The news of Star Wars: Episode VII sent most of geekdom into a frenzy of speculation. Furthermore, the recent announcement that JJ Abrams would direct has stoked the flames of anticipation even further as to who will star and what the plot will be. Lens flare aside, Mr. Abrams' appointment is a good thing. To those that complain he may potentially ruin the franchise I say, have you not seen the prequels? In the words of '80s pop icon Yazz, "the only way is up." What all the hype has shown is the tremendous burden of pressure and fan expectation that is heaped upon beloved sci-fi franchise sequels. And when it goes wrong, boy does it go wrong. The films on this list are a warning to us all of just how wrong things can go. These are the 10 worst sci-fi sequels of all time...
10. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Let us get this one out of the way first. As so much has been written about the Star Wars prequels, there is no need to dwell and I don't want any Phantom Menace-related flashbacks. Oh, the horror, the horror. No worst sci-fi sequels list would be complete without mention of the Star Wars prequels. I have singled out Phantom Menace because it lacks charm, wit and any signs of life. It also squanders its best character, Darth Maul, by chopping the poor guy in half before he has even had a proper chance to speak. I was so excited when the opening credits rolled and even after I left the cinema I was pretty satisfied that the movie had been okay. But then I experienced a feeling akin to what you get after an accident. I was clearly in shock and it took several days for the true awfulness of the film to sink in. My review of The Phantom Menace is as follows; trade federation blah blah blah, CGI, blah, annoying kid blah blah blah. Sorry I can't go on - it is all still too much. Why, George, why?