Sequels are commonplace in the film industry, with some franchises having spouted out follow-up movies well into double digits. A sequel isn’t always something to be sniffed at because sometimes, they’re better than the original. That being said, some are pretty weird.
The Sting II (1983)
Tagline: “The con is on… place your bets!”
The Sting (1973) is an American caper film starring Paul Newman as Henry Gondorff and Robert Redford as Johnny Hooker, two small time grifters who devise a plot to exact revenge on Doyle Lonnegan (played by Robert Shaw). A decade later, Universal Studios released The Sting II. Now, Lonnegan is planning his revenge on Gondorff and Hooker who are busy planning their next caper. Whilst The Sting received critical acclamation, the sequel faired much worse being described as “terrible” by the New York Times, and a “clumsy counterfeit” by People Magazine.
The Birds II: Land’s End (1994)
Tagline: “The Terrifying Sequel to Hitchcock’s Classic!”
We’re all familiar with Alfred Hitchcock classic The Birds, but did you know there was a sequel called Land’s End? Hitchcock’s original thriller is loosely based on Daphne Du Marier’s book of the same name. Set in Bodega Bay, sees Californians terrorised by angry, violent birds. In The Birds II, a made-for-television film, a family travels to Gull Island for some peace and quiet. Surprisingly, Tippi Hedren plays a small role of Helen in this sequel, but later said she was embarrassed to be involved with the film at all.
Look What’s Happened to Rosemary’s Baby (1976)
Tagline: “The devil walks the world!”
Another made-for-television movie, a sequel to Rosemary’s Baby is something that does exist but it really shouldn’t – the fact that the film ends with such uncertainty only emphasises the film’s theme of paranoia. The sequel follows the inner turmoil of Guy Woodhouse who suddenly feels conflicted about letting Satan impregnate his wife.
American Psycho 2: All American Girl (2002)
Tagline: “Sex is the main weapon for bizarre killings!”
American Psycho doesn’t claim to be the greatest film of all time, but it does have somewhat of a cult following. The idea of American Psycho 2 is that one of Patrick Bateman’s surviving victims, Rachael Newman (played by Mila Kunis), becomes murderous herself in order to… secure a job position? Funnily enough, American Psycho 2 really had nothing to do with the 2002 film, and was in fact adapted from a script titled The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die.
Legally Blondes (2008)
Tagline: “They’re BOLD, They’re BLONDE, And They’re About To Rule The School!”
Okay so technically Legally Blondes isn’t a sequel, but rather a spin off to the sequel of Legally Blonde (2001), titled Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003). It features the British cousins of Elle Woods, who happen to be twins. Overall, it’s incredibly vacuous and superficial.
Mean Girls 2 (2011)
Tagline: “The plastics are back!”
Sequel to the incredibly popular Mean Girls (2004), written by Tina Fey, Paramount Famous decided it would be a good idea to produce a made-for-television as a stand-alone film. There’s only one cast member retained from the original: Principal Ron Duvall (played by Tim Meadows). The main issue with the film is that it’s extremely formulaic and unoriginal.
S. Darko: A Donnie Darko Tale (2009)
Tagline: “It’s Time To Travel Forward”
S. Darko arrived eight years after the original Donnie Darko. It focuses on Samantha Darko (played by Daveigh Chase), Donnie’s sister from the original film, but now she’s the central character. The main criticism of the film is that it favours style over substance, and rehashes narratives from the original. It’s a shame, because this one had the potential to be better.
Son of the Mask (2005)
Tagline: “Sequel to the #1 box-office hit”
The tagline tells you all you need to know about this one – it’s a sequel to The Mask, i.e. it has nothing to offer audiences whatsoever and probably only exists due to poorly informed market research. Despite it’s title, it bears very little semblance to the original.
Tooth Fairy 2 (2012)
Tagline: “Just wing it.”
Tooth Fairy (2010), starring Dwayne Johnson, was not a very good film. So, who would decide to make a sequel? Well, Walden Media did. They also decided to cast Larry the Cable Guy as the titular character. The main issue with this one It’s unfunny and lacks wit.
Have you seen any of these sequels? Leave a comment below!
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