We all know there’s a special place in Hollywood hell for film producers who make half-assed sequels to films we freakin’ love just to make a few bucks. The majority of the time, these sequels don’t live up to the genius of the original and they crash and burn.
Either the sequels make their debut too soon or the trailer fails to spark interest or they’re just plain bad.
But, when done correctly, sequels deliver more of the goodness of the original.
Related: 13 old school war movies every young trooper needs to watch
So, check out these five military movies that we think deserve a sequel — and why.
5. Fury
Actually, we think this film deserves a prequel.
Remember when War Daddy jumps out of a tank and kills that German soldier riding a white horse? Well, that opening scene takes place in the ruins of what appears to have been an epic battle. We also learn that a member of the crew fell in battle, but we don’t get much more information than that.
We think it’d be cool to see a full-length feature film of Fury’s crew rolling into battle for the first time.
4. The Hurt Locker
Now, we know this film doesn’t deliver the most authentic military experience, but the film does end with Ssgt. William James walking toward another bomb threat as he begins yet another deployment. A sequel may not win any more Oscars, but it could be good if they aim for a little more realism (for example, this time maybe don’t pull on the command wire of a rigged daisy chain of IEDs).
3. In The Army Now
In The Army Now features Pauly Shore as Bones, a complete slacker and electronics salesman who gets fired from his job and joins the United States Army Reserve with his buddy, specializing in water purification. Hilarity ensues as they find themselves in combat, eventually save the day, and go home just to open an electronics store.
We’re hoping that one day those reservists from Glendale, Ca. will get called back into action — to filter more water.
2. A Few Good Men
In A Few Good Men, Nicholson drops perhaps one of the best lines ever delivered,
“You can’t handle the truth!”
This film shocked audiences and introduced us to the notion of “code red.” Now, we’re positive that Lt. Kaffee didn’t get out of the Navy right after getting his two Marine clients off the hook, so having him take on another case could be pretty exciting to watch if done right.
Also Read: 5 more military myths that Hollywood swears are true
1. Heartbreak Ridge
Gunny Thomas Highway is the sh*t! Unfortunately, audiences have only caught the tail end of his combat-decorated career. There’s definitely room for more of his story to be told, and we think he deserves a prequel that shows his badass backstory.
Bonus: Jarhead
Only kidding. They’ve made way too many of these suckers already.
Have others in mind? Let us know in the comments.