Gauging interest on IJ4 based on comeback sequels...

[Grizzlor]

Sequels of long-past movies or movie sequels seem to be on the rise lately. What do their successes, or lack thereof, hold in store for Indiana Jones IV? These are very different from remakes, because you are using the same actors in the old roles.

Some I would think about would be Terminator 3 (13 years), Rocky 6 (16 years), Die Hard 4 (12 years), the repeated Highlander sequels, Godfather 3, and some others which could happen including Rambo 4, Mad Max 4, and even Police Academy 8.

Thoughts?

[ClintonHammond]

"Terminator 3, Rocky 6, Die Hard 4, the repeated Highlander sequels, Godfather 3"

The record shows the vast majority to be steaming piles of watery skite.... why think that Indy 4 will be any different?

[Moedred]

Reminds me of a line from the article, Indiana Jones and the Impossible Sequel:
http://www.filmthreat.com/index.php?section=features&Id=297
"Indiana Jones IV is going to have to be better than the three films combined without looking as though it's trying to be better than the preceding chapters, and I mean trying in an ironic, referential and self-aware kind of way -- like the soft-cock and familial Lethal Weapon 4, which tried to tie up the entire Lethal Weapon series with a neat little bow, and failed."

[Paden]

Agreed. At this point, expectations are probably going to do nothing but dampen moviegoers' experience when Indy IV finally reaches theatres. Had Indy IV been announced, filmed and distributed in a timely manner, I think that it still would have fallen short of some expectations, simply because it is a new chapter in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest series of adventure films ever put on screen. Any kind of follow up to what is considered a set of film classics is bound to miss the expectations of fans, both casual and die hard, that have fond memories of the earlier installments.

Nonetheless, a quickly produced Indy IV would have fared better than the film being made under the current conditions. The on again/off again "It's being made this time...Not!" that has plagued the production for years has been a rollercoaster with regard to film lovers' anticipation. At this point, there will be an emotional surge that accompanies the simple announcement that the movie is actually being filmed. With the build up that has come along with multiple false starts and script revisions, the expectations have reached a level that the movie, no matter how high quality it turns out to be, will never be able to match. Honestly, I wish that a new installment, if it was on the minds of Lucas and company, had been filmed years ago.

Or maybe I'm just being cynical. :) But I just can't see how it will ever live up to what has come before.

[IndyBuff]

As Paden and temple of john already mentioned, I think expectations have been set to a level that may be unreachable. The fact that the film has been delayed time and time again doesn't bode well either. I'm glad that Lucas and Spielberg are taking their time and really want this film to be great. However, after nearly 20 years one can't help but wonder if they're still trying or simply making excuses. Lucas had the time to make three new Star Wars films and Spielberg took on countless other projects. Ford also made many films and managed to stay in great shape. I don't understand why they couldn't make at least one or two Indy films during that time. The longer they wait, the more I think it may hurt the film.

The film also has to be great and I think the producers know it. Each Indy film managed to bring something different to the series while still retaining the classic feel and style of the series. Raiders was revolutionary and helped pave the way for more adventure films; it also introduced us to Indiana Jones. Temple of Doom was darker and put Indy in a much different situation than the previous film, yet it still managed to deliver the action and excitement of the previous film (in my opinion anway, although I know a lot of fans and critics are split over that film). Last Crusade introduced us to Indy's dad and some of his past while allowing the Nazi's and other familiar elements to return. I love all three dearly and I think Indy IV will have to retain some of these features while also being original and fresh. They did it three times before and I'm hoping they have it in them at least one more time.

With all of the remakes and predictable sequels being released, I think the timing for Indy IV is perfect. People love this series and it's time for Hollywood to be reminded how action/adventure movies should be made. At this point, however, I'm thinking we may be lucky to see the film at all.

[Grizzlor]

Given the long period of time between sequels I had mentioned, would you say that such a long time simply has caused people to forget the old films? I think that could be the case in some sequels, largely when the actors have gotten too old and have probably made one too many sequels (Lethel Weapon, Star Trek, Alien, etc.). I think films like the Godfather, Star Wars, and then the whole other grouping called flat out remakes, have the hype and fan interest going, but often disappoint. But usually that is due to expectations, although often the films are just not that good too.

[roundshort]

The Indy movies are different. The polts were not some huge elborate sci-fi thing, not a ton of cgi effects, just very simple action movies, done very well. If the stories, acting, action, and filim-making can stay fresh, they should never get old, look at James Bond. Not all Bond movies are great, hell some suck, but then out of the blue you get a killer one.
They kept it simple, and that pays dividends, the intrest will be there, now if Lucas dosn't kill it!

[ClintonHammond]

"The polts were not some huge elborate sci-fi thing, not a ton of cgi effects"
Same with Rocky 6, Hie Hard4, and Godfather3.... and they still blew.....

"The Indy movies are different."
Only to die-hard fans like us....

"look at James Bond"
To quote Sean Connery "I hate that James Bond Guy. I'd like to break his neck."

[roundshort]

"The polts were not some huge elborate sci-fi thing, not a ton of cgi effects"
Same with Rocky 6, Hie Hard4, and Godfather3.... and they still blew.....

"The Indy movies are different."
Only to die-hard fans like us....

"look at James Bond"
To quote Sean Connery "I hate that James Bond Guy. I'd like to break his neck."

typical .

[roto13]

My expectations are low, sadly. It'll probably end up being like the Star Wars prequels. Really bad, but everyone feels obligated to see it anyway.

Of course, one major difference is that Indy will still be Harrison Ford, instead of a completely different person. Unlike Darth Vader and his three (or whatever) different actors. >_>

[ClintonHammond]

"It'll probably end up being like the Star Wars prequels."

Skite.. I'd like to hope it wasn't THAT bad!

[Moedred]

Here's another character you could easily transplant to another decade: Grease 3. Travolta dancing in the 70's. Add good songs and a teenage daughter, automatic hit... if they actually did it.

Okay, what's the most distant live-action theatrical sequel?
"Carrie" and "Carrie 2" ties with "Psycho" and "Psycho II" - 23 years.
"Shaft in Africa" and "Shaft" - 27 years.
"Odd Couple" and "Odd Couple II" - 30 years.
"Wizard of Oz" and "Return to Oz" - 46 years.
"Peter Pan" (1924) and "Hook" - 67 years.
Beat that! (No, not you, Mr. Lucas.)

[IndyBuff]

Given the long period of time between sequels I had mentioned, would you say that such a long time simply has caused people to forget the old films? I think that could be the case in some sequels, largely when the actors have gotten too old and have probably made one too many sequels (Lethel Weapon, Star Trek, Alien, etc.). I think films like the Godfather, Star Wars, and then the whole other grouping called flat out remakes, have the hype and fan interest going, but often disappoint. But usually that is due to expectations, although often the films are just not that good too.

I think that rings true in many film series. However, I think Indy is different because people still seem interested. The films are still popular and there's all kinds of speculation surrounding Indy IV. I think the fandom and interest is still very strong (look at all of us here, for example) and now's the perfect time for another Indy film. People really seem to want one and I think the producers know it.