Why superhero sequels don’t stink
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This post by Mewsboy Legion member Tony Pierce, who writes Bus Blog.
Mark Caro of the Chicago Tribune has seen ‘The Dark Knight’ and, without giving away much of the film, goes into a pretty interesting theory about why sequels are pretty rotten in traditional films but can pull it off in genre flicks.
“The Dark Knight” doesn’t open till next Friday, but already Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins” sequel is being favorably compared to the first film. I’ve seen “The Dark Knight,” and I can tell you a big reason: A lack of explanations. Although most sequels turn out to be inferior to their predecessors, superhero movies operate under a different set of rules. The introductory installment invariably must detail the hero’s origins. In subsequent movies the hero can get down to business. “Spider-Man 2” was superior to “Spider-Man.” Many enjoyed “Superman II” more than “Superman”; I’d at least argue that the original 1978 “Superman” gets going only after it dispenses with the back story and fits Christopher Reeve in his cape and tights. This all makes sense. If you’re a comic-book fan, is your favorite issue the first one or a greater adventure down the line?
Agreed, which could explain why ‘Evil Dead II’ was far superior to the O.G.