The word ‘sequel’ is typically a four letter word for moviegoers. However, we’ve found 10 follow ups that have a shot at being good, and we’re excited about their prospects.
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Tron Legacy
Starfighter
Iron Man 2
Summary: Billionaire Tony Stark battles both criminal nemesis Whiplash and corporate rival Justin Hammer.
Why we’re excited: Because EVERYTHING about this screams awesome. The first film was fantastic, and with Jon Favreau back behind the camera and Robert Downey Jr. reprising his Tony Stark role, this one should deliver as well. Add in Mickey Rourke as Whiplash, Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow, and Don Cheadle as an upgrade for Colonel James Rhodes, and you have an all-star cast. We absolutely cannot wait for this film to come out.
Spider-Man 4
Summary: Details are fuzzy, but the story is reported to surround a villain in NYC. We’re guessing the Lizard will be the bad guy, but it could also be someone like Kingpin. And while the script is being rewritten AGAIN, it’s in the right hands now. Gary Ross (Seabiscuit, Pleasantville, Big) should deliver a solid story.
Why we’re excited: We have a feeling that Sam Raimi is pretty pissed about how Spider-Man 3 turned out. One bad film can put a director’s career on a downward spiral. If he doesn’t pull off the remake of “The Evil Dead”, Raimi could quickly drop off the A-list. That means he’ll deliver a spectacular fourth version of the franchise. Besides, how could he do worse than the 3rd film?
Clash of the Titans
Summary: Perseus, half god/half man, sets out to rescue his family from Hades, the god of the underworld, and save mankind.
Why we’re excited: We, like many others, thought this film was going to be a remake. With so many memories of the original, it could have been tough to make this a winner (Harryhausen stop animation lovers probably wouldn’t even go see the new film with its CGI effects). Louis Leterrier (most recent Incredible Hulk film) is directing, and the cast features powerful actors: Ralph Fiennes, Liam Neeson, Sam Worthington, and Alexa Davalos.
Batman 3/Dark Knight 3
Summary: We have no clue. There is a script, there isn’t a script–no one knows. Gary Oldman let it slip at Comic-Con that the next installment will shoot in 2010 for a 2011 release, but has since backed off that statement.
Conan
Summary: It looks like Conan is getting the full reboot. We’ll learn the origin of the character, which should be interesting.
Why we’re excited:
An unknown will play Conan, and that’s the way we want it. An origins story will drown out all comparisons to Arnold’s Conan. Director Marcus Nispel (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday the 13th new version) seems to understand the character, calling him ‘the last of the reality-based superheroes and the most unapologetic one at that.’ For movie goers, that translates into an ass-kicking, take no prisoners Conan.
Ghost Rider 2
Summary: It’s an understatement that Ghost Rider disappointed a lot of fans in 2007. This time around, it appears that the film might get a reboot. Or at least Nicolas Cage wants to ‘reconceive’ the character/story. Cage has talked of making Ghost Rider 2 an international story–one that involves the Catholic Church.
Why we’re excited: There is no way that Columbia Pictures can screw this up. They’ll punt Mark Steven Johnson, who wrote and directed the original, and bring in a writer and director that really ‘get’ the character Johnny Blaze. This story needs to be hardcore and dark, not unintentionally funny and stupid. This is the last shot for Ghost Rider. We’re guessing it’ll be done correctly this time.
Ghostbusters III
Summary: The original Ghostbusters, having cleaned up NYC, are retired. However, paranormal activity begins to rise, and the team is called into action to save the day.
Why we’re excited: All of the Ghostbusters are back, which means we’re in for some laughs. In addition, Dan Aykroyd says the new film will introduce a new generation of Ghostbusters, including female members (Alyssa Milano and Eliza Dushku are on the rumored list). Funny guys, hot girls, ghosts–what’s not to love?
Toy Story 3
Summary: Andy, no longer a boy, heads off to college and dumps all of his lovable toys.
Why we’re excited: The first two installments of this franchise were OUTSTANDING, so we expect the same out of this film. Same director as the first two movies, and most of the previous cast (Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, John Ratzenberger, etc.) will voice the characters. Michael Keaton will voice Ken, Barbie’s boyfriend. The film is being fitted for 3D, which should be a lot of fun for audiences.
