Happy Thursday everybody! I’m going to hit two birds with one stone today in combining two post *series* in one. Well, inspired by my recent viewing of Transformers 4 and some other news, the topic this week is: Hollywood Movie Franchises.
Ok, so let’s start with some of my favorite posts from the past couple of weeks:
I LOVE actors appreciation posts! Cindy wrote a fan letter to the great Bill Murray, while Fernando paid birthday tribute to Queen Meryl, as in Meryl Streep. As we’ve just lost Eli Wallach, Michael paid tribute by listing his favorite films of one of the master Hollywood character actors. RIP Mr. Wallach.
…- A few reviews of 2014 movies I haven’t seen yet: Josh reviewed ENEMY, Sati reviewed MALEFICENT, and Melissa reviewed PALO ALTO, which was by yet another Coppola, Gia Coppola (Sofia Coppola’s niece)
… - Keith reviewed QT’s latest from 2012: DJANGO UNCHAINED and Mark reviewed a 90s sci-fi that’s definitely worth your while: CONTACT.
… - On the classic film front, Steven just reviewed yet another film by Douglas Sirk, Written On The Wind, starring Rock Hudson & Lauren Bacall.
/// - Now, Andrew has been doing Recasting Posts of Best Picture Lineups, which is a VERY cool idea! Of course this one on Roman Holiday caught my eye, I mean I don’t think anyone could top Gregory Peck/Audrey Hepburn, but still it’s fun to see his picks.
… - Mikey recently interviewed Eli Roth & Lorenza Izzo and talking about the World Cup!
… - Vic gave us an updated list of what’s just been added to Netflix Streaming. Very informative, thanks Vic!
- There’s been a Hitchcock theme of late. On the same day I posted my review on Rebecca, Andrew posted his list of Top 10 Performances from Hitchcock Films. My Rebecca review is part of the BlindSpot series that Ryan started, meanwhile this month he was blindsided by Goodbye Mr Chips.
…
Now for Question of the Week!
Interesting that on the same day I saw Transformers 4, I read Josh’s post on 10 Movie Series (Franchises) that he gave up on. Fortunately there’s only a couple there that I have seen, Twilight and Underworld, both of which are NOT worth following anyway.
This past week I’ve also seen news updates on the reboot of the Mad Max franchise from the late 70s-mid 80s. In place of Mel Gibson, we’ve got the charismatic & bad ass Tom Hardy in the role. Check out the cover of EW with the first look with Hardy and Charlize Theron. Boy it’s been FIVE years since I first started blogging about that movie! Everything is old is new again, as it’s always been the case in the Hollywood… as the creativity has dried up long ago. I also heard news about the upcoming PREDATOR sequel or reboot, what have you. Something that made Tim VERY happy indeed 😉 He’s already offered up 5 Ways to do the Predator sequel right.
Well, I don’t mind some reboots and not every sequel is automatically horrible. I for one am anticipating this Mad Max movie that’ll be out May of next year. I’m also looking forward to Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the third Hobbit film, as well as The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I later in November. Speaking of which, check out the latest teaser:
Whoah, that’s pretty creepy! Can’t wait to see that one.
But out of the few movie franchises I do like, there are dozens and dozens I wish would never get made. I think all that Josh has mentioned in his post are such time-wasters, and I definitely would add Transformers on the list as this fourth installment is so mind-numbingly horrible! And at 165 min (that’s nearly 3 hours long!!), it’s such another overindulgent Michael Bay’s plaything masquerading as a movie! It’s like eating the most gut-growing, heart-threatening, life-shortening junk food saturated with sugar & fat, but the worst part is, it doesn’t even taste good! Ok I’ll save my rant until my review this weekend.
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So my question to you is two-fold:
FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
Thanks so much or including me Ruth! The question is a tough one. I would love seeing the Aliens and Die Hard franchises continue but not if the results are like John McClanes last catastrophe. That movie was terrible and the character deserves better. I actually liked Prometheus and I’m anxious to see what’s next.
