Are you struggling with Lockdown two? I went into a low grade meltdown just at the thought of it. But a week in I've come round to the idea, maybe its not as bad as I thought. The thing about sequels is they can be so atrocious. A complete and utter insult to the original, a let down, a disappointment, a mistake.
The British PM with his rolling script has implemented Lockdown II in what I may say is rather a Mike Leigh sort of affair. By which I mean the whole thing is being improvised along the way, by us, the cast in this government production. We can shape the story to suit our lives just as we have started wearing our masks as a statement of our individuality and personal freedom.
In order to be worthy of the 'Part II' status there must be a resolution to some kind of cliff hanger from the original. Also the cast and the creators must remain the same. Lockdown Part II only partly meets my criteria as I don't see any resolution on the horizon. But maybe there will be a twist in the last 30 minutes a game changer that may just prove it to be one of those sequels that is equal to or, even better than the original. Only time will tell (I'm not holding my breath)
Here's the skinny on the best Movie Sequels for Lockdown Part II
The Godfather Part II - Francis Ford Coppola set the benchmark high when he made this film which segways between sequel and prequel. The story of Vito Corleone as a young Italian immigrant who starts out making an honest living in a grocers shop is told in flashback. The sequel is the story of Michael, the son who did not want to join the family business. Charming, and quietly reserved, Michael slowly crystallises into an utterly chilling psychopath, whose murderous deeds outstrip those of his father.
Ripley is arguably one of the strongest female characters on screen we have ever had. In Aliens she is older, wiser and meaner. Backed by the Marines she returns to deep space, all guns blazing, to take down the Alien. Building on the first film the tension is excruciating. The Alien all razor sharp teeth and drool is utterly terrifying. Throw into the mix an orphan who has been surviving alone on her wits and its a game changer.
Rocky II - The appeal of Rocky lies in our love of championing the underdog. The success of Rocky lies in the timeless themes it explores; courage in the face of adversity, faith, integrity and optimism. This sequel picks up Rocky who is now living the dream. Retired due to injuries sustained in the first fight. Life is good, he marries Adrian, she becomes pregnant, they have a beautiful house and Rocky turns to commercial advertising in order to earn money. One by one these things are all taken away. In debt, humiliated, guilt ridden and depressed Rocky has no alternative but to return to the ring in a re-match with Creed. The ending is movie gold.
Spiderman II - Follows the story of Peter Parker who is at a low ebb, struggling with real life issues such as girl trouble and bad grades. His alter ego Spiderman is also having a hard time with failing powers and bad press. The appearance of Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus a super-baddie who is the result of an experiment gone wrong, soon turns that around. and gives Spiderman a reason to return in fantastic web slinging style. Action packed, fast moving with fantastic effects.
Back To The Future Part II - Is not without its flaws. Maybe I just enjoy phrases like 'space time continuum' but I still think this sequel is a huge amount of fun. Bully boy Biff manages to get back to 1955 and change his fortunes which is obviously a disaster that can't be allowed to happen. Just like the original it moves along at a quick pace. It's a huge amount of fun mixed with science fiction not fact.
Paddington II - Perhaps the warmest feel good movie ever made. Paddington is now a fully fledged member of the Brown family, and a stellar cast they are. Hugh Grant gives us a good old fashioned baddie that we can hiss and boo at and Paddington goes on being polite, charming and oh so endearing. He even wins over the criminal inmates when he ends up in prison! Family is everything and family is whoever you want to include. The beautiful London scenery is the cherry on top.
Frozen II - Let it go, let it go, yes I know, the song that was forever in our heads does not have an equivalent in this sequel thank goodness. The saga continues and we learn more about the family history of the sisters. Anna and Elsa grow stronger, more confident and self assured. Learning to trust your gut is a very good message to send out to girls. The metaphors are deeper and relevant to current issues in our world today such as climate change but this film still manages to be a magical Disney extravaganza.
The Godfather Part II - Francis Ford Coppola set the benchmark high when he made this film which segways between sequel and prequel. The story of Vito Corleone as a young Italian immigrant who starts out making an honest living in a grocers shop is told in flashback. The sequel is the story of Michael, the son who did not want to join the family business. Charming, and quietly reserved, Michael slowly crystallises into an utterly chilling psychopath, whose murderous deeds outstrip those of his father.
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