Fun loving movie geek Randy Meeks had once so eloquently stated in Scream 2 that by definition alone, sequels are inferior films.  Though he had a point, bad sequels have never deterred eager movie goers from wasting their money and time in line-ups to see them at the movie theatres.

Like an unforgettable ex-lover, sequels are our Kryptonite.  We get sucked into their web of lies and false hopes and we try to convince ourselves that things will be even better the second or third time around.  Just like that ex lover, we are usually left disappointed yet not shocked when we see no growth or solutions to previous issues. It’s just the same bullsh*t  all over again.

So why do we keep enduring unhealthy ongoing relationships with unreliable sequels? The reason why is because sometimes those so-called empty promises of a better experience are actually met.  If we gave up on sequels, we would never have seen an iconic Red Wings-loving serial killer terrorize Camp Crystal Lake. We would never have seen how bad ass Sarah Connor could be. We would have never seen Rocky actually win…then lose, then win, then win in a street fight and then draw.

Love them or hate them, sequels will never go away and at least this year is promising some worthy contenders.  Here’s my list of sequels to see and to avoid in 2010!

Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps (Apr 23^rd)

As great as it is to see Michael Douglas reprise the much loved role of Gordon Gekko and Oliver Stone direct his first sequel, this sequel just seems twenty years too late if you ask me.  Also, given Shia Labeouf’s track record with sequels from 80’s franchises…I think it might be wise to go in with low expectations with this one.  Verdict: Catch on Blu-ray/ DVD

Iron Man 2 (May 7^th)

Out of all the major sequels coming out this year, Iron Man 2 is probably one of the most anticipated follow-ups this year.  After becoming a surprising box office hit in 2008, Tony Stark and co. are back with a vengeance as they come face to face with The Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johansson) and the new “big bad,” Whiplash. (Played by Mickey Rourke)  Despite the re-casting of Terrence Howard’s character, I’m still willing to bet this sequel will surpass many fans’ expectations. Verdict: SEE IT

Shrek Forever After (May 21^st)

After the disappointing Shrek the Third, I’m sure the masses weren’t anxiously awaiting the next Shrek sequel. However, considering Shrek Forever After is the supposed last chapter in the series and the fact that its budget rivals James Cameron’s Avatar and it is going to be shown in Imax 3-D, I think it’s safe to give the Ogres, donkey and Puss in Boots one more shot of redemption.  VERDICT: SEE IT

Sex and the City 2 (May 28^th)

It’s back. The SATC phenomenon is back.  Men dreaded the day the first Sex and the City film hit theatres as they were dragged against their will to endure the two and half epic of Carrie Bradshaw getting her heart broken yet again by Mr. Big, watching her heal and become independent and then foolishly returning back to him in the end.  The sequel will probably promise more of the same….only the girls are in Morocco this time around. Joy!  Boys, if you are smart, you will plan a night out with the guys opening night months in advance.  VERDICT: See it if you’re a fan…AVOID if not.

Get Him to the Greek (June 11^th)

Get Him to the Greek is a spin-off of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and follows the lovable alcoholic rock star Aldous Snow as he embarks on an adventure to a concert at the Los Angeles Greek Theater.  Russell Brand may have stolen many scenes in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but giving him his own film may not be the greatest of ideas. VERDICT: Catch on Blu-ray/DVD

Toy Story 3 (June 18^th)

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Woody and Buzz on the big screen and quite honestly I think it’s been a little too long. The series’ original target audience has grown up, yet most aren’t old enough to have kids to bring to the theatre yet.  I just think it’s weird to release a sequel for an audience that has already moved on to battery operated toys hidden in their goodie drawers, but that’s just me. Don’t let my opinion deter you from seeing it in IMAX 3D though. It still might be a worthy theatrical experience. VERDICT: SEE IT

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (June 30^th)

The obnoxious love story of Bella and Edward continues with the third instalment of the Twilight series. (*Cue groans and rolling eye) It’s funny how most of us bitch and moan about this series, yet we all secretly watch them from the comfort of our homes.  Considering David Slade (the director of Hard Candy and 30 Days of Night) is directing this sequel, the film may not test our gag reflexes as much as the first two.  VERDICT: Catch on Blu-ray/DVD