My pleasure Keith! Thanks for the warning about the gruesome violence in Django. I really don’t know if I’m up for that to be honest.
I think I’m done w/ Die Hard franchise, hope it just die already!
Of course I the franchise I know it will keep going is James Bond and I don’t mind they keep making those films, that’s the franchise that’ll never die. Also, Mission: Impossible, the prequel to Planet of the Apes worked so hopefully the second one will be good too. If it’s true that Matt Damon coming back to the Bourne franchise, then I’d like to see where they’ll take him next. I really liked what JJ Abrams did with the Star Trek franchise but for him to convince the studio to hire his friend Roberto Orci to direct the third film is worrisome. Giving a first time director who has no experience directing big budget pictures never turns out well, for example Wally Pfisher made Transcendence and it’s a disaster.
The ones that I don’t care to see anymore are Spiderman, Indiana Jones, Rambo, Rocky, hopefully the third Expendables film will be the last; Transformers, Resident Evil and GI Joe.
Oh right of course, James Bond! I don’t think it’s ever in danger of dying tho, thankfully. I’m curious to see Damon back as Bourne, seriously he never should’ve left. I didn’t care for Renner at all.
” hopefully the third Expendables film will be the last” Yep, I’m even surprised it even lasted this long! The cast in the 3rd one is incredible tho, Snipes is back too!
Ohhh noooo. . . I’ve been expecting the newest Transformers to be a stinker! I knew it! (One day I should do a ‘Most Predictable Upcoming Releases’ post haha. I’m still going to see it tmrw, but I am definitely definitely prepared. 😉
As far as franchises that I don’t mind continuing, I’ve been a fan of this Hunger Games one, despite not reading the books. The next chapter looks to be incredible — that teaser, wow!
And as far as franchises that really need to call it quits. . .hm. . .let’s see, where to begin. . .lol
Hi Tom! You’re still going to see it? Despite my warning? Ha..ha.. well hope you enjoy it a whole lot more than I did!
That Mockingjay teaser looks amazing doesn’t it? Ahah yeah, way TOO many franchises should never even got started, let alone continue.
Yes. Im still willing to schill out some hard-earned dough to see what I presume will be three hours of expensive CGI, virtually indistinguishable stuff like that and non-stop. Am I right? 🙂
Well don’t forget the cheesiest, corniest dialog, relentless car/robot chases, gratuitous shots through a teenage girl’s legs, etc. in between pointless CGI extravaganza. So enjoy! 😉
hahah! Indeed! All hallmark nuances of solid entertainment. . . . *ick*
Whatever. It’s nice to review things like that sometimes, as I’ve been on an indie kick for sometime now. Be a good change of pace. 🙂
Thanks for the mention Ruth! As for that Mockingay trailer, boy, I’m looking forward to this now!
You’re welcome Mark! Glad you’re anticipating HG too, man it’s gonna be intense!
I’ve always wanted to be on Everybody’s Chattin!
TThe Paranormal Activity films need to go away!
And I’d watch a load more X-Men films if they keep the quality up
I think you’ve been to one before 🙂 Well I never watched any of the Paranormal Activity film so yeah I don’t care for it either way. Yep I’m with you about X-Men, but no more Brett Ratner!
No more Brett Ratner is a rule I live my life by!
You are a wise fellow Mikey 🙂
Hey Ruth, hope you’re well!!! 🙂
I’m a fan of the Saw franchise, and whilst all 7 may not be masterpieces, the way the littlest details and continuity is adhered to throughout 7 films can only be commended (by me at least!!) I’ll be happy when the inevitable part 8 comes along 🙂
Lots of franchises I wish would stop, so I’ll give a cheat answer a say I wish the Kardashians tv shows would vanish as I’m embarrassed my wife watches them. If we are doing away with things, maybe that E! tv channel…..haha sorry Im not really answering your question but any chance I get to vent my hatred of that family I have to take it!
