To whom every it may concern:
I’d like to preface by saying that I love television, film, theater and all matter of entertainment more than anything in the world. It is my greatest comfort and an industry that I plan to break into very soon. But I’ve got a bone to pick first.
First off, the sequels have to stop. Not all of them: in fact, some of them are quite fun or well justified. But did we really need a "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2?" The answer is no. In fact, we didn't even really need a first one. (Please reference Amy Schmuer's Kevin James truth bomb from her “12 Angry Men Inside Amy Schumer” episode). But really, the TV shows inspired by movies have gotten out of control, as well as musical versions of the same, or even movie sequels that we really don't need.
However, there is an exception to the rule: for example, if you have a great title, such as "Magic Mike XXL" as opposed to "Magic Mike 2," a devoted fan base, and a freshness to your work, again, see "Magic Mike” — great title, fresh, fan base and appeal, you can do whatever you want.
This all really struck me with the announcement of two anticipated sequels to Pixar favorites: "Toy Story 4" and "Finding Dory”, neither of which I’m too jazzed about. For "Toy Story," I'm upset because I guess the tying it up in a nice bow at the end of the last one (which I have only seen once because it's so freaking emotional), is for not. But Queen Rashida Jones is writing it, so I can get behind it a little. But "Finding Dory" is what really gets me. I realize everyone in my age group would probably think I'm crazy, but I am not excited at all. I didn't watch the trailer by choice, but it was forced upon me when I saw "Zootopia" (which is amazing, BTW) and it really hurt. I love “Fining Nemo" so much that I really am genuinely upset that it is not, when it should be, a stand alone movie. Now, “Incredibles 2,” sign me up. A superhero movie warrants many sequels, and that's fine. But as for “Toy Story” and the world of Nemo, there stories seem complete to me: kid grows up with his toys and then gives them away and it's emotional, fish father and son are reunited. Done. My favorite Pixar movie is "Ratatouille" (and I don't know why it's so hard to find others who agree), but I don't want a sequel because the story is done. Don't get me wrong: I love Disney more than anything, and I know part of the reason it's being done is because sequels are what are hot right now and both films have a big fan base. But I'm not really looking forward to either because, quite frankly, they are unnecessary. (Also, no Alexander Gould as Nemo, so…)
(^JUST KIDDING)
The reason it scares me that sequels are becoming the norm in the entertainment industry is because it's an industry that I want to break into. And I'm not ashamed to admit that most of my work to date are sequels or retellings- I still think they're good. There is a time and place for these, but right now, it's everywhere, and when it's everywhere, any trace of originality is defeated. But you know why everything is based on something old now? Because it's easier to write. I'll admit that my biggest struggle as a writer is organization and story- the writing part, once you have those two elements, is where the magic happens, and it just flows out. But how can I strive to be original, even if I'm starting from somewhere we've been before, if it's been done to the point of beating a dead horse?
Reboots are a different story. When I hear of the right reboot happening with the right actors and the right retelling, I'm so excited. This does not include the new "Spidermen" that seem to come out of the woodwork every few years or so: it just feels like one awkward apology letter after another, and it's not even a generational thing. There are definitely things that should never be touched (I'm looking at you, "Rocky Horror"), but I'll be honest: I really hope they remake the Harry Potter movies sooner rather than later. Crucify me, if you will, fellow Potterheads, but watching them again and really listening to the horrid dialogue is pretty painful. Come on- everyone always calls out the actors for their performances, saying the book version of their character is better, and they’re right, but it’s not as if the actors had much to work with in the adaptation. But I digress.
I'm not saying that enjoying sequels, reboots, retellings, etc. makes you any lesser of a viewer, but really consider your options, and do find some originality to occupy your time. All and all, it just all seems very lazy - but what can I say, it's the era of laziness. And it’s making money. All I know is if I see another article about some obscure early 2000s movie getting a television reboot, I’m going to scream. So what are we going to do about it.
Sincerely,
A writer in search of originality
