Access Atlanta > Movies > Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 25 > Entry
It’s a rare trilogy that impresses across the board
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dear Mr. Smithee,
My family and I recently saw “Spider-Man 3” and were very impressed. We know that critics usually and rightly dish out bad reviews on the third part of any trilogy. Could you please recommend other trilogies that we could watch that are as good as the “Spider-Man” set?
BRIDGETTE DENNIS, Hoschton
Dear Think Again,
I understand your point of view because I did sit through “The Godfather, Part III,” which, compared with its wondrous predecessors, was an offer anyone should refuse.
Many trilogies do have problems. Like “The Matrix” (after a great opening film it got dumber as it got more convoluted). And “Mission: Impossible” (a series that has yet to work but oddly has actually improved despite the overenergetic Tom Cruise). And “Shrek” (I grant anyone the right to adore this bombast, but that also means I personally don’t have to like it).
“The Terminator” is great. The sequel also great. The next sequel merely so-so. Same for “Scream” and “Mad Max” and their spawn.
Now Bridgette, you, my dear, have not granted me specific knowledge of your family’s ages or family rules about PG-13 and R movies or other details.
But, being me, I will speak on various levels about trilogies.
The best trilogy - without question - is “The Lord of the Rings” movies. Watch the extended versions on DVD.
My once wee sons, D.W. and Cecil B., would insist you watch the “Back to the Future” films.
More definitely, you should partake of the entire “Pirates of the Caribbean” series (as if you already don’t). And there is no excuse for missing out on the three “Naked Gun” movies. Leslie Nielsen, thy performances equate genius.
And especially since this day marks the 30th anniversary of “Star Wars,” I would be remiss not to recommend the excellent original trilogy. (Of special note: I even like the Ewoks.)
Know that I tired of “Austin Powers” after the first film, that there are elements of Ice Cube’s “Friday” movies that make me laugh and occasions when I can eke some minimal value out of the “X-Men” films.
That said, I’d also like to mention a few wonderful trilogies that I’m not confident your family would enjoy. You did indicate “Spidey” left you and yours “very impressed.” Personally, I think it about ran out of gas.
Anyway, these trilogies are for older, more mature audiences. I like them mucho: Clint Eastwood’s spaghetti Westerns (“A Fistful of Dollars,” “For a Few Dollars More” and “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”), Park Chan-wook’s vengeance series (“Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance,” “Oldboy” and “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance”), Nicolas Winding Refn’s violence-laden “Pusher” films, and the “Evil Dead” movies (including “Army of Darkness”).
I also have a few recommendations for art film trilogies, including the late Krzysztof Kieslowski’s “Red,” “White” and “Blue”; Godfrey Reggio’s “Koyaanisqatsi,” “Powaqqatsi” and “Naqoyqatsi”; Satyajit Ray’s “Apu” trilogy; Deepa Mehta’s “Fire,” “Earth” and “Water”; and Lars von Trier’s experimental “The Element of Crime,” “Epidemic” and “Europa.”
ALAN
P.S. You get a “Norbit” pool inner tube and an “Ask Alan Smithee” T-shirt.
Dear Mr. Smithee,
I just read that Cameron Diaz earns eight figures for providing the voice for Fiona in the “Shrek” movies. I find this absolutely absurd … who is supposed to care that Cameron Diaz is the voice of Fiona? Do you think that it is necessary to have “stars” provide the voices in animated films aimed for a youth audience? I’m sure the kids don’t care.
MARI-ANN WISE, Gainesville
Dear Au Contraire,
Clearly you know nothing of how the biz works in Hollywood.
If someone we had never heard of voiced the role of Fiona, then who would have walked the red carpet at Cannes for the first film’s unveiling? Who would be on the cover of glossy magazines for interviews revealing nothing of importance? Who, pray tell, would have helped lure her pop-idol boyfriend into the third film only to have their relationship sour so they both have to show up at the premiere unattached to each other, which creates only more gossipy interest?
So, you tell me, Mari-Ann.
You tell me why a studio should be more concerned about its story than with that story’s expensive marketing plan.
Besides, I’ve seen “Shrek the Third.” And to be truthful, Diaz probably does the best job of all involved anyway.
ALAN
P.S. You get a “Transformers” T-shirt and an “Ask Alan Smithee” T-shirt.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: Alan Smithee
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By Paula
May 25, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
Dear Mr. Smithee, you left out some Disney trilogys, but maybe that was on purpose. Cinderella, Aladin, 101 Dalmations, and The Santa Clause. Paula
By Paula
May 25, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
Dear Mr. Smithee, you left out some Disney trilogys, but maybe that was on purpose. Cinderella, Aladin, 101 Dalmations, Lion King, and The Santa Clause. Paula
By Paula
May 25, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
Dear Mr. Smithee, you left out some Disney trilogys, but maybe that was on purpose. Cinderella, Aladin, 101 Dalmations, Lion King, and The Santa Clause. Paula
By fiona
May 28, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this
Quote: “And “Mission: Impossible” (a series that has yet to work but oddly has actually improved despite the overenergetic Tom Cruise).”
What a lame comment, media are really poor sheeps.
You should have said THANKS TO TOM CRUISE
PAY TRIBUTE. DONT BE A FAKE CELEB CRAZY GOSSIPER JOURNALIST.
American medias are lost.
By Jeymefrw
May 30, 2007 4:03 AM | Link to this
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