Going back to the movies
WalkinradioAs you no doubt have heard by now two beloved comedies are being made into sequels. Anchorman 2 and Dumb and Dumber 2 have both been green-lit and should be gracing the silver screen in a few years.
When I first saw Ron Burgundy on Conan last week I was elated. Anchorman is my generation’s best comedy. I was thrilled to see that it was coming back. Then a few days later, I read that Dumb and Dumber was coming back and that both Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels had signed on. Again I had the same feeling. I thought whatever summer both of these movies comes out is going to be a fantastic time for movies.
That won’t be the case.
That awesome feeling I had is gone. After having some time to think about it I realized that both of these movies will probably make a ton of money in the box office but won’t measure up to the originals. How could they? Anchorman and Dumb and Dumber are two of the most quoted movies ever! There’s no way a sequel will hold up. We’re talking about two movies that were instant classics.
It would be one thing to make a sequel of Pineapple Express or Starsky and Hutch, two movies that were both funny but not significant. Nobody is going to care too much if you ruin those movies with a sub-par sequel. So help me God, if these movies tarnish the originals, I’ll go to Paramount and New Line Cinema myself and piss on the gate.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m planning on seeing both of these movies on opening weekend. There are going to be moments when I’m rolling on the floor laughing too I’m sure. But when it’s over and everyone is filing out, you bet your ass nearly everyone will look over to his or her friend and say, “The first one was funnier”.
This is just another way for Hollywood to remain safe. Who isn’t going to see these two flicks? Nobody. I guarantee you that on its opening weekend; Achorman 2 will set a domestic record for a comedy in and opening weekend. It’s a lock. Who isn’t going to throw money at making that movie? There are going to be cameos and call backs and you better believe that there will be a third one made eventually too because if people will go see the first two they will damn sure go see a third (not the case with Dumb and Dumber, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels won’t be coming back. We’re more likely to see a third Ace Ventura than D&D).
Like I said I can’t wait to see these two movies, but deep down I know they’re just going to fuck it up.
-Jeff Kahn
Reader Comments (2)
Mr. Walk In Radio,
Do you really think that the entire cast of both films would come back on a script or concept that was going to fuck up their legacy? I don't necessarily think so. I think you're right in the sense that a studio is going to see dollar signs all over the franchise. They might pander to their audience a bit. But which audience? Is it going to be directed toward the original viewer coming back 10 years later to see the second Dumb and Dumber, or is it going to be the thirteen year old kid seeing the Dumb and Dumber characters for the first time? I'm interested to see how the studio plays here, because if they do see dollar signs its going to be directed to that thirteen year old kid (more DVD sales), and that would just fuck everything up. If it is a true sequel, AKA if LMFAO doesn't make a cameo or something fucking dumb, and they stay within the same vein of comedy, then I believe its the right choice.
Beyond any studio influence, when you look at the comedic style of both Will Farrell and Jim Carrey, they frequently go off book and add certain sensibilities to their characters that add more to the film's comedic value than any script. So I would reserve your opinions until you see a trailer.
I'm excited. Don't you go and ruin this for me.
Mr. Matt,
Do I think these people would sign on to a project that could ruin their reputation? Absolutely. They all did it on the Hangover 2 didn't they? As for who the movies will be targeting, as far as dumb and dumber goes, they'll have to target the teen market and pander to them which is why between these two movies I'd have to say it is the one most likely to be the worst. The movie is too old and too much of a cult movie that they'll have to make it enjoyable for people watching at the age of 15 for the first time.
Anchorman is fresh, they don't need to target the young kids as much because enough 20 somethings will not only watch it, but blog about it, talk about it, and rant about it that the teens are going to see it anyway. Plus I'd be willing to bet that most kids 13-18 have seen and loved the original
As far as Farrell and Carrey's comedic style I 100% agree that they're at they're best when they're off book. Anchorman 2 will be funnier because Farrell is still on top of his game. Carrey, I'm sad to say is not. He hasn't been since Liar Liar in fact. He is funny yes, but I get the sense that he's gone from PG 13 funny to PG funny. That's not going to work in a Dumb and Dumber sequel.
Will I hold off judgement until I watch them both? Yes, but at the end of the day I have a blog to keep up with and it's what's on my mind now.