So many movies come out on a weekly basis, it is easy for them to get lost in the shuffle if they are not of the utmost quality. Such a fate can befall films even if they already belong to a part of an ongoing franchise, as the following ten entries will show.
For one reason or another, these works in their respective franchises didn’t reach the same heights as their peers. Usually, it is pretty easy to see why; they weren’t exactly revolutionizing cinema. Others are still worthwhile viewings, however, deserving of fans’ attention.
Alien: Resurrection (1997)
The Alien franchise has seen better days. 2012’s Prometheus polarized fans and critics alike, while Alien: Covenant was universally lambasted for its wonky effects and plot which retreads familiar ground. Both movies are at least slightly more celebrated than Alien 3, which garnered so much ire, many forget about the fourth film, Alien: Resurrection. Resurrection is a truly bizarre movie from Jean-Pierre Jeunet, who would go on to direct the legendary French romantic comedy Amelie. The plot and tone are all over the place, and while it won’t elicit the same bone chilling terror as the first two movies, its inanity makes for an incredibly entertaining spectacle. Just don’t go in expecting a horror masterpiece and Alien: Resurrection may pleasantly surprise viewers.
Evil Dead (2012)
Evil Dead fans are constantly clamoring for more content in the franchise. Before Ash Vs Evil Dead gave people three seasons of groovy goodness, a remake of the original came out starring Jane Levy. Unfortunately, it was not what fans wanted, most notably because it lacked Bruce Campbell, so the movie quickly fell into obscurity.
To its credit, gore hounds will get plenty of satisfaction from the brutal kills and gallons of blood. Despite the violence, it fails to recapture the original trilogy’s magic.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1995)
The fourth film in the series was also the last before a remake in the early aughts. It is notable for featuring both Renee Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey in pre-fame starring roles. It received a second, wider theatrical release once the two actors gained more star power. Even though it was lambasted by critics and tanked at the box office, retrospective reviews noted how one can see both stars’ potential through their performance.
Never Say Never Again (1983)
Due to some rights issues and legal battles surrounding the ownership of Thunderball, an unofficial Bond movie was produced in 1983 under the title Never Say Never Again, starring Sean Connery. The legendary actor already looked too old in the part during Diamonds are Forever in 1971, and he certainly didn’t look younger twelve years later.
To his credit, Connery’s performance is just about the only thing that makes this movie worth watching. It came out the same year as Octopussy, and could not hold a candle to it. One expects better from Irving Kershner, director of Empire Strikes Back.
Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
People remember the first Alien Vs. Predator movie by Paul W.S. Anderson, even if not all too fondly, but many have completely blocked its sequel from their minds. This long forgotten horror movie moves the action to a small town as the two alien races get up to their old tricks. Its scares are boring, the gore is lazy and uninspiring, and the action is hard to follow. The ending tries to connect it to the overall lore surrounding the two franchises, but even this does not make Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem worth watching.
Scary Movie 5 (2013)
David Zucker took on the Scary Movie franchise starting with the third movie. Few are aware of the fifth entry, as it came and went in theaters. While Scary Movie 3 and 4 are decent, the fifth entry fails to recapture the magic of Zucker’s earlier works like Airplane! and Naked Gun. Scary Movie 5 will elicit a few laughs, but like most modern parody movies, it thinks the punchline lies in simply reenacting a piece of pop culture instead of adding real jokes on top of it.
Vegas Vacation (1997)
The Vacation series is sure to get laughs from viewers of any age, though the first movie is rated R, so keep that in mind when watching with the family. The third entry, Christmas Vacation, stands as great annual viewing for the holiday season. Little do people know, a sequel came out called Vegas Vacation. It is often left out of the equation because most agree it is by far the weakest in the franchise. A 2015 reboot simply titled Vacation is a better bet if one is looking for more road comedy goodness.
Hannibal Rising (2007)
After Brett Ratner’s surprisingly engaging Red Dragon, and before the cult classic television series Hannibal, a prequel diving even further into the past called Hannibal Rising details the titular serial killer’s origins as a murderer and cannibal. By all accounts, it was a story unnecessary to understanding the franchise, and its execution left much to be desired. Gaspard Ulliel’s performance in the lead role did get high praise by even the harshest critics, however.
The Born Losers (1967)
Because of the title, Tom Laughlin’s legendary and influential independent film Billy Jack is often erroneously called the series’ debut. Born Losers came out four years prior, introducing the character through a motorcycle exploitation film where the character does his best to defend girls from a biker gang while the town’s police force is too afraid to do anything.
It had a shoestring budget, and some of it shows, but it is mandatory viewing for any fans of the character. It doesn’t reach the same emotional heights as its sequel, though it still carries the same anti-authority themes.
Caravan Of Courage: An Ewok Adventure And Battle For Endor (1985)
These two Star Wars spin-offs received a limited theatrical release overseas. True to their names, they both deal with the forest moon of Endor and the Ewok inhabitants. Caravan of Courage follows two kids who crash landed on the planet trying to save their abducted parents, while Battle For Endor sees the duo fighting alongside the Ewoks to protect the creatures’ village. Warwick Davis reprises his role as Wicket, and the species look like they did in Return of the Jedi. By all accounts, however, even the most avid Star Wars fans aren’t missing out by skipping these. Thanks to Disney+, Star Wars spin-offs have gotten way better.
Next: 10 Times A Movie Sequel Got Made Because Of Fan Pressure
