Sequels Gone Wrong: How Some Follow-Ups Ruin Original Gems
Sequels Gone Wrong: How Some Follow-Ups Ruin Original Gems
Sequels are often seen as an easy way to prolong a franchise or capitalize on success, but more often than not, they fail to live up to the original. There are a few standout examples of sequels that not only fall short, but actually ruin the original impact. In this article, we will explore some of these cases, with a particular focus on The Descent 2, which undid much of what made the original so compelling.
Police Academy: A Case of Lackluster Sequels
Police Academy, which starred Doug Bad Apple, was a beloved series in the 1980s. While the original film was a hit, many people, including myself, found parts of the sequel series to be subpar. The movies after the first or second one were not as engaging, leading to a loss of interest in the franchise. Similarly, RoboCop and Dredd, while having solid premises, saw their quality drop significantly after the second installment. In this context, follow-ups often failed to meet the original's standards, ultimately leading to disappointment among fans.
The Descent: A Horror Classic Ruined
The Descent, released in 2005, remains one of my all-time favorite horror movies. Directed by Neil Marshall, the film is a masterful blend of tension, claustrophobia, and horror. The movie’s tense atmosphere is evident from the opening scenes onwards as six alpha females embark on a spelunking adventure in an unexplored cave system. However, there's a dark and sinister plot woven into the narrative that heightens the sense of danger and endeavor.
The two lead characters, Sarah and Juno, played by Shauna Macdonald and Natalie Mendoza respectively, face attacks from mysterious sub-human creatures known as crawlers. The film's subtext, especially the backstory involving Sarah and Juno, creates a compelling and haunting atmosphere. The climactic scenes are brutal and raw, leaving a lasting impression that is almost surreal in its impact.
Why the Sequel Flopped
After the overwhelming success of the 2005 film, the studio decided to capitalize and released The Descent 2 in 2009. However, the sequel was both underwhelming and unnecessary. It undid much of the original movie's impact and altered the characters and events in a way that detracted from the original's narrative. According to some fans, the sequel completely ruined the story's integrity. Fans will argue that the sequel shifted the focus away from the claustrophobic and suspenseful narrative of the original, replacing it with a much more generic and action-oriented storyline.
On the contrary, watching The Descent as a standalone film based on the original novel can be a rewarding experience. Its powerful, unique storyline and excellent performances by the cast make it one of the best modern horror films. Skimming past the sequel and returning to the original ensures that you don't lose the gem that it is.
Conclusion
The case of The Descent 2 serves as a stark reminder that sequels should be handled with care. While it’s important for filmmakers and studios to be creative and innovative, adding unnecessary elements can spoil a compelling storyline. In many cases, the original film is often the pinnacle of the franchise, and sequels should enhance rather than detract from the original’s impact.