10 Most Annoying Phrases In The Movie Business

5. Franchise Potential

THE MUMMY FANS
Sony Pictures

What it really means: 'We already have release dates locked in for two sequels'.

Franchises tended to begin when a movie is a hit, expected or otherwise, and proves lucrative and popular enough that the interest is there for a follow-up. These days, movies designed to launch a franchise already have release dates for sequels set years in advance, which instantly lets people know that the first movie has no intention of telling a complete story.

This notion of planning for 'inevitable' sequels leads to opening installments that feel more like the pilot episode of a TV show than an entire, fully-formed movie, and just assumes that we will want to see these characters again instead of giving us a reason to care about them.

One of the major criticisms leveled at blockbuster movies these days is that they focus too much on establishing sequels and shared universes that they often forget to make a decent movie in the process. Until they can focus on one story at a time instead of always planning two movies ahead, the stream of mediocrity will continue.

Contributor

I don't do social media, so like or follow me in person but please maintain a safe distance or the authorities will be notified. Don't snap me though, I'll probably break. I was once labelled a misogynist on this very site in a twenty paragraph-long rant for daring to speak ill of the Twilight franchise. I stand by what I said, it's crap.