Hi Tyson, how’ve you been man?? Must be busy being a new dad eh? Glad to *see* you man!
I knew your answer would be horror related. But man, I’m so with you about reality TV, can’t stand the Kardashame, that’s what I call ’em, they’re an embarrassment to humanity really. I mean if there were aliens wanting to wipe us out, I can’t blame ’em after they watch that show!
Wouldn’t mind the Bond films, Mission Impossible, Bourne movies going on forever and The Transformers should just go away already. I get headaches just watching those over bloated trailers. And I’d love if they would stop with those Paranormal Activity flicks, too. Ugh. No more, please!
Great post, Ruth, and I appreciate you adding me! Very kind of you. 🙂
Hi Vic! I’m w/ you on all three, tho I’m getting a bit tired of Mission Impossible, even tho I LOVED the last one. Yep, Transformers should’ve just been a standalone flick and that’s it, but of course if ppl go see ’em they’ll keep making ’em!!
My pleasure Vic, thanks for the informative post!
Thanks Ruth! Great batch of links here 😀
Film franchises…UGH…I want more Toy Story (branch that off, give me secluded character movies…MAKE A LOTSO MOVIE!!!)
Hi Drew! A LOTSO movie? Wow, you really like that character eh? For me, I want more Woody + Buzz and also more screen time for Mr Pricklepants 😉
Thank you so very much for the linkage, Ruth. Very kind. As to your two-fold question, I think you can probably guess what I’ll say. Continue, wholeheartedly, with James Bond, and would someone please kill off those damn Transformers! Please! 😉
You’re most welcome Michael. YES on both counts wholeheartedly man, high five!!
You know what franchise I wouldn’t mind seeing more of is the RDJ/Jude Law Sherlock Holmes flicks. I loved the first two, and would be completely down for a third installment. B)
Also, I’d personally get a huge kick if they were to continue the Raimi Spider-Man movies despite there being a new series of films. Hell, comics have multiple ongoing continuities, why can’t movies? In the next few years, I wanna see both The Amazing Spider-Man 3 AND Spider-Man 4. 😛
Hi there Chris! My co-worker was just talking about Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock movies yesterday. He loved it and yeah I think the 3rd one will probably happen.
If only Raimi would continue to make the Spidey movies. Man those are so much better than the current ones. I have no desire to even see the sequel.
There’s only one franchise I will follow through good times and bad times, that is… Bond…. James Bond. He’s been at it for more than 50 years and still kicking ass.
As for franchises that should die. Well, there’s too many of them that I think should be dead. All the spoof films should go. All the YA franchises should go. And then there’s anything that involves Michael Bay who I think is the most evil person walking on the face of the Earth. He is the opposite of everything I hold dearly about cinema. I hope one day that when he dies, I will be able to piss on his grave.
Right on Steven! Glad you’re a Bond fan too! Even the horrible ones are still watchable. I don’t think we have to worry about him ever going away tho. James Bond Will Return. Always 🙂
Yep I’m so w/ you about Bay. Man can’t he just retire and just roll around in the mountain of cash he’s been raking in for his stinker movies?
Hi, Ruth;
The Bond franchise will continue as long as there is an audience. I’m kind of liking the Captain America/Avengers franchise. As long as they don’t mess it up with lower tier “super heroes”.
While ‘Wolverine’ has long since passed the point of diminishing returns.
‘Die Hard’ and the ‘Predator/Aliens’ franchise has run its course. Unless a director has the wisdom to follow its graphic novel.trade paperback edition, ‘War’. Which introduces an Indonesian businesswoman who is allowed to join a pack of Predators on hunts throughout the galaxy. And why they treasure Aliens as their ultimate prey.
‘Transformers’ should die a horrible, painful death. Though, I’ve had a soft spot for time traveling, future cop, Trooper Jack Deth (Criminally under rated Tim Thomerson) in the low budgeted, Aussie import,’Trancers’ franchise.
