Invasion(2007) makes another Quadrilogy.
© Warner Bros.
Quadrilogy
By: Robert T. Trate, ColumnistDate: Tuesday, January 29, 2008
‘The Invasion’ hits the street today on DVD and though not many people saw it I thought it was worth at least a one time viewing. It was entertaining but the original ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ (1956) and the ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ (1