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Introduction: Three Times

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Film Trilogies

Abstract

In one of the most self-reflexive moments of Scream 2 (Wes Craven, 1998), a group of college students in a cinema studies seminar discusses the merits of sequels. Randy (Jamie Kennedy) — the “movie geek” of Scream (Wes Craven, 1996) — asserts that “sequels suck” and “by definition alone are inferior films,” only to be contradicted by classmates who claim that many sequels have surpassed their originals — Aliens (James Cameron, 1986), Terminator 2 (James Cameron, 1991) and House II: The Second Story (Ethan Wiley, 1987) are all offered up as examples.1 At a sorority party that evening, another film student — Mickey (Timothy Olypant), a character who is eventually revealed as one of Scream 2’s killers — continues the conversation: passing Randy, he bluntly nominates The Empire Strikes Back (Irvin Kershner, 1980), claiming, “better story, improved effects.” Randy’s retort is automatic: “Not a sequel. Part of a trilogy. Completely planned.”

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Authors
  1. Claire Perkins
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  2. Constantine Verevis
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Monash University, Australia

    Claire Perkins (Assistant Lecturer) & Constantine Verevis (Senior Lecturer) (Assistant Lecturer) &  (Senior Lecturer)

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© 2012 Claire Perkins and Constantine Verevis

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Perkins, C., Verevis, C. (2012). Introduction: Three Times. In: Perkins, C., Verevis, C. (eds) Film Trilogies. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230371972_1

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