SEQUELS that were essentially a REPEAT of the original

“This compilation is by no means intended to condemn such an approach to making sequels. As you will see, most of these examples – although they are sequels to well-known, even legendary originals – have become, in many cases, just as iconic as the originals, or at least they are still enjoyable to watch today. This is an undeniable success, achieved precisely because the original plot template was copied, one that had not yet worn out its welcome with audiences. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is a prime example of this. The problem starts when the creators run out of ideas for further installments and overuse familiar motifs, or when the budget runs out, and actors and the film crew change. That’s when failure is guaranteed. Fortunately, I have skipped such films.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” 2015, directed by J.J. Abrams

The only somewhat tolerable part of the so-called new Star Wars films. It is very similar in plot to A New Hope and The Phantom Menace. In all three films, a new character appears: a young person with a sense of purpose, living on a desert planet and yearning for a more interplanetary life. Luke and Anakin are on Tatooine, while Rey lives on Jakku; both are desert planets and graveyards of ships, where the main source of income is crime and scrap recovery. A universal threat is introduced in the form of the Empire and a new post-imperial organization. However, everything is orchestrated by the same Sith Lord, Palpatine. Rey, Luke, and Anakin are puppets in his hands. The template is the same, but the execution is different.

“Ghostbusters II,” 1989, directed by Ivan Reitman

Four funny friends – each with a distinct personality – fight evil ghosts and demons while also trying to profit from it. Their business, however, is not taken seriously. Both the first and second films follow the same plot model – not only is the Ghostbusters team discredited, but evil forces also attack New York. The victims are the same, except for Vigo’s servant, Dr. Janosz. What stands out in Ghostbusters is the execution of suspense – in both the first and second films, it is masterfully designed, which is why this imitation doesn’t detract from the experience.

“Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” 1992, directed by Chris Columbus

One of the classic examples of a sequel that repeated the success of the first film by copying its key elements. Kevin is once again left home alone, or more precisely, in a hotel in New York. The same burglars are chasing him, and he sets up a massacre in an abandoned building. A new version of the older neighbor appears in the form of a homeless woman.

“Escape from L.A.,” 1996, directed by John Carpenter

John Carpenter, through Snake Plissken, created one of the most underrated characters in science fiction cinema. Kurt Russell portrayed him roughly, almost as an anti-hero, someone who listens only to himself, paying homage to famous characters from Westerns. Escape from New York is a great action film with just the right amount of cool dialogue, amazing scenes, and kitsch. Instead of immediately making a sequel, Carpenter was sidelined with other projects but eventually returned to the Plissken character in the mid-90s. Unfortunately, cinema had changed a lot in those 15 years. And Carpenter stubbornly stuck to the same model.

“Spider-Man 2,” 2004, directed by Sam Raimi

As usual in superhero stories, there is a tendency to portray a villain who tries to be the worst in the world and demolish the entire planet, with a lone avenger opposing him. Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films follow this structure, where only the villain changes. The first is Norman Osborn, and the second is Otto Octavius. This, however, is not a criticism.

“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” 1989, directed by Steven Spielberg

The third film in the series used the popular formula that ensured the original film’s success, Raiders of the Lost Ark. However, with The Last Crusade, it’s not entirely accurate to call it a direct sequel, as there was also Temple of Doom. The series went in a new direction with mystical forces and shamans, but The Last Crusade returned to the original format. Indy once again set out to find an ancient religious artifact and had to fight Nazis to retrieve the magical treasure.

“Die Hard 2,” 1990, directed by Renny Harlin

Everyone probably remembers the ‘Christmas’ movie Die Hard from 1988, where Detective McClane, off duty, goes to his wife’s company party in a modern skyscraper. It’s Christmas time. During the visit, terrorists take over the building, taking the group hostage, and McClane must use his skills to handle the threat and get everyone out alive. Die Hard 2 also involves terrorists, McClane’s wife in danger, uncooperative police who don’t want his help, and everything happens on Christmas Eve. The story shares many similarities with the original but functions as a completely independent, well-made action film.

“Beverly Hills Cop II,” 1987, directed by Tony Scott

Eddie Murphy once again plays the same Detroit police detective, who returns to Beverly Hills and decides to conduct his own investigation into a case the local police can’t solve. Once again, the local police don’t want his help, except for two detectives – Rosewood and Taggart. Murphy’s Axel Foley once again leaves his duties in Detroit and runs wild in an entirely unfamiliar jurisdiction. The film has a similar tone to the first one, with the same style of humor and action scenes. It’s hard to say which film could be considered the first.

“Jaws 2,” 1978, directed by Jeannot Szwarc

The first film remains a legend. Made for $9 million, it was a milestone for Spielberg and for the thriller genre. Universal Pictures, however, took a risk and decided to make a sequel. And so, just three years later, Jaws 2 was made, somewhat lacking the spirit of the original. Roy Scheider and John Williams returned. But how do you make the deadly shark scary again? You can’t. You can only copy solutions, which is what happened. What’s surprising, however, is that this derivative sequel is still watchable.

“The Equalizer 2,” 2018, directed by Antoine Fuqua

Once again, the same avenger, who skillfully deals with all kinds of criminals. He does so according to the so-called social justice principles, which no court or police would ever follow. However, this stance is liked by viewers and is accepted by the public, so the formula from the first film is repeated in the second. Robert McCall once again stands up for the weak – especially women – and ruthlessly eliminates criminals. However, he is not a superhero – he can be injured and even almost killed. Ultimately, he is not able to handle everything alone, which adds a level of realism to his story.”