Have you heard it said that there are no new ideas in Hollywood? Do you hear people complain that today’s movie plots are based on old concepts? I do.
People often complain that either old classic movies are remade, or sequels are made to hit movies since they have a built-in audience. In either case, the new movies have the same plots as their predecessors.
The first movie was made in 1889. Could it be that after 126 years of movie making, Hollywood has run out of new ideas? Let’s take a look.
- Anchorman 2 I was so excited when Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, and Steve Carrell led the newsroom cast in this sequel. Even the addition of Saturday Night Live comedian Kristin Wiig couldn’t make this film as good as the original.
- Pirates of the Carribbean 2 It was awful, but because it was part of the franchise of the successful #1, movie makers made more. How many more? I couldn’t tell you. They lost me during this confusing sequel.
- Legally Blonde 2 How do you spell stupid? L-E-G-A-L-L… any way, you get my meaning. Harvard Law Graduate, played by Reese Witherspoon, tries to get a dog and its pup to reunite? Give me a break. Give me my money back, too. I was stupid enough to buy a ticket for this mediocrity.
- Star Wars 2 Who can remember it? There were so many of them.
- Night at the Museum 2 Amy Adams overacted. I felt like she was trying to compensate for how disappointing this movie was.
Finally, looking at what is popular today clues the movie-goer in to whether the ideas on the screen are fresh and original or boring.
The Oscars are tonight. One of the most acclaimed movies this year is American Spiper. It’s the story of Chris Kyle, a real-life American soldier. It may not be a sequel or a remake, but as a true story it still qualifies as unoriginal.
What is coming up in Hollywood? Mall Cop 2, Frozen 2, Pitch Perfect 2, Devil Wears
Prada 2, Toy Story 4, and Rocky 7 are just some examples. I wish I could say that you heard it here first–no new movie ideas, but you didn’t. Movie goers everywhere are complaining, but Hollywood is turning a deaf ear.
In conclusion, this post was titled, Reasons You Should Avoid Movie Sequels. If you go see them, and Hollywood continues to profit from unoriginal ideas, the lack of originality will continue. I say, boycott those retreads! If movie-goers stop giving their money to buy tickets to movies whose plots lack originality, Hollywood will be forced to try harder and write new ideas in their screenplays.
Readers, if you agree that today’s movies lack originality, please share.
Can you think of any other disappointing movie sequels?
I look forward to your views.