5 Varying Lengths Of Story-telling In Film
5. Original And A Sequel
A sequel is often an attempt to turn a solo success into something greater. A lot of the time it doesnt work. More often than not a disaster is averted. A second film can come very close to destroying the success of the original. Sometimes it can even ruin it. 2000s Battle Royale was a huge success, while the attempt at a sequel fell extremely short critically. Two part stories slide from memory or at least, people ask the question what sequel? Theyre unmemorable and risk damaging the original. At the other end of the scale, there is Quentin Tarentinos Kill Bill films. This is different territory to the 'Battle Royale' situation. These were both extremely popular, however the story seems lengthwise incomplete. Whispers and rumours of a third entry to that series propped up in both 2004 and 2007, though now it seems unlikely. Two successful entries seem to beg for a third. It is, however, a matter of opinion, and while some might have cried out for a third Kill Bill volume, others would have been happily content with the results theyd already been given. Franchises this short can be commended for their ability to stop at two. They can also be criticised for even trying again, and subsequently crashing and burning. There are few examples of a solid series of two films, or a solid sequel that had no follow up. It seems like the creators need to make up their mind. Leave it at one, or make something bigger and grander. One sequel leaves the series stranded, and its unfortunate.