So far, 2023 has already proven itself to be a golden year of film. With grandiose upcoming releases like “Barbie” or “Oppenheimer” on their way in the coming months, it’s no secret to say that this year’s releases are not to be missed. However, 2023 has done something different than 2022, in that many of this year’s releases are surprisingly further installments to already popular franchises.
The “Scream” and “John Wick” franchises are some of the most popular series of all time, both iconic in their own way. In 2023, both had new installments released within about a month of one another: “Scream 6” and “John Wick: Chapter 4.”
When these films were announced, there were plenty of eager fans awaiting yet another installment of their favorite series to be released, most not even worried if it was actually good or not. Most were simply excited to see their favorite characters again on the big screen. Others, though, were not. Even though the previous films in the series are also enjoyable, many films just by default don’t live up to their originals. However, it seems this notion has been flipped on its head with two releases.
On March 10, “Scream VI” was brought to theaters across the globe, bringing the classic slice-and-dice horror comedy that the previous movies popularized in the '90s.
Like its predecessors, this movie defines itself by its lovable characters, witty writing, and imaginative scares. Upon release, it managed to break the record for the largest domestic box office for the entire franchise, gathering about $44.5 million in just its opening weekend. Reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes say it outsold the other films and set a new standard for what future installments should strive to be. Now, the newest “Scream” film was the sixth in the long-running franchise that began in the 90s, however, the other installments that were released just recently are part of a more recent franchise, specifically one that began only about 10 years ago.
The “John Wick” franchise is a staple in the action genre and the titular revenge flick. It’s gruff, gory and surprisingly aesthetically pleasing. The “John Wick” films have been hailed for their masterful cinematography and gorgeous scenery, both of which are on full display in the fourth installment. In just a few days after release, the movie is already projected to make between 60 to 70 million at the domestic box office.
Besides their box office earnings, both of these films have been praised for their standalone beauty from their source material. They both take aspects of their originals, like the characters or overarching storyline, yet they bring fresh ideas to the series and aren’t just bland carbon copies of their previous films. Reviewers marvel at the filmmaking choices they both take, and I believe many people are excited for the upcoming projects to be released this year that are also a part of franchises, like “Evil Dead Rise,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”, and so many others. The track record for further installments of already existing movie franchises has been on the rise and doesn’t seem to be turning back anytime soon, so be on the lookout as they hit theaters in the coming months.
Mia Ashby is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Tell Mia by emailing her at ma237419@ohio.edu.