Hi Kevin! YES on Bond, esp now that they’re getting grittier and more intriguing. I LOVE the last Captain America so yeah, hope that’ll retain its quality.
“While ‘Wolverine’ has long since passed the point of diminishing returns.” Absolutely agree w/ you. That last Wolverine was nearly unwatachable and boring!
What?? There’s an Indonesian businesswoman character in the Predator comics?? That is quite surprising. I hardly ever seen any character from my home country in American entertainment!
Alas, w/ people continuing to pay money to see Transformers, it’d probably live on forever 😦 I really need to see this Trancers franchise so I know where your alias name came from! Hey, perhaps you could do a review of that? It’d be cool for people to know your *origin story* he..he..
Predator and Alien could be done really well as a further franchise if they either do them individually or as a fantastic in space showdown. Am talking on a spaceship with Aliens, one Predator and Space Marines. Please make that so!
Hope you get your wish Tim! 🙂
I’m glad the How To Train Your Dragon franchise is going strong. I’m excited for the 3rd one. Probably more excited than an adult should be. lol
Yeah I LOVE HTTYD, I hope the 3rd one is going to be as good as the first two. It’s more emotionally-gratifying than a lot of live-action dramas out there!
Can’t get enough of Fast & Furious movies and don’t mind more Expendables movies 🙂 There are a couple of franchises I stopped watching like Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Ahah, you and your preposterous action flicks! I have to say tho I’m mildly curious to check out Expendables 3, I mean I LOVE Wesley Snipes and he’s back!
I wish Bond would finally come to an end… I just want more Despicable Me movies.
Oh no!! I’m a huge Bond fan, I wouldn’t want that franchise to ever end.
Hmm, tough question. I guess I’m generally OK with horror franchises going on longer than they probably should. Even though there is a lot of crap out there, some of the sequels can be quite fun. As far as franchises to get rid of, I’m just hoping this really is the last we’ve seen of Harry Potter 😉
Heh, I think the HP movies are better than a lot of the horror movies out there. At the same time, I’m not all that excited for the HP follow-up movies.
Thanks for the mention, Ruth! Much appreciated 🙂 Also, had a lot of fun checking out everybody else’s links.
Loved the teaser for Mockingjay. SO creepy and cool.
I’m not the biggest fan of franchises. I think that if they have the good fortune of starting off good, they end up in mediocrity sooner rather than later. However, the strongest franchises I can think of are Nolan’s Batman trilogy and the HP series. Wish those could go on.
You’re welcome Fernando! They did a great job w/ that Mockingjay trailer, WOW! Honestly, it’s not all just about Katniss. I’ll miss Philip Seymour Hoffman tho, not sure how many scenes he had completed 😦
I’m with you about franchises, but let’s face it, it’s never gonna go away so might as well embrace the good ones that we can.
I’ll miss him too. I think he just missed a couple scenes but was able to complete most of his role.
And yeah, we have to grin and bear all those films and we hope we get a great one once in a while.
Oh really, well that’s great news! PSH’s character was definitely one of the most intriguing in that franchise.
Finally…a post I can read and comment 🙂
you’ve been busy with Jane Austen lately 😉
There’s a lot of franchise I left forgotten because they often became too much. I stopped watching Die Hard after the fourth, not interested with the new starwars trilogy, all superhero franchise, I am almost in the edge of leaving The Hobbit if not for the fact I am curious with whether Jackson will return to the book or keep making up story.
The only one I am still interested is Alien.
Hmmm, I think I only posted like a couple of Austen-related stuff. I always try to blog about different movie genres generally.
Die Hard really should die a million deaths, I agree. I’m still up for SOME superhero franchises, mostly from Marvel.
Too bad, isn’t it!
Die Hard was really good, they should he stopped at 3.
Great idea, Ruth!
