More sequels than ever are at Cineworld this summer!
Fast & Furious 7 and Avengers: Age of Ultron are tearing through our screens already, while the next few months will see Ted 2, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Pitch Perfect 2, Insidious: Chapter 3, Magic Mike XXL, Terminator Genisys and Despicable Me spin-off Minions arriving.
However, the most anticipated sequel for us this blockbuster season is the long-awaited fourth movie in the Jurassic Park franchise. Arriving 14 years after 2001’s underrated Jurassic Park III came out, Jurassic World opens on Thursday 11 June, starring Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy).
To celebrate the overdue return to the park, we’ve picked out some of the best and the worst belated movie sequels…
Toy Story 3
How long was the wait?
The third instalment of Pixar’s hit animated franchise arrived in 2010, eleven years after Toy Story 2.
Who was back?
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen were both back as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, with James Bond actor Timothy Dalton and Whoopi Goldberg joining the cast as Mr. Pricklepants and Stretch.
What did the critics say?
CNN said “I seriously doubt there will be a more hilarious and heartfelt blockbuster all summer”, while The Independent wrote: “It takes a kind of genius to combine a children’s movie for grown-ups and a grown-up’s movie for children in one glittering digimated package, yet the folks at Pixar have done it time and again.”
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
How long was the wait?
After years of rumours and false starts, creator George Lucas and director Steven Spielberg finally reteamed in 2008 for the follow-up to 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Who was back?
Harrison Ford returned as the titular hero, joined by Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood from the original movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Sean Connery apparently turned down a cameo role as Henry Jones, Sr., as he was enjoying his retirement too much.
What did the critics say?
“It’s not bad, exactly. It’s not a desecration of the franchise. It’s just … tired,” felt Houston Chronicle. Boxoffice Magazine agreed: “Utterly unnecessary, unbelievably uninspired and preposterous beyond all imagination.”
Dumb and Dumber To
How long was the wait?
Wisely ignoring 2003’s prequel, Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd, this sequel marked the 20 year anniversary of the first movie.
Who was back?
Writers Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly persuaded original leads Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels to return as Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne.
What did the critics say?
“It’s a rental, rather than a visit to the cinema,” advised The Guardian, while Empire warned readers: “Overlong and underpopulated with gags that really land, there’s still moments of mirth for devotees of the original.”
Tron Legacy
How long was the wait?
With the longest wait on our list, it took 28 years for the sequel to 1982’s sci-fi hit Tron to arrive. After another surprisingly long wait considering Tron Legacy‘s success, a third movie is due in 2017.
Who was back?
Tron veterans Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner reprised their roles as Kevin Flynn and Alan Bradley, with Garrett Hedlund joining as Flynn’s son, Sam.
What did the critics say?
We Got This Covered summed up the movie with this: “If you choose to see Tron Legacy, leave your brain at home, and be ready to watch what boils down to a great dramatic Daft Punk music video.”
Superman Returns
How long was the wait?
X-Men director Bryan Singer brought Superman back to our screens in 2006, nineteen years after the Man of Steel’s previous cinema outing.
Who was back?
Despite being a direct continuation of the original franchise’s universe (albeit pretending Superman III and Superman IV never happened), none of the surviving original cast featured in the movie, with Brandon Routh taking over the lead role from the late Christopher Reeve.
What did the critics say?
Hollywood.com said: “Superman Returns is a great kick start to a potentially knockout new franchise, which ultimately leaves the audience, like the people of Metropolis when its greatest hero returns to the skies, brimming with hope,” but the Daily Mirror was less impressed: “Many happy returns, Superman, you’ve been away too long. Unfortunately, you deserve a lot better than this.”
What’s your favourite belated movie sequel? Let us know below…