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Second time unlucky: 9 Hollywood sequels that got panned by critics
A look at some anticipated sequels that failed to impress film reviewers around the world
Making movie sequels is often considered a daunting task for film-makers. The expectations associated with delivering another hit film, after a successful release, are often tough to meet. And while many sequels — Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Back To The Future Part II (1989), Before Sunset (2004) and The Dark Knight (2008) — have been celebrated in Hollywood, of late, there have been a few that haven’t quite impressed the critics.
Here are some recent part-twos that according to film reviewers, should never have been attempted in the first place.
1. Alice Looking Through The Glass
The Johnny Depp-starrer received quite a few negative reviews. Apart from faring badly at the box office, the sequel to Alice In Wonderland (2010) was also reportedly criticised for its weak script. It also failed to do justice to the classic characters from Lewis Carroll’s story.
2. The Divergent Series: Allegiant
The last part of the Divergent trilogy failed to make a mark. Reviewers feel this is the case because it did not stand out. The film had predictable twists played out with little wit and ingenuity, as per reports.
3. Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising
The sequel to Neighbors (1985) did not strike the right chord with many moviegoers. Except for a few laughs, the movie did not have much to offer, according to reports.
Read: Now You See Me 2 review: You don’t want to see this magic trick
4. Terminator Genisys (2015)
According to reviews, this movie — the fifth part in the series — did not seem fresh. It had too many time travel sequences, which left the audience confused and tired.
5. X-men: Apocalypse
Critics have termed this film “one of the worst superhero movies in recent history”. Apparently, towards the second half, the movie was hanging on to no plot.
6. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) was loved by audiences around the world. The sequel, however, failed to live up to the expectations.
7. Now You See Me 2
The sequel to Now You See Me (2013) didn’t do half as well as the original film at the box office. Peter Travers (American critic and journalist), in his review, wrote that the movie leaves viewers “feeling scammed”.
8. Independence Day: Resurgence
Viewers were reportedly disappointed with this movie. They felt the dialogue was poor, and the acting didn’t seem natural. Although the movie had a lot happening throughout, the audience found it to be boring.
9. Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015)
The South China Morning Post review sums up what many felt about this Hollywood sequel. As per rottentomatoes.com, the reviewer said, “Irritating characters, little semblance of a plot, weak gags, and sub-par performances... result in a film that doesn’t even have enough going on to interest a five-year-old.”