I wish they’d stop making Transformers, Die Hard (even though I’ve never seen any, I’m just sick of hearing about the poor movie titles), anything with Tom Cruise, splitting series-ender films into two parts, Fast and the Furious, Superman, Spider-Man, or Wolverine flicks.
On the flip side, I’d LOVE to keep seeing Bond, X-men (with the whole crew), Greek mythology (yes, they might be cheesy, but I love Greek mythology. Only I wish they’d focus on female stories rather than Hercules.), and origin story films.
Ahah well I made the mistake of seeing the latest Transformers movie. Just finished my review/rant earlier today. Oh I’m sick of series-enders in two parts, too! Seriously, that’s a new low even for the money-hungry Hollywood moguls.
Hey I LOVE Greek mythology too, I only wish they made better movies than Clash of the Titans! Yes, high five on Bond and X-Men movies, love those!
Thank you for the link! I’m not sure if I can call it a franchise but I’d so love for the next 2 Girl with Dragon Tattoo books to be finally made into movies by Fincher, but at this point I doubt it’s gonna happen
As for other franchises if I don’t like them I just don’t watch them, but this Transformers thing seems just stupid and like a waste of money.
One franchise I always watch is Alien because I just love the creature and the universe so I hope they’ll make that Prometheus sequel
Fincher made the last Dragon Tattoo movie right? Perhaps he would do the next ones when the projects are green-lit? I’m still curious about the Alien universe too even though I wasn’t too fond of Prometheus.
The Transformers movies are indeed a time-waster and really the WORST thing I’ve seen in years.
Thanks again for the link, Ruth! I’m still going to see Transformers 4, but I might give up on that series if it lasts much longer. 😉
You’re most welcome Josh! Transformers should stop at the first movie, truly it’s a disgrace to the art of cinema.
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The Hunger Games franchise has been very good. I’m excited for that one, too.
Which don’t I have any interest in? A number of them. Twilight, Transformers, Star Trek, at this point Star Wars. Probably a few more I’m not currently finding.
Hi Josh! Sorry I missed ur comment somehow. The latest Hunger Games looks positively riveting! Nice that the teaser didn’t even show Katniss at all, but Peeta looks so creepy and president Snow is always so sinister!
I’m not interested in any of them you mentioned too, Star Wars is becoming overkill and over-hyped at this point.
Franchises are a great question. I think Underworld is done and I’ve been hesitating to watch the last two movies. I don’t quite mind Transformers although the last one was ridiculously long and I was kind of shuffling in my chair a little in the middle. It was just a Michael Bay production through and through but I loved the dinobots and Mark Wahlberg so that won me over.
Predators and Aliens I both don’t mind continuing as long as they don’t do the AVP again…haha!
And well, my fave franchise is Fast and Furious and thats already having the last movie so I guess that doesn’t get to be added to the list. Plus, Resident Evil as well. Its my guilty pleasure 😉
Hello Kim, long time no *see* 😀
You don’t mind Transformers?? I absolutely hated it, every second was like mind torture for me, and Wahlberg is so corny and cheesy, so he’s really part of the problem in that movie IMO.
I haven’t seen AVP but yeah I don’t think I’d care for it. Ha..ha.. well it seems that you have a soft spot for action franchise. I don’t mind the latest Fast & Furious but I steer clear of Resident Evil.
Honestly, I’m kind of surprised at myself. I’m into brainless action. I blame it on work. Haha! Which is why I watch like less than 10 dramas a year. Its too heavy for my brain to take.. I acknowledge that Transformers and Resident Evil are both crap franchises, especially since both have 2 in there that REALLY suck. But somehow I’m pretty forgiving for them because offer exactly what I expect 😉
Ahah I hear ya Kim. For me tho, my relief is usually from period dramas. Those gorgeous British men always help um, alleviate my stress, mwahahaha, esp. Toby Stephens! 😉 I don’t mind silly action, heck I love Face/Off and the first 3 Die Hard movies, so long as they’re fun to watch. Transformers just isn’t even entertaining at all, overly long and boring!