What is a threequel?
- the third film, book, etc. in a series; a second sequel
Its often the case that the third installments end up being the weakest in a trilogy/step down from the predecessor. However, this isn't always the case -- but even when it is, threequels can still be excellent. So I've decided to write about my top threequels. Without further ado:
10) Toy Story 3 (2010)
The toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home.
Arguably the strongest in the quadrilogy, Toy Story 3 succeeds as an emotional heartfelt story. There's so much love and care put into this film. The voice acting is excellent, the villain is sympathetic yet not overbearing and the ending is highly emotional. Unfortunately, the 4th entry retroactively lessens this film a bit:
9) Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade (1989)
In 1938, after his father Professor Henry Jones, Sr. goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Professor Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. finds himself up against Adolf Hitler's Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers
While not as dazzling as Raiders of The Lost Ark, The Last Crusade still far exceeds its predecessor Temple of Doom. The mystery surrounding the holy grail is much more captivating than its predecessor's plot, the action is bombastic and it goes without saying that Sean Connery is a welcome addition to the franchise (especially given that Indiana Jones was inspired by James Bond). Connery and Ford have real chemistry, which makes for a fun and memorable adventure.
8) Before Midnight (2013)
We meet Jesse and Celine nine years on in Greece. Almost two decades have passed since their first meeting on that train bound for Vienna.
The closing entry in Richard Linklater's amazing Before trilogy, Before Midnight nicely wraps up Jesse and Celine's trilogy. I really admire this trilogy of films -- compared to other romance films, this trilogy has dialogue which feels realistic. Even the way its filmed is anti-cinematic, like you're actually following these characters on their journey. There's just something very earnest and real about Linklater's films, and this is no exception. It is worth mentioning that the two previous entries Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, were filmed a decade apart (in 1995 and 2004 respectively). It makes it feel more authentic and earned.
7) Skyfall (2012)
James Bond's loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. When MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.
The strongest of Craig's Bond films, Skyfall is Craig at his absolute best. While Quantum of Solace was a misstep, Skyfall is a complete win. In many ways, I think this is the quissential Bond film -- it combines everything that I loved about Casino Royale (the smaller stakes plot, real world allegories to post 9/11 terror, more stripped down characters and brutal action) with the ingredients of classic Bond (the awe inspiring opening song by Adele, the restrained quips, occasional gadgets, classic cars and super evil villain). Framing Bond as an ageing past-his-best operative works better for Craig here, and boy does Craig kill it. Javier Bordem's portrayal as Silva may be the best in any Bond film. And visually, the film is beautiful -- it really set the bar for the franchise.
6) The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Jason Bourne dodges a ruthless C.I.A. official and his Agents from a new assassination program while searching for the origins of his life as a trained killer.
Without Bourne, there would be no Casino Royale. The Bourne films set the standard for 21st century action films. They examine the fears of a post-9/11 society in a very mature and engaging way. The action is choppy and utilizes shaky cam, but here it works. Its almost documentary style in its effect. It grounds Jason Bourne as someone who feels like he could actually exist in the real world. This film is a thrill ride from start to finish and brings Bourne's story to a natural close.
5) The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Eight years after the Joker's reign of anarchy, Batman, with the help of the enigmatic Catwoman, is forced from his exile to save Gotham City from the brutal guerrilla terrorist Bane.
While it may be the weakest entry into Christopher Nolan's excellent Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises nonetheless excels as an emotional and ambitious conclusion to Bruce Wayne's journey. This film has its flaws, but it makes up for it in sheer emotion. Nolan crafts a sense of spectacle that at times, even exceeds The Dark Knight -- if Batman Begins was about fear and The Dark Knight was about chaos, then The Dark Knight Rises is about pain. That pain is explored not only emotionally but also physically, in the form of Tom Hardy's Bane. Hardy portrays the character well, with restraint and conviction. He may not reach the heights of Heath Ledger's Joker, but he completely commands the screen whenever he appears. Overall, I do like this film a lot and think its only become more relevant as the years have went by.
4) Star Wars Episode VI: Return of The Jedi (1983)
After a daring mission to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebels dispatch to Endor to destroy the second Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side without falling into the Emperor's trap.
I may be controversial here, but this is my favourite Star Wars film. Yes its not as tightly written as Empire Strikes Back, but it makes up for that with its sheer heart and emotion. Mark Hamill's portrayal of Luke Skywalker is one for the ages. He's able to simultaneously portay the character with compassion, fear, rage, vulnerability and a sense of cautious optimism and make it feel completely believable. Luke's growth from ESB is evident from the opening scene, and it never feels jarring. The throne room sequence stands as the best sequence in the entire franchise. From the way its shot to the lighting to that haunting Jedi's Fury track. Return of The Jedi successfully combines the whismical adventure of A New Hope with the darkness of The Empire Strikes Back. The end result is an immensely satisfying end to one of the greatest trilogies ever.
3) The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966)
A bounty hunting scam joins two men in an uneasy alliance against a third in a race to find a fortune in gold buried in a remote cemetery.
The final installment in Sergio Leonne's Dollars trilogy, this film is technically a prequel. It doesn't concern itself with contuinity (e.g. Lee Van Cleef plays the villain here, but played a good guy in the predecessor), but that's fine. This film is arguably the quissential western -- it has everything. Epic and sweeping cinematography that is bolstered by use of wide shots, memorable closeups, witty one liners, memorable characters and an incredible soundtrack. The influence of this film reaches out to other genres too. Without it, we wouldn't have Star Wars, Halo or Stephen King's Dark Tower series.
2) Lord of The Rings: Return of The King (2003)
Gandalf and Aragorn lead the World of Men against Sauron's army to draw his gaze from Frodo and Sam as they approach Mount Doom with the One Ring.
This film is wholly deserving of its praise. Its a reminder and testament to what the medium film is capable of. I can't praise it enough really. It conveys a sense of scale that no other film has ever captured, and this extends to Star Wars and MCU. Its a true epic that is able to balance intimate character moments against the backdrop of so much more.
1) Halo 3 (2007)
Master Chief and the Arbiter must join together to attack the Covenant and destroy the Flood.
Halo 3's story is one for the ages -- it concludes one of the best gaming trilogies in epic and satisfying manner. Its an incredibly difficult task to top Halo 2's story, and in some ways, it doesn't. But nonetheless, its still a gripping and poigant action adventure which reminds me of everything I love about gaming. Yes I'm being nostalgic and biased to a degree here, but I truly do this this is a great game. The story is able to successfully juggle action, adventure, horror and drama into a singular satisfying narrative. The original Halo trilogy to me, is the greatest trilogy ever -- and Halo 3 stands as the best of them all.
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