Ranking Recent Franchise Comebacks/Continuations
We've seen a significant influx of franchise resurgence, a trend that extends back to the early 2000's when the superhero genre began to gather steam. For now, it's cause to rejoice. To date, the likes of Mad Max, Rocky, Jurassic Park and Star Trek have all returned. But here, I want to devote some time to the 3 franchises that have meant the most to me personally.
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- DirectorKeitarô MotonagaStarsYutaka AoyamaMiho ArakawaJohn Eric BentleyAfter seeing Meicoomon's abrupt transformation and killing of Leomon, Agumon and the other Digimon are kept isolated in Koushiro's office in order to prevent them from infection, but signs of infection begin to appear in Patamon.Following the momentum detracting second chapter, the anticipated "15th Anniversary Project" leaps back on track with this somber, emotionally honest entry that taps into the possibilities of the genre. Action is scarce, but the stakes have perhaps never been higher, and that's more important here.
- DirectorKeitarô MotonagaStarsCherami LeighColleen O'ShaughnesseyCristina ValenzuelaAfter years of inactivity, the DigiDestined regroup with their Digimon to save their world, but have the years changed their characters too much?A promising commencement to a new story. Fully aware of its target audience, and seems to recognize that this franchise needs to grow along with that audience. Character work is unfocused, but that's expected of the first chapter, and the action sequences are real crowd-pleasers.
- DirectorHideaki AnnoShinji HiguchiStarsHiroki HasegawaYutaka TakenouchiSatomi IshiharaJapan is plunged into chaos upon the appearance of a giant monster.A unique approach to the eponymous monster that resurges the series' roots in socially relevant material. More talky than usual and contains satirical elements that aren't fully developed, but also boasts a welcome sense of urgency, professionalism and verisimilitude. Plus, the destruction scene at the conclusion of the second act is a knockout.
- DirectorGareth EdwardsStarsFelicity JonesDiego LunaAlan TudykIn a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction.A decisively unorthodox approach to "Star Wars" that veers closer to standard war movie material. Uneven in story and rather weak in terms of characterization, but boasts the distinct "Star Wars" visual flair and some excellent action sequences with narrative weight.
- DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaOscar IsaacAs a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace.Hampered by one of the weakest plots in the film series (only rivaled by "Return of the Jedi") and a sub-par villain, "The Force Awakens" nonetheless succeeds as an energetic start to a new trilogy. The heroes are promising and the visuals elicit an appropriate sense of fancy.
- DirectorKeitarô MotonagaStarsMiho ArakawaJohn Eric BentleyJohnny Yong BoschThe DigiDestined have a good time in a theme park without Joe because he wants to study for his exams, while another infected Digimon, Ogremon, attacks Odaiba. Would Joe accept his responsibilities as a DigiDestined before it's too late?Moderately disappointing due to a deliberate pace, which is potentially damaging in a film series, and unsatisfactory character points for Mimi. Joe's matters, however, are vintage "Digimon" material, and the ending is a solid shocker.
- DirectorGareth EdwardsStarsAaron Taylor-JohnsonElizabeth OlsenBryan CranstonThe world is beset by the appearance of monstrous creatures, but one of them may be the only one who can save humanity.Highly anticipated, but underwhelming update for one of the greatest monsters in fiction. Squanders potential for a stand-out human element and suffers from an inappropriate slow-burn approach, which hits its nadir at the end of the Hawaii confrontation. This is one of the few movie moments in recent memory that made me mad. The CG Godzilla is magnificent, though, and the cinematography affirms director Gareth Edwards' talent for impressive sights.