE, BATMAN BEGINS).
Yeah, we’re encouraging them by droppin’ the cash to see the reboots, but it’s not an automatic “kerrr-ching!”. Consider, TDK brought in mad loot, but only after BEGINS restored audiences’ faith…at a lower box office.
Who’s it for?
*Raises hand*
I couldn’t care less if this movie bombs and fails and makes no money – as long as I’m there on opening night to watch it, and it’s of high quality. I don’t care if the masses don’t welcome it with open arms, I sure as hell will. I adore Ghostbusters – it’s one of the few films I laugh at more with each subsequent viewing, which comes at least once every few months.