Sequels That Missed the Mark: When Promised ‘Wow’ Moments Were Anything But

The excitement of a sequel is often marred by the expectation of a re-wowed audience. Unfortunately, some sequels fail to deliver on the grandiose promises set by their predecessors. Here, we explore recent examples of sequels that fell short, leaving fans and critics alike feeling rather unimpressed.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Many viewers were initially excited about seeing iconic Linda Carter's portrayal of 1970s Wonder Woman as Asteria, an Amazon goddess, in the climactic scene of Wonder Woman 1984. However, the overall disappointment with the film amplified the bittersweet feeling of this cameo. Wonder Woman 1984 was widely criticized as a letdown, despite the notable performances. Linda Carter remains a beloved figure in the realm of Wonder Woman, but this cameo was overshadowed by the movie's poor quality.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

An unexpected sequel to the groundbreaking Matrix trilogy, The Matrix Revolutions, was met with a lukewarm response. The original trilogy, released between 1999 and 2003, revolutionized the realm of special effects and imagery with stunning visuals and action sequences. Revolutions, however, did not live up to the high standards set by its predecessors. While it included a number of action sequences, the plot felt repetitive, and the advancements in CGI since 2003 were glaringly absent. The film was criticized for its overzealous sequelitis, offering a familiar story with no significant departures from the previous films.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

Ghostbusters: Afterlife initially garnered praise for its fresh, unspoiled take on the franchise, largely co-starring young actors and set in a small Oklahoma town. However, the film took a nosedive during its second act, particularly when it attempted to recreate the magic of the first two films. The misguided effort to replicate the success of the original Ghostbusters felt forced and ultimately failed to deliver. The climax of the film, where one of the original cast members tries to recreate a scene from the first movie, was a letdown for fans and critics alike.

Examples of other sequels: The first 2/3 of Ghostbusters: Afterlife were well-received for its innovative take on the franchise. The plot, however, suffered when the filmmakers tried to surpass the previous installments. The inclusion of the 1984 film's all-female Ghostbusters crew in the subsequent scenes was a misstep, as it set up unrealistic expectations.

The Case of 'Air Force One'

One memorable misfire in a climactic moment occurred during the classic film Air Force One. In the climactic scene where Harrison Ford's character, President Daniels, ejects Gary Oldman's antagonist, Director of National Intelligence, from the plane, he yells, "Get off my plane!" This iconic line was set to create a re-wowed audience, but it fell flat.

The reaction in the theater, perhaps due to the cultural difference between Japanese and Western audiences, was notably lackluster. While it's impossible to know for certain, the reaction in a Tokyo theater may have been influenced by the cultural context or simply the audience's expectations. Nonetheless, the scene failed to evoke the desired emotional response from the viewers.

These examples serve as cautionary tales for filmmakers. While sequels can reignite the excitement of a beloved franchise, they must avoid the trap of overpromising and underdelivering. Sequels need to innovate, surprise, and maintain the integrity of the original work to truly wow their audience and earn their place in cinematic history.