Ten franchises where the third film is better than the second
Nathan Swank
May 23rd, 2013
5. HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN – This is probably the most drastic matchup on the list as I found HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS to be the worst of the series, while Alfonso Cuaron’s HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN is among the best, properly balancing the darker tones with the youthful appeal. Even the young actors have credit that film and his direction as a turning point in their own performances.
4. IRON MAN 3 – Yeah, I’m serious. The most recent IRON MAN entry was not only funny but also dark, focusing on Robert Downey Jr.’s brilliant Tony Stark as a person struggling internally after his near death experience fighting out of this world creatures in THE AVENGERS . The film isn’t without its flaws but when you compare it to other thirds, all of a sudden it looks way better than it probably deserves. The recent release of IRON MAN 3 and HANGOVER 3 are the main inspiration behind this this list as their sequels were brutally bad and forgettable. The 3rd films are clearly trying to right that ship. Unfortunately, HANGOVER 3 wasn’t as successful as IRON MAN 3.
3. DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE – Admittedly pretty silly but still a lot of fun, the third Die Hard film is where the series should have ended. Bruce Willis is back as John McClane, once again the reluctant hero who is having a very bad day. This time he’s paired up with a wise crackin’ pawn shop owner from Harlem played by Samuel L. Jackson who doesn’t trust the white man. They are running around New York City on a wild goose chase, solving puzzles and preventing bombs set by the wonderfully wicked Simon Gruber played to perfection by Jeremy Irons. While none come close to possibly the greatest action film of all time in the original, this was the perfect dose of energy the series needed after the OK but somewhat repetitive sequel.
2. BOURNE ULTIMATUM – I struggled heavily with this one being number one, so keep that in mind as it stands here narrowly missing the top spot. The Bourne films are that very rare phenomenon where I believe each one gets a little bit better. Ultimatum takes everything we know about the character and improves with a more exciting story, better action and a character that comes full circle thanks to an amazing understated performance from Matt Damon.
1. INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE – Indy is back as the poster child for how to do an adventure film. The chases are exhilarating, creative and non-stop. By boat, plane, motorcycle, horse and tank, Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones does it all and is the quintessential action hero. Combining humor and excitement, this adventure finds Indy paired up with his father played wonderfully by Sean Connery adding a dynamic and funny father/son relationship as they travel through Nazi, Germany to find the Holy Grail.
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