Posted on ANDPOP:
The word sequel sends a shiver down many a spine. Yes, they’re tired, unoriginal — blah, blah, blah. Must we forget all those great sequels? “Sequel” is not a dirty word and, no, we don’t appreciate the collective groan when the term is used — reboot? Maybe.
With that said, so many beloved holiday movies have… not so great sequels. Home Alone 2 is fun and serviceable, but those other ones… let’s just not talk about The Santa Clause 2… or 3, okay?
A sequel can be an opportunity to revisit what you loved about the first movie and allow to to spend some more time with characters you’re already in love with, which is why there are a few holiday classics we’d love to see continued:
Home Alone
SOURCE: Mirror
Look, I like Home Alone 2: Lost In New York. I’ll defend it and the Pigeon Lady; it’s the same movie as the first but set in New York. Plus, you still get to hear Catherine O’Hara scream “KEVIN!” What more do you need? Now, while the initial sequel is fine, the follow ups are not. While I think they’ve drained everything out of the Home Alone franchise they can, what’s more upsetting to most than a sequel is a remake and Home Alone is probably due for one (according to Hollywood, not me). And I’d rather see another sequel to Home Alone than a remake that won’t recapture the magic. Call Culkin back, have him be the dad, lose his kid and we’ve got a story. DON’T STEAL THIS HOLLYWOOD!
Elf
SOURCE: Bustle
There are less and less family oriented, live-action holiday movies getting made and it’s a shame, because they’re almost always huge successes. Elf was massive. Like, HUGE. So, of course, you’d think there would have been a sequel green lit soon after the film’s blockbuster success but – nothing. While I’d love Elf to remain untainted and left alone without a lazy follow-up, I think Will Ferrel should consider getting back into those tights. He’s had some misses as of late and this would be the perfect project for him to spark audience’s interest.
A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas
SOURCE: testmeyouwillfail on Tumblr
A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas is surprising on several levels. One, I never really cared for the Harold and Kumar movies… until they it incorporated Christmas. Like The Night Before, the film works as the rare R-rated Christmas comedy and is totally ridiculous and unapologetic. If the Harold and Kumar franchise were to continue for any reason, I’d like to see a sequel to this as it was the best outing for the pair yet.
Jingle All The Way
SOURCE: Vbloy-bands on Tumblr
This list would not be complete without a little “Ahnahld.: Yes, this Schwarzenegger classic is ridiculous, but in the spirit of Hollywood giving sequels to ‘90s comedies, this one totally fits the bill. It could go anywhere it wanted – have Arnold save Christmas again, make it an action comedy, whatever – we’re in. TURBO TIME. (Please note that Jingle All the Way 2 isn’t related to the original in the slightest, there fore does not count. Sorry Larry The Cable Guy.
Love Actually
SOURCE: Bustle
I don’t care for Love Actually. I don’t get it; it’s too insincere, it’s too sappy and, quite frankly, it’s too much — but, I’m aware I’m on the side that doesn’t enjoy it and there are many of you who do. So, I guess you’d love to reconnect with all these characters once more and see where they’re at. I GUESS.
The Polar Express
SOURCE: Rebloggy
I am a big defender of The Polar Express. Sure, the animation is a little creepy, but the story is super sweet, Tom Hanks does some great voice work and it’s a lot of fun. It has some franchise potential that could expand through the Christmas universe.
The Santa Clause
SOURCE: Bustle
I decided to save this for last. The sequels to The Santa Clause forgot what we loved about the original. They feel hollow and are a bit too big; the first one did so well with a unique, fun Christmas story that was just so sweet. Like, the hell was The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause? No one knows! If done right though, it could take a smaller story – like Scott Calvin/Santa (played by Tim Allen) getting too old for the business and passing it down to his son – and make it nice and sweet like the first. Again, Hollywood, don’t steal my idea.
Read more at ANDPOP.
