10 Movie Sequels That Got A Raw Deal

Sequels have long been problematic. Even when shameless cash-ins on hits mange to be successful, they are still just that, and are regarded as such regardless of quality.

There are naturally exceptions to the rule, and there will always be a debate about what truly qualifies as a sequel. And from there, you enter your own world of mislabled, in-name only, foreign, direct-to-DVD and a virtual underworld of films that defy classification.

But other cases are much more cut and dry. A film makes good with critics and the box office, it's likely headed for duplication, be it in sequel or knock-off form.

This was particularly true of the 90s, when Hollywood seemed to have perfectly managed the expectations of a potential blockbuster with subgroups - the erotic thriller for adults, the family-oriented comedy, the action hero blowing away stock villains all had solid, devoted audiences that would devour whatever was being sold.

But some sequels have since developed mixed reputations, or they've all but fallen by the wayside in favor of more timely entertainment. Here are a few that still hold up.

Clear and Present Danger performed fairly well at the box office, appealing the "mature" crowd that seemed to be gathering in droves for a mid-aged Harrison Ford action flick, so the film did no harm to the director, stars, producers or even viewers. And we're sure Tom Clancy took a nice cut of the profits to continue to fund his campaign to end fictional terrorism everywhere.

At least, that's the tone the cinematic Jack Ryan took. For Clancy may have carried Ryan's story forward (he becomes President in the books, which, at this point, sure), but studios kept on trying to reboot him with more an eye more focused on the Middle East. It wasn't exactly a leap for Ryan, The Sum of All Fears' novel plot does indeed involve Arab extremists, but 9/11 turned it to the main focus.

So spare a thought for the days of Ryan before the world turned upside down, when things were less racially dodgy (slightly) and Ford (and Baldwin before him) would take the time to track down bad Russians or a dirty president.

Clear and Present Danger, of the three pre-9/11 Ryans, is by far the best, with director Phil Alden Robinson flexing his muscles in conspiracy thriller (he'd already turned out the excellent Sneakers). Perhaps for the final time, it also features Ford in fine dramatic and physical form, a fake helicopter jump notwithstanding.