Film Sequels

A study of sequel production within recent Hollywood and beyond in terms of its industrial, cultural and global implications.

Visual continuity in sequels poses a daunting challenge for filmmakers as they strive to maintain coherence while expanding upon established narratives and visual aesthetics. With cinema's evolution, audiences' expectations have grown more sophisticated, demanding seamless transitions and immersive experiences across film series. However, achieving this continuity requires a delicate balance between honoring the original work and introducing innovative elements to captivate viewers. Addressing this complication is the book, Studies on Cinematography and Narrative in Film: Sequels, Serials, and Trilogies, which emerges with a comprehensive approach. By delving into the interplay between cinematography and narrative structure, this book offers invaluable insights for filmmakers seeking to navigate the complexities of sequel production. Through meticulous analysis of prominent film series and theoretical frameworks, it provides a roadmap for achieving visual coherence while pushing creative boundaries.

Science fiction, fantasy and horror movies have spawned more sequels and remakes than any other film genre. Following Volume I, which covered 400 films made 1931-1995, Volume II analyzes 334 releases from 1996 through 2016. The traditional cinematic monsters are represented--Dracula, Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, a new Mummy. A new wave of popular series inspired by comics and video games, as well as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, could never have been credibly produced without the advances in special effects technology. Audiences follow the exploits of superheroes like Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man and Thor, and such heroines as the vampire Selene, zombie killer Alice, dystopian rebels Katniss Everdeen and Imperator Furiosa, and Soviet spy turned American agent Black Widow. The continuing depredations of Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers are described. Pre-1996 movies that have since been remade are included. Entries features cast and credits, detailed synopsis, critics' reviews, and original analysis.

There are many elements in the concept of visual continuity, and they are all interrelated. In films or film series that are described as sequels, establishing a visual integrity relationship between films comes to the fore. The concept of the sequel appears in two ways. Sometimes, while the ideas are scripted, the story is divided into more than one part. Sometimes the story is planned as a single movie, and after a certain time, it can be realized as a follow-up movie/film for different reasons. In both systems of expression, it is necessary to seek harmony between all elements of visual design. Examinations and Analysis of Sequels and Serials in the Film Industry examines certain contents through the concepts of cinematography and narrative, focusing more on the practical side of cinema and partially on the theoretical side. It examines samples, sequels, serials, and trilogy universes on the axis of cinematography and narration. Covering topics such as film landscape, repeated narrative elements, and storytelling, this premier reference source is an excellent resource for film industry workers, film students and educators, sociologists, librarians, academicians, and researchers.

The study of ideology and narratology in film reveals intricate layers of meaning and cultural significance embedded within cinematic narratives. This exploration delves into how ideologies are conveyed, reinforced, or challenged across multiple installments of a film franchise. By analyzing the narrative structures, character developments, and thematic continuities, scholars can uncover the underlying messages and societal implications that shape audience perceptions. Analyzing Ideology and Narratology in Film Series, Sequels, and Trilogies explores the complex narrative and ideological dimensions within multi-installment cinematic works. It investigates how sequential storytelling in film not only entertains but also reflects and shapes cultural, social, and political ideologies. By examining narrative structures in film series and franchises, this book reveals the subtle ways in which ideologies are constructed, perpetuated, or subverted. Covering topics such as narrative complexity, psychoanalytical analysis, and ideology, this book is a valuable resource for academicians, researchers, post-graduate students, educators, sociologists, and more.

Sequels are not always a bad thing. They don't have to be terrible. We can all think of great sequels. But for every good sequel there are a host of truly terrible sequels. Sequels to films that didn't even need a sequel, sequels that were rushed into production with no script, sequels so preposterously belated no one could even remember the original film. If there is one constant in the world of film it is unnecessary and terrible sequels. So, let's lift the veil over the most misguided and inept sequels ever produced and explore the worst sequels of all time!

In the late eighties and early nineties, while other kids were playing softball, Emily was sporting a Pink Ladies jacket, perfecting Michelle Pfeiffer' s “ Cool Rider” choreography from Grease 2, and wearing out the VHS player. Comfort Sequels: The Psychology of Movie Sequels from the &‘ 80s and &‘ 90s tells stories from Emily's life, through the movie sequels of their childhood. When a film touches us, makes us deep-belly laugh, and has that feel-good spirit, we want more of it. We want the continuing story. We want the same story even, just recycled and offered in a slightly new way. What felt so good about the original can come back twofold and be the same, but different. Comfort Sequels examines the psychology behind what makes certain movie sequels memorable, safe, predictable, and comforting. These sequels are more of the universe we love— exploring something new while maintaining that which is familiar. Comfort Sequels is a sneaky memoir, celebrating the campiness and nostalgia that these films evoke. Every chapter is a love letter to a specific movie sequel. As a licensed psychotherapist and psychology professor, Emily interprets characters, story arcs, and major themes in a unique voice from a unique perspective while sharing fun and random behind-the-scenes facts about each film.Featuring interviews with Muppeteer Steve Whitmire (creator of Rizzo the Rat from The Great Muppet Caper), Christine Ebersole (My Girl 2), Stuart Pankin (Mannequin 2: On the Move), Peter Mosen (Ghostbusters II), Christopher McDonald and Leif Green (Grease 2), and the “ Cool Rider” himself, Maxwell Caulfield (Michael, also from Grease 2).Comfort Sequels covers the following twelve comfort sequels; Grease 2, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, My Girl 2, Karate Kid: Part II, The Great Muppet Caper, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Secret of the Ooze, Ghostbusters II, Batman Returns, Dream a Little Dream 2, Mannequin 2: On the Move, The Neverending Story II: The Next Chapter, and The Evening Star.

The first editon was called "the most valuable film reference in several years" by Library Journal. The new edition published in hardcover in 2001 includes more than 670 entries. The current work is a paperback reprint of that edition. Each entry contains a mini-essay that defines the topic, followed by a chronological list of representative films. From the Abominable Snowman to Zorro, this encyclopedia provides film scholars and fans with an easy-to-use reference for researching film themes or tracking down obscure movies on subjects such as suspended animation, viral epidemics, robots, submarines, reincarnation, ventriloquists and the Olympics ("Excellent" said Cult Movies). The volume also contains an extensive list of film characters and series, including B-movie detectives, Western heroes, made-for-television film series, and foreign film heroes and villains.

The first collection of essays devoted to the phenomenon of the film sequel.

A group of films on a character-based series, which include Andy Hardy, Benji, Billy Jack, Blondie, Captain Nemo, Dr. Kildare, The Falcon, Francis the Talking Mule, Harry Potter, Henry Aldrich, Jason Voorhees, Jungle Jim. The Lone Ranger, Ma 8 Pa Kettle, Matt Dillon, Michael Myers, Robin Hood, Santa Claus, Superman, Tarzan and Zorro. These and other characters make this interesting book