There's a funny discussion in AMC's video section between Ron and Gene about number movies (movies with numbers in their titles) that has me thinking specifically about sequels.
There's a general perception that sequels are inferior to the original and while that might be true for most movies (Superman IV anyone?), there are a few exceptions. Sometimes sequels are better than the original movies. Here are seven sci-fi sequels that surpass the originals...
Aliens - Ripley returns to the alien planet as part of a space Marine rescue mission.
Why it's better: Multiple aliens; more action; Ripley's Rambo Revenge; Better characters; Bill Paxton's "Game Over" breakdown.
Back to the Future Part II - Marty MacFly must preserve the present by traveling back to the past after Biff steals the DeLorean when Marty travels to the future. Everybody got that?
Why it's better: Embraces time travel and paradoxes in a Gordian Knot of fun; Seeing the cool tech of 2015; re-visiting 1955 with another Marty running around.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - A Kirk in midlife-crisis battles an enemy from the past near a newly-terraformed planet. Holy Kobayasi Maru!
Why it's better: Ricardo Montalban; Cool Genesis sequence; The death of a major character; Khaaaan!
Superman 2 - Superman must protect the Earth from three super outlaws just released from the Phantom Zone.
Why it's better: Not one, but three super villains to give Supes a run for his money; The city fight sequence.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day - Terminator returns from the future, only this time he's a good guy sent to protect John Connor from the new model Terminator, a shape-shifting cyborg.
Why it's better: Cameron's signature liquid metal special effect used to portray the T-1000; Even more high-octane action; Linda Hamilton's Sarah Connor gets tough.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back - Luke Skywalker learns the ways of the Force under the tutelage of Jedi Master Yoda while Han and Leia get captured by Darth Vader.
Why it's better: The dark mood; The surprise revelation of the decade; maybe, just maybe, the fact that Lucas isn't directing.
The Road Warrior - Mad Max helps defend a small community from bandits in a post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland.
Why it's better: Slicker storyline that expands on Max's characterization; Has that little feral kid with that awesome, razor-sharp boomerang.
