Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal in "Analyze That"
courtesy of Warner Home Video
"The Sequel That Never Should Have Been Made"

Some movies are so good and so engrossing they demand a sequel be made so the characters in the original can be further explored. Such was the case with "The Godfather," "Star Wars" and the Billy Crystal comedy "City Slickers." 

Then we come to the case of movies which are good but don't require a sequel. These movies are complete enough within themselves that no further extension of the story is needed, required, or wanted. Except by the Hollywood big boys who see a chance to wring one more dollar out of the audience's clutching hands. Which is how it seems we came to have a sequel to the movie "Analyze This."

Billy Crystal and Robert DeNiro starred in the original about a mob boss and his analyst. The movie had an, at that time, unique premise and a strong cast. Now comes the sequel, "Analyze That," and the return of Crystal and DeNiro. This time out the premise is the same but nothing works. The script is flat, the acting overdone, and the jokes - well they are few and far between.

This is a sequel that never should have been made. There is nothing new to say, no storylines which have to be tied up. It is a tired rehash of the first film and that is a poor excuse for making a sequel.

"Treasure Planet" is not a sequel to "Treasure Island," it is a re-make of the basic story but set years into the future. In this Disney animated version we have the same basic storyline about the young boy named Jim Hawkins who sails on a ship looking for hidden treasure. His main ally is a pirate named John Silver.

In "Treasure Planet" the most inventive character is a mechanical man named "BEN" and he is voiced by Martin Short. He has the best lines and makes the most memorable impression. The other memorable impression is made by the artwork of the film. It is beautiful to look at and amazing to watch.

You can also catch the original movie, "Treasure Island," on DVD this month. Robert Newton is good but evil as the pirate Long John Silver. And Bobby Driscoll is young but adventurous as Jim Hawkins. This is a classic telling of the Robert Louis Stevenson story and should be seen by this new generation of filmgoers.

You also get a chance to compare Disney animation with another kind as you watch the animated film "X-Men, The Legend of Wolverine." "Wolverine" has come into view a lot lately since High Jackman plays him in the new sequel to the first "X-Men" movie.

The "Wolverine:" character seems to have some mystery in his past which was explored in both "X-Men" movies. Nothing has been fully explained but in this animated story some more light is shed on the background.

The country seems to be "X-Men" crazy at this time so when better to view an animated version of the characters. Get this video and have a ball.

If you want to see a love story this week then pick up "100 Women." This is the story of how two people are brought together by fate. They don't know they are perfect for each other but they are. Chad Donella and Erin Bartlett star.

A kind of love story is told in "Lockdown." A young man is sent to prison and his lover tries to get him released. Meanwhile he tries to stay alive and out of trouble which isn't easy. Melissa de Soussa, Richard T Jones and Gabriel Casseus star in this tense film.

Finally we have "Darkness Falls" which is the horror film of the week. Chanley Kley and Emma Caulfield star in this suspenseful story about the terrors which emerge in the dark. The story concerns a young man who has survived this terror once and returns home to help out an old friend whose younger brother seems to be the new target for the evil ones.

Even on a hot summer night, this story can scare up some chills. So watch it and shiver - and enjoy!

If after reading this review you are interested in ordering any of these movies,
please click on the provided links.

 

 

 

 

 

©2003 Jackie K. Cooper

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