Predators (July 9^th)

After being constantly disappointed by any spin-offs or sequels involving the “Predator” aliens, writer Robert Rodriguez and director Nimrod Antal are rebooting the series by making a sequel that takes place after the events of the first film and ignores the rest of the series. Considering the impressive cast/production crew and the rumor of a possible cameo from Mr. Schwarzenegger himself, this sequel may be 2010’s most surprising follow up hit. VERDICT: SEE IT

Little Fockers (July 30^th)

Can anybody honestly say they have been waiting for another Meet the Parents sequel? Meet the Fockers was bad enough.  Two Words: Fock this.

VERDICT: AVOID IT

Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (July 30^th)

Does anybody even remember the first Cats and Dogs? No? That’s what I thought. The title alone makes me cringe. VERDICT: AVOID IT

Step Up-3D (Aug 6^th)

Another sequel with past one hit wonder singing sensations, a soundtrack that reeks of Akon and Florida’s Auto Tunes and now the obnoxious dancers are right in my face in 3-D? Gee, I better get my tickets online soon then! : P VERDICT: AVOID IT

Resident Evil: Afterlife (Sept 10^th)

Afterlife is the fourth instalment in the Resident Evil series and it’s the first sequel that actually looks like it might live up to the hype. With returning characters, 3-D zombie action, and the brilliant casting of Boris Kodjoe (my number one celebrity crush since the year 2000) this sequel definitely ensures my vote! VERDICT: SEE IT

SAW 3-D (Oct 22^nd)

Every year around October, we all wonder why these films keep coming out. Although, there is a way to stop the needless sequels. The solution is quite simple, really. STOP WATCHING THEM!! I know the 3-D presentation may seem alluring, but there comes a time when enough is enough. GAME OVER! VERDICT: AVOID IT

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One (Nov 12^th)

The books may be done, but that won’t stop die-hard fanatics from seeing Harry, Hermione and Ron battle Voldemort for the last time. Like most Harry Potter sequels, this one seems definitely worth the wait.  VERDICT: SEE IT

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Dec 10^th)

Call me crazy, but the buzz on the Chronicles of Narnia films has died down significantly since Prince Caspian had an underwhelming box office opening weekend two years ago. Despite its lack of buzz, I still think this film will entertain fans of the Narnia series.  VERDICT: SEE IT

TRON Legacy (Dec 17^th)

A sequel to a highly critically praised cult film released twenty-eight years ago starring Jeff Bridges? I’m there! VERDICT: SEE IT

Release Dates to be Announced:

Scream 4

For ten years now, fans have been annoyed by the constant teasing of a third sequel and now finally the Mr.Ghostface horror returns to the town of Woodsboro with Sidney, Dewey and Gale again running (or in Dewey’s case…limping) away for their lives.  The fact that Kevin Williamson is back as the screenwriter is reassuring and hopefully he will correct the errors that were made in the third film. VERDICT: SEE IT

Hatchet 2

It’s been three years since Adam Green unleashed killing machine Victor Crowley on us and fans have been eagerly awaiting the sequel since. Hopefully, this sequel answers more questions about Crowley’s origin like Green had promised he would do a few years back. VERDICT: SEE IT

The Lost Boys 3

My god, wasn’t The Lost Boys: The Tribe punishment enough?  My suggestion: STAY LOST! VERDICT: AVOID IT

A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas

Why do stoner films always take the series one sequel too far?  The title alone sounds like it can be easily compared to Friday After Next. We all remember how ‘great’ that gem was.  VERDICT: AVOID IT

The Descent 2

Although this horror sequel has little hope of surpassing any horror aficionados’ expectations, it still might be worth a look just to see Juno go ape sh*t from being left in the caves. VERDICT: SEE IT

Jackass 3-D

I don’t even know what to say about this nonsense. I know I will be avoiding it. VERDICT: AVOID IT

The rest of the cast includes Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan, Josh Brolin, Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon and Michael Douglas. Although Bud Fox was a central character in the original film, Sheen will only be making a cameo appearance in the sequel.

Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps begins shooting this week in New York and will be released by 20th Century Fox next April.

SOURCE: Fused Film