DAILY DIRT: Sometimes, the sequels are better than the originals

Daily Dirt for Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025

Although I did not rank the sequels, if I was forced, I’d probably take “From Russia With Love” as my favorite. Not only was it a quality film and established James Bond as an iconic film character, but opened door for decades of related spy movies and TV programs … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,187 of The Daily Dirt.

1. It’s not often that the sequel to a hit movie winds up becoming the eventual cornerstone of a franchise.

Today we’ll examine seven such cases.

The following films taught us more about the principal characters through detailed and convincing storylines, provided even more daunting situations for our hero(es) to escape from and/or learned how to better inject a bit more humor when needed.

These are my favorite sequels, listed by order of release:

“Top Gun: Maverick” (2022)

Almost from the opening credits, this Tom Cruise masterpiece felt like a throwback to the blockbusters of yesteryear. The original “Maverick” was a 1986 classic, but this film surpassed its predecessor with they way it portrayed Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell as an aging — yet competent — hero.

“Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)

There has always been a discussion centered around whether this post-apocalyptic film, which followed the introductory 1979 and 1981 “Road Warrior” flicks was a sequel or a reboot. Personally, I don’t care. It was simply a great movie. Charlize Theron was the showstopper in this effort that won six Oscars and was nominated for Best Picture.

“The Dark Knight” (2008)

What a magnificent film. Christian Bale, the finest Batman ever to reach the silver screen, coupled with the jaw-dropping performance of the late Heath Ledger as The Joker, earn “The Dark Knight” a special place in any movie-related Hall of Fame.

“The Bourne Ultimatum” (2007)

There have been five “Bourne” movies, and all have showcased heart-pounding storylines. In this particular entry, which is basically a two-hour chase scene, Matt Damon — a.k.a. Jason Bourne — was never better. None of the films in the series was ever lacking for action or intrigue.

“Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991)

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator morphed into a “good guy,” and coupled with the special effects (which were magnificent for 34 years ago), this film cemented its position as one of the most entertaining science fiction films ever. Hats off, too, for the performance of Linda Hamilton.

“Dawn of the Dead” (1979)

Lost on some is the social commentary of this horror classic, which is understandable considering the amount of screen time the flesh-eating zombies received. The late film critic, Roger Ebert, once wrote of the movie, “How can I defend this depraved trash? I do not defend it. I praise it.”

“From Russia With Love” (1964)

The second film in the James Bond progression remains to this today one of finest in the long and storied history of 007. Not only did it elevate the series following a rather clunky “Dr. No” debut, it established Bond as one of the most likable heroes in cinematic history.

2. Did you know (Part 260)

• That the thong accounts for 25 percent of the women’s underwear market.
• That it takes an average of 364 licks to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. 
• That goat meat is the most consumed meat in the world.
• That the word “OK” is the most frequently used word on the planet.
• That your eyes blink about 20 times per minute.

3. OK, it’s time to feel old(er) today.

The following songs are turning 40 this year:

• “The Power of Love,” by Huey Lewis and the News.
• “Never,” by Heart.
• “Saving All My Love,” by Whitney Houston.
• “Raspberry Beret,” by Prince.
• “Into the Groove,” by Madonna.
• “Addicted to Love,” by Robert Palmer.
• “Your Love,” by the Outfield.
• “Money for Nothing,” by Dire Straits.
• “All I Need is a Miracle,” by Mike + the Mechanics.
• “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” by Simple Minds.
• “We Are the World,” by USA for Africa.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — At this writing, highest-priced seats at the Super Bowl are currently going for as much as $56,409. Ummm … no thanks.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Imagine how much they would be if the Browns ever made the Super Bowl.