Sequel, Part Deux

Right now I’m watching Return to Snowy River, the sequel to The Man from Snowy River. While the first one was good, I was fuming at the end. I’ve been told that this one will make me mad only until about the last fourth of the movie. (sigh) I’m banking on that. Other movie franchises have proved phenomenal, while others should’ve never seen the light of the projector. Karate Kid II…and III come to mind.

So I’m wondering: which movie sequels have you loved? Despised? Do you think it’s always a mistake to try to top a great story, or should a great movie keep the good times rolling with a follow-up?