What Good Movie Should Have a Better Title?

For many film enthusiasts, a movie's title is a crucial element of its identity, capable of eliciting curiosity, piquing interest, and guiding the audience's expectations. However, some titles fall short of capturing the essence of the film or leaving much to be desired. Here, we explore some cases where a better title could have enhanced the viewing experience.

The Case of El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

Breaking Bad is one of the best shows ever to be made in its genre, airing from 2009 to 2013. In 2019, a movie was released following the story of Breaking Bad, titled El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. While the film stands on its own merits, the title could have been more succinct and straightforward. In my opinion, it should have been titled Breaking Bad: El Camino. This would not only make the title more memorable but also highlight the connection to the original series more clearly.

The Overlooked Gem: To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar

Another example is the movie To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar, released in 1995. This film, though great, has a title that is too long and confusing for most people. A shorter and more straightforward title might have done it justice and increased its accessibility to a wider audience.

Improving Sequel Titles

Sequels often follow a straightforward naming convention, but sometimes a more creative touch can elevate the title. For instance, Toy Story 2 could have benefited from a creative title like Toy Sequel. Similarly, Spider-Man 2 could have been renamed Spider-Man Returns, a title that worked incredibly well for movies like Batman Returns and The Return of Jafar. For Home Alone 2, options like Home Alone Again or Home Alone in New York would have been much more engaging.

While I understand the need to maintain continuity in the franchise, sometimes it's worth taking a chance on a title that captures the spirit of the film. For example, if a studio is considering making Home Alone 6, it might be a signal that it's time to rethink the franchise from a fresh perspective rather than simply continuing the old title tradition.

Examples of Titles That Needed Improvement

One notable example is the 1968 sci-fi film Five Million Years to Earth. The title, while slightly more concise than others, is still somewhat unappealing and fails to capture the uniqueness of the film. The movie's plot revolves around an unexploded bomb in the London subway excavation, only to reveal that it isn't. The film could have benefited from a more captivating title that highlights the sci-fi elements. As it stands, the film is better known by alternative titles such as Quatermass and the Pit, The Creeping Unknown, and Enemy from Space. These alternative names, though slightly lengthy, better convey the essence of the film's plot and budget constraints.

In conclusion, a well-chosen title can significantly impact a film's reception and legacy. Titles like El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar, and Five Million Years to Earth could benefit from a revision to enhance their impact and memorability. Titles that are memorable, engaging, and reflective of the film's narrative can significantly enhance the overall viewing experience and the film's place in popular culture.