In the cinematic terrain of 2017, movie sequels made a strong presence, but some films truly defied expectations by offering fresh and exciting stories that built upon the foundations laid by their original counterparts. One such notable sequel was “Paddington 2”, which effortlessly struck a balance between lighthearted and whodunit elements, resulting in a film that was both humorous and emotional. Its success can be attributed to its willingness to adapt and expand on the original story, making it a must-watch for both children and adults.
Another standout sequel was “Logan”, which felt like a fitting send-off to the character of Wolverine. Set in the desolate 2020s, the film explored themes of mortality and the passing of time, making it a powerful and emotional conclusion to the X-Men franchise. The film’s success can be attributed to its ability to create a sense of realism and its willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of the character.
Thor: Ragnarok revitalized the character of Thor, placing him in a film that was both comedic and action-packed. The sequel’s success can be attributed to its willingness to take risks and explore new paths, resulting in a fresh and exciting take on the character. Similarly, Blade Runner 2049 managed to live up to the expectations set by the original, offering a worthy sequel that built upon the world and themes established by the 1982 classic.
A Still From Blade Runner 2049 (Photo: Blade Runner 2049)
Outside of the world of superheroes, T2 Trainspotting provided a surprisingly great sequel 21 years after the original film. The sequel’s success can be attributed to its ability to balance comedy, drama, and shocking scenes, resulting in a film that is both honest and harrowing. Star Wars: The Last Jedi also received praise for its bold choices and ability to push the franchise forward, despite being a controversial film.
Lastly, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continued the story of the titular group in style, featuring great music and exploring personal journeys for the characters. The sequel’s success can be attributed to its ability to balance light-hearted moments with emotional depth, resulting in a satisfying and necessary installment in the overall Guardians trilogy. These sequels, truly managed to surpass expectations and offer fresh and exciting stories that built upon the foundations laid by their original counterparts, showcasing the power of sequels to continue and expand on pre-existing stories.
