March 24, 2016

Top 10: Best Sequels Arriving This Year

As we finally come further and further into 2016, more films are setting release dates. Unsurprisingly, a good majority of these films happen to be sequels. Not all is lost, as some of these sequels look to change our views of hating sequels.

10.  Bad Santa (November 23)


Have to start off somewhere, so why not start with a raunchy comedy sequel based on a narcissistic criminal mall Santa? Nowadays comedies lend themselves to funny-or-die storylines. Most of which work in their favor. "Bad Santa" was more of the slow burning kind of funny. Darker than most comedies that are released to the public. A sequel obviously should have never came up in conversation from any studio exec, but here it is. This film can definitely be good or be very, very bad. We're just hoping that it succeeds.

9.  The Conjuring 2 (June 10)


"The Conjuring" was actually good. I know how that sounds, because most horror films are usually crap. Especially ones that involve paranormal activity. Somehow James Wan has cemented himself as a director who can do it all, from action to horror. But no one can forget that Wan got his start with the "Saw" franchise. This genre is what he is used to. Coming back as the director and co-writer just seems fitting.

8.  Everybody Wants Some  (April 1)


My inner film-nerd would regret not putting Richard Linklater on this list, even if this film is more of a "spiritual sequel" then a true-to-form sequel. "Dazed and Confused" is one of the greatest high school films around, and to get a sequel is just gravy.

7.  Inferno (October 28)


Tom Hanks is back as Robert Langdon, the professor of religious iconography and symbology. While "Angels & Demons" cut deep wounds into what started as hopeful franchise, "Inferno" has a chance to come back strong. Definitely one of the stronger books in the Robert Langdon series, "Inferno" should be a hopeful comeback for director Ron Howard and the smart-action-adventure genre.

6.  Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice  (March 25)


Coming out this weekend and surprisingly the first superhero sequel on this list, it's really hard to deny the cultural impact "Batman v. Superman" will have. Finally placing two of the most well known superheroes together in the same film, all while introducing an entire franchise and the Justice League. That's huge. But, let's not forget Zack Snyder's track record of creating visually stunning, but poorly formatted films. Also, there has been more bad news than good about the film. The best news that has come out was that Chris Terrio rewrote parts of the script. The bad news is all over. You pick between the multiple villains, the cinematography, or the bland and overindulgent marketing campaign.

5.  Star Trek Beyond (July 22)


I was one of the very few people who enjoyed "Star Trek Into Darkness" thoroughly. I'm looking forward to "Star Trek Beyond" a bit more than I should be. Mostly because there has been much talk that the Enterprise will actually go into deep space and discover new things. Already there have been many criticisms about the amount of action from the trailers, but does Star Trek really need to find an audience. Star Trek already has a pretty broad audience thanks to previous films and television shows. The only major criticism I'd give is the amount of footage shown in the trailer. I'm already sad that I saw the Enterprise destroyed.

4.  Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (May 20)


There isn't much to say about this sequel except that why not? "Neighbors" was a hit critically and commercially. Switch out the fraternity to a sorority and change some minor things and you have another guaranteed hit. Every main character is returning for this sequel. Zac Efron is still riding his comedy wave. Seth Rogen isn't trying to win any awards. If any, it'll be a fun time at the movies.

3.  Finding Dory (June 17)



I'll admit that "Finding Nemo" wasn't my favorite Pixar film, but it was technically brilliant and gorgeous. It's surprising that it took Pixar this long to create "Finding Dory." Kind of seemed like a no-brainer. Pixar has been fighting audiences with complicated stories and subpar animation. "Finding Dory" seems to go back to basics with a simple story.


2.  X-Men: Apocalypse (May 27)


Somehow, the new series of X-Men films have been getting better, one after the other. "X-Men: First Class" was great, "X-Men: Days of Future Past" was better. Now comes a film with a larger cast and bigger story. I believe that bigger isn't always better, but so far, "new X-Men" hasn't disappointed. Then again, looking back, "Days of Future Past" wasn't bigger. The picture above shows audiences an unnoticeable Oscar Isaacs. The current trailers depict an even bleaker X-Men film than previous ones. Hopefully this franchise can keep up on great storytelling, wonderful acting, and amazing special effects.

1.  Captain America: Civil War (May 6)


Superhero sequels are the bread and butter of Hollywood. Of course "Captain America: Civil War" would be the number one sequel this year. The trailers show more than the usual Marvel entertainment. There are actual hopes of main characters dying (finally!). And, how about that entrance by that one character at the very end? If you don't know who I'm talking about, go watch the trailer now. I won't spoil it, but I will say that I am not a fan of that superhero at all, and I was the most excited during that moment than any other moment in the trailer. Plus, what the trailer shows is a very big uncertainty for what's coming next.



Nevada Film Critics Society
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