For my third column I thought it’d be cool to honor the trilogy. As a film geek, I thrive on trilogies. It’s fitting that in 2003 we had some significant trilogy moments – the release of the two “Matrix” sequels, and the “Return of the King” in theatres. Not enough? How about “Scary Movie 3,” “American Wedding” and, of course, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico?” Also, let us not forget the DVD release of what is arguably one of the best movie trilogies of all time, “Indiana Jones.”
There seems to be a few different trends in trilogies. Mostly the differences come into play during the second and third movie; I imagine because the first movies usually have to stand alone to justify making two more. Often, the second movie flows into the third movie, as in “The Matrix,” “Back to the Future” and the original “Star Wars.” Another way to go is to take the second movie to an entirely different setting, but then for the third movie to bring it back to its roots, like in “Indiana Jones” and “The Karate Kid.” Then, of course, there are the movies that aren’t really connected in a linear way at all, like the “El Mariachi” movies. Each a stand-alone movie, simply containing a consistent character, much like the “Man without a Name” movies of Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood.
Because I love making lists, I thought it would be kind of fun to list off my own particular favorite trilogies in no particular order:
“Lord of the Rings:” (Of course I’m going to pick “Lord of the Rings.”) It’s epic filmmaking at its best. Peter Jackson has my undying respect for the heart and soul he put into these movies. And he used scale models for the city of Minas Tirith, showing that just because you can use CGI, doesn’t mean you have to for everything. A lesson he could teach George Lucas about the “Star Wars” prequels.
“Indiana Jones:” Speaking of George Lucas, thank God Lucasarts finally got together and brought the Indiana Jones movies out on DVD. Out of all the movies directed by Steven Spielberg, these are easily the most fun. Besides the great action and special effects, they’re great in that they don’t take themselves seriously poking fun at the adventure film genre. And you have to love “Temple of Doom,” a movie where someone in a creative meeting said, “Hey, why not add a wisecracking Asian kid?” and someone else said, “I like the way you think.” Short Round was wrong about one thing though – there’s plenty of time for love, Dr. Jones.
“Evil Dead:” Talk about a series of movies that don’t take themselves seriously. Sam Raimi went so far as to open each movie with a flashback that conflicted with what actually happened in the one before. Yet at the same time, there was an effort with the makeup to keep Bruce Campbell’s scars consistent through all three movies. This paradox of continuity is exactly why this series rocks hardcore. Hail to the king, baby.
“Star Wars:” Look, I’m a geek, OK? I admit it, and as a geek I am contractually required to like the original “Star Wars” trilogy. Even though I know now that what I love about them can mostly be chalked up to nostalgia for my childlike wonder when I first saw the battle of Hoth or Luke blasting the death star. And Yoda, come on, who doesn’t love Yoda? Fools, that’s who. I’m so sure the writing kind of sucks at times and sure it doesn’t make sense that Leia has somehow always known Luke was her brother. Yet I didn’t mind that somewhat inappropriate kiss in Empire.
Worst Trilogy? “The Matrix:” Seriously, I loved the first one, but “Reloaded” and “Revolutions” sucked, hardcore – bad movies, terrible dialogue and action sequences that went way too long. And seriously, the final battle between Smith and Neo didn’t compare to the subway fight scene in the first movie. There is such a thing as too many shockwaves.
But there are more trilogies to come, this year alone we’re going to get the “Chronicles of Riddick,” the first in a planned trilogy based on Vin Diesel’s character from “Pitch Black,” and also “Blade 3.” I feel glad to briefly have a trilogy of my own, but like the” Indiana Jones” movies, for which a fourth is in production, my moment of three has come to an end.
Ryan Silverman is a senior in English. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].
