Many believe “Blade Runner 2049” is a much better film than the original, 1982 “Blade Runner”. I liked the first “BR”, but you can’t deny the story and character improvements in the long-awaited sequel. Here are some other recent sequels I think are better than their first chapters (Note: Strictly comparing the first and second installments of franchises):
Slightly Better Than The Original
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014) – 2011’s “Captain America: The First Avenger” was a fun summer blockbuster. “The Winter Soldier” elevated the capabilities of this series with an effective dramatic turn.
“Despicable Me 2” (2013) – The first “Despicable Me” has so much heart, and this sequel packs much of that in, too – along with “Happy” and a hysterical Minions finale.
“Star Trek Into Darkness” (2013) – I called it a near-masterpiece when I saw it, and I stand by that statement – unpredictable and genuinely emotional… and I also really liked the first one.
Noticeably Better Than The Original
“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (2014) – My favorite “Apes” of the trilogy features heart-pounding action – something almost completely missing from 2011’s “Rise”.
“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (2013) – The first “Hunger Games” worked, but this sequel has much more engaging elements.
“Pitch Perfect 2” (2015) – Elizabeth Banks jumped in the director’s chair, and I credit her for including some smart elements, including a memorable Snoop Dogg cameo in one of my favorite scenes in any movie that year.
“Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” (2011) – I liked the first “Sherlock”, but Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law’s chemistry is even better in the fast, slick second chapter.
“Ted 2” (2015) – Seth MacFarlane did a nice job with the first “Ted” – but “Ted 2” makes me laugh constantly from beginning to end, something few other comedies I’ve seen have done.
Much Better Than The Original
“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (2014) – From Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone’s performances to the multi-layered script
“Planes: Fire & Rescue” (2014) – Some touching moments with a more grounded story
“The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2015) – Maggie Smith earned an LCJ Movie Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in this moving, surprisingly raw all-star sequel.