Why Second Movies are Better Than First or Third Movies

Summary

In this article, we explore why second movies in trilogies or series are often better than first or third movies. We discuss the advantages of not having to focus on origin stories and being able to jump right into the action. We also examine the structure of superhero movies and suggest that Hollywood should stop feeling the need to tie the hero’s origin story into the climactic battle.

Table of Contents

  • Second Movies: The Advantage of Skipping the Origin Story
  • Hollywood Should Only Make Second Movies
  • Superhero Movies: The Hero as Antagonist
  • Conclusion

Second Movies: The Advantage of Skipping the Origin Story

The second movie in a trilogy or series is often the best because it doesn’t have to waste time on the origin story. Instead, it can jump right into the action and focus on character development and plot. This is why movies like The Dark Knight and The Empire Strikes Back are often considered the best in their respective franchises.

In contrast, first movies have to establish the world and introduce the characters, while third movies have to wrap up the story and provide closure. This can lead to a lack of focus and a weaker overall product.

Hollywood Should Only Make Second Movies

Given the advantage of second movies, the speaker suggests that Hollywood should only make second movies and skip the first and third altogether. This may seem extreme, but franchises like James Bond and comic books have been doing this for years with great success.

By skipping the first movie, Hollywood can avoid the pitfalls of exposition and establish a world that the audience is already familiar with. And by skipping the third movie, Hollywood can avoid the pressure to wrap up the story and provide closure, which can often lead to unsatisfying endings.

Superhero Movies: The Hero as Antagonist

The speaker also discusses the structure of superhero movies, where the hero is actually the antagonist from a storytelling perspective. This is because the hero’s actions often lead to the villain’s emergence and subsequent attacks.

However, Hollywood has a tendency to tie the hero’s origin story into the climactic battle, which can lead to a lack of focus and an unsatisfying resolution. The speaker suggests that Hollywood should stop feeling the need to do this and instead focus on the hero’s character development and the villain’s motivations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, second movies in trilogies or series are often better than first or third movies because they don’t have to focus on origin stories and can jump right into the action. Hollywood should consider making more second movies and skipping the first and third altogether. Additionally, Hollywood should stop feeling the need to tie the hero’s origin story into the climactic battle and instead focus on character development and plot.

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