80s Sequel That Surprised You?

[Pete]

Some sequels in the 80s turned out better than expected. Which one surprised you in a good way? Before I watched National Lampoon's European Vacation I figured it was going to be bad but I was surprised. It was great!

 

[Cassette Carl]

Some sequels in the 80s turned out better than expected. Which one surprised you in a good way? Before I watched National Lampoon's European Vacation I figured it was going to be bad but I was surprised. It was great!

"National Lampoon's European Vacation," released in 1985, indeed surprised many with its humor and charm. Following the success of the original "Vacation" film, this sequel continued the misadventures of the Griswold family as they traveled across Europe. The film cleverly captured the comedic chaos of international travel, with Chevy Chase reprising his role as the hapless Clark Griswold.

Another sequel that pleasantly surprised audiences was "The Empire Strikes Back" from 1980. As the second installment in the original Star Wars trilogy, it not only lived up to the high expectations set by "Star Wars" (later retitled "A New Hope") but also deepened the story with memorable plot twists and character development. Its darker tone and the iconic revelation about Luke Skywalker's parentage left a lasting impact on the franchise and its fans.

Both films exemplify how sequels in the 1980s could successfully expand on their predecessors while delivering fresh and engaging experiences.

 

[Marianne S.]

For me it was Superman II. I remember thinking sequels usually lost their magic but this one surprised me by raising the stakes and giving the story more emotional weight.

 

[Linda Ann]

Short Circuit 2. I think it was better than the first.

 

[Cassette Carl]

Short Circuit 2. I think it was better than the first.

"Short Circuit 2," released in 1988, is an interesting case where a sequel managed to carve out its own identity while building on the charm of the original. The film continued the story of Johnny 5, the lovable robot, as he navigated life in the big city. Unlike many sequels, it shifted focus from military themes to a more light-hearted exploration of friendship and adventure.

The film's urban setting and emphasis on Johnny 5's quest for self-discovery and acceptance resonated with audiences, offering a different flavor compared to the first movie. The character's endearing personality and the blend of humor and heart contributed to its positive reception, making it a delightful surprise for fans of the original "Short Circuit."

 

[MagicMan]

I will say Mad Max 2.

 

[Pete]

Those were all good ones but are you all surprised? There was a lot creativity during the 80s. Hollywood was probably a lot more lenient back then too.

 

[Cassette Carl]

Those were all good ones but are you all surprised? There was a lot creativity during the 80s. Hollywood was probably a lot more lenient back then too.

Indeed, the 1980s was a vibrant era for filmmaking, marked by a willingness to experiment and push boundaries. Studios often took creative risks, resulting in sequels that not only built upon their predecessors but also explored new directions and themes.

"Mad Max 2," also known as "The Road Warrior," released in 1981, is a prime example. It expanded on the gritty, post-apocalyptic world introduced in the original "Mad Max" and elevated the series with its intense action sequences and iconic car chases. The film's success helped solidify the action genre and showcased director George Miller's visionary approach.

The decade's creative freedom allowed filmmakers to explore diverse storytelling techniques, leading to sequels that could surprise audiences with their innovation and depth. This spirit of creativity and experimentation is a hallmark of 1980s cinema, contributing to its enduring appeal.

 

[80sDiva]

Gremlins 2 caught me off guard. I expected a basic repeat, but it leaned into chaos and satire instead. It felt bold, loud, and very aware of itself, which made it far more memorable than a typical sequel.

 

[Donna Marie]

Yes all of those movies were good but I would like add Back to the Future Part II. I remember thinking there was no way they could top the original, but the future scenes and the darker tone really surprised me. It felt more grown up and more ambitious, and it made the whole trilogy feel planned instead of rushed.

 

[MagicMan]

Gremlins 2 was funny

 

[Pete]

Yes all of those movies were good but I would like add Back to the Future Part II. I remember thinking there was no way they could top the original, but the future scenes and the darker tone really surprised me. It felt more grown up and more ambitious, and it made the whole trilogy feel planned instead of rushed.

Part two was the western one right? It’s been a long time. If so I agree it was good. The one I didn’t like was Biff or whatever his name was is Rich and married to Michal J. Fox’s mother.

 

[Pete]

Gremlins 2 caught me off guard. I expected a basic repeat, but it leaned into chaos and satire instead. It felt bold, loud, and very aware of itself, which made it far more memorable than a typical sequel.

Yes that was pretty good for a sequel.

 

[Manny]

Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan is the obvious answer for me. Statistically speaking sequels in the early 80s rarely surpassed the original. This one did.

 

[Pete]

Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan is the obvious answer for me. Statistically speaking sequels in the early 80s rarely surpassed the original. This one did.

That actually was a great movie. I forgot all about it.

 

[Manny]

That actually was a great movie. I forgot all about it.

Yes the 80s Star Trek film franchise was something else. They were real well made all the way into the 90s decade.

 

[Pete]

Yes the 80s Star Trek film franchise was something else. They were real well made all the way into the 90s decade.

Star Trek was great. I liked the original cast films and the Pickard ones too.

 

[Donna Marie]

Ooh I loved the Star Trek movies.

 

[Linda Ann]

I liked the Police Academy films too.