Check any movie-centric message board when a studio announces a movie sequel and you'll find a common gripe peppered into the reactions; "Hollywood is out of ideas." But I ask, why be in a hurry to reinvent the wheel? Looking at the top 10 grossing films of all time, 6 are sequels. Way back in 1916, The Fall of a Nation became the first sequel in cinema history. A little more than 100 years later, the idea still works.
This month, you can catch 6 sequels to popular film franchises in theaters. Here's my take on what you should see, stream, or skip.
The Equalizer 3
When we catch up with retired CIA Black Ops Operative Robert McCall living abroad in Southern Italy, he is a man growing comfortable with change. It's not long before those he cares for fall victim to the local mob, and he accepts the one thing he cannot change is who he is, and what he does best.
See It!
Washington continues to shine bright in a role he's adapted and absolutely made his own! While it may not surpass the first The Equalizer, it's far better than The Equalizer 2.
The Nun II
The supernatural spin-offs of The Conjuring universe continue to impress. The demon nun, Valak, returns to terrorize the inhabitants of a small town in mid-1950s France. If you have the opportunity to meet Bonnie Aarons at a comic con, she's the personification of sweet and sincere. It's her sinister onscreen alter-ego you need to run from!
Stream It.
Nothing against The Nun II as it's a stellar sequel. But in a packed month, it would fare better with an early October release when we're really setting our sights on being scared. Reports indicate it will begin streaming on Max as of October 25th.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
Is a third trip to Greece one trip too many? Nia Vardalos returns, not only writing and starring, but this time directing as well, when the family reunion leads takes a cheesy turn into a quest to locate her deceased father's childhood friends.
Skip It!
I'll admit the first My Big Fat Greek Wedding was a wonderful film, mostly due to Nia Vardalos' clever comedic script, and her irresistible charm as lead character Toula. The sequel was far less interesting despite her return as a writer and star. This film may make some audience members long to see Greece. I longed to for Italy, which brings me to the next film on our list of sequels.
A Haunting in Venice
He's back! Agatha Christie's dashing, eccentric detective, Hercule Poirot, is living in self-imposed exile in post-WWII Venice when an old friend lures him to a seance in an alleged cursed home. When someone is murdered, Poirot is called upon to unmask the killer.
See it!
Kenneth Branagh can do no wrong in this role. And where the first two films relied on exotic locations, this one (based on Christie's Hallowe'en Party) deftly blends just enough supernatural horror into Hercule's world, making you second-guess yourself right up to the revealing end.
Expend4bles
Sylvester Stallone is calling up some old friends and making new ones in this fourth entry to the franchise. The Expendables aren't just the world's last line of defense, they're the oldest. That is until the new recruits offer some "fresh blood."
Stream it.
The appeal of this franchise is the concept of your favorite action stars of yesteryear teaming up. If you're missing Arnold, Bruce, Norris, and Crews, like I am, Megan Fox won't make you miss them any less. But it's still worth streaming, if not for any other reason, than explosive action and fantastic banter between Sly and Statham.
Saw X
Desperate for a cure, John Cramer undergoes a risky medical experiment in hopes of curing his cancer, only to discover he's been scammed. Reinvigorated with a passion for his "work," John takes vengeance on the con artists responsible in this clever sequel's events that fall between the events of Saw and Saw II.
See it!
As of this article's release, you've got a solid week to enjoy all, or as many, of Jigsaw's demented games in the various films of this popular franchise before Saw X hits the big screen right in time to kick off the spooky season. Live or die... make your choice!
Which of these sequels have you seen? Which are you planning to see? Let us know on social media @afilmbypodcast or contact us at www.afilmbypodcast.com
