Digest Quickies: Punny Sequels

I love a good pun and while I hate most sequels, I like to at least give props to the sequels that strive for brilliance in their title alone. How boring can you get if the sequel is just "blah blah part 2". or "Blah 2". BORING!

For the most part I think sequels are hard to sell--especially when the original movie wasn't winning praises up and around the block. Perhaps the most successfully anticipated sequels are the ones that retain not only the story of the original but the characters. Do people really want to see the same movie except with different characters? Sure some of us might--but the rest of us long for sequels like The Descent 2, that continue where we left off, in hopes that it will fulfill our need for answers. Where was I going with this? ....... Oh yeah. So if the original isn't that great of a movie, the key is to lure us in with some good marketing. Powerful poster art, cover art, trailers, and as we will soon find out--catchy and funny titles are almost a sure way to get people excited. Of course, once we see the final product we regain our common sense and learn to stay clear, but that doesn't mean we can't look back on some of the most wonderful of punny sequel titles.

Note: I realize that by definition not all of these can be considered "puns", but suck it.

2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams

While unreleased, the 2nd installment in 2001 Maniacs or "How Robert Englund Separates From But Oddly Still Remains Freddy Krueger" won my praise for two reasons. I secretly loved the original, and I openly love Field of Dreams. Bam. Sold.

House II: The Second Story

This may be my favorite of the punny sequels, because it's so clever!! A house has stories and the story of House is a story- and then that would make the sequel... the second story! Yeah that is some genius right there and I'm not afraid to proclaim it.

Vacancy 2: the First Cut

The original Vacancy was pretty meh in my opinion and had me laughing inappropriately on more than one occasion. This title however brings a little cleverness back into the mix. The first cut of a snuff film, the first cut of flesh, the first time these maniacs ever tried this little snuff film stunt? Wait this is a prequel right? Phew. It all makes sense now.

Wrong Turn 2: Dead End

This is punniness at it's simplest, but sometimes when you take a wrong turn, you end up at a dead end. But of course if we know Wrong Turn, then this dead end, must be a literal one!

The Dentist 2: Brace Yourself

Brace yourself for the horribleness/ further teeth trauma to come, or just put braces on yourself because those too are painful. On a side note--remember how painful braces were? Would I rather watch the Dentist 2 or get braces again? Ummmm.... braces?

Gingerdead Man 2: Passion of the Crust

Big thanks to allhallowssteve for pointing this one out to me. This definitely, DEFINITELY takes the cake. And if I need to explain to you why...then get out.