‘Iconic’ film franchises rule global box office

AN INFORMAL survey of the most popular movies screened thus far for this year confirms the continuing popularity of sequels, film franchises, remakes, reissues and other “repeat” cinematic treats.

Yes, twice-told tales run the risk of coming off as old and cold. But, they benefit from viewers having liked the original movies so much that they want more of the same, even if they aren’t necessarily better!

Take a look at some of top box-office blockbusters this year—“Jurassic Park” has engendered yet another hit sequel, “Jurassic World.” “The Avengers” trotted out the follow-up blockbuster, “Age of Ultron.” The “Fast & Furious” action franchise still hit the jackpot with “Fast & Furious 7.” The “Despicable Me” prequel or spin-off, “Minions,” made mega-millions of dollars of its own.

Ditto for “Mission Impossible’s” latest “chapter” “Rogue Nation,” “Pitch Perfect 2,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” the umpteenth James Bond spy caper, “Spectre,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2,” “Terminator: Genisys,” “The Divergent Series: Insurgent,” “Taken 3,” “Ted 2,” “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials,” “Mall Cop 2,” “Magic Mike XXL,” “Insidious Chapter 3,” “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” “Sinister 2,” “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” “Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension,” “Dumb and Dumber To” and “Horrible Bosses 2.”

Given the “proven” popularity of warmed-up movies, it’s no surprise that 20 percent of “new” film productions are of the sequel or prequel variety.

Cheaper to bankroll

Aside from variations being easier to whip up than original story lines, follow-up productions are also generally cheaper to bankroll, since the process has been refined and simplified through sheer repetition (practice makes more profit).

Of course, some viewers who hate secondhand entertainment avoid sequels like the plague. But, those that still make a lot of money the second or umpteenth time around make it easy for producers to look the other way—as they laugh all the way to the bank!

After all, if sequels like “Jurassic World” can gross more than $650 million, who needs snitty critics’ rave reviews?

Another instructive insight this season is the similarly confirmed bankability of animated features, as hits like “Minions,” “Inside Out,” “Hotel Transylvania 2,” “The Peanuts Movie,” “The Good Dinosaur” and “Home.”

This is a significant development, because some years ago, the animated feature film fad appeared to be winding down, with not enough good movies being made.

But, the picture is much brighter this year: Aside from the hits already mentioned, there were more than 50 animated features produced this year.

Some of the creditable titles: “The Little Prince,” “The SpongeBob Movie,” “Shaun the Sheep,” “Extraordinary Tales,” “All Creatures Great and Small,” “My Little Pony,” “Pokemon the Movie,” “A Mouse Tale,” “The Boy and The Beast” and “Caroline and The Magic Potion.” Things are looking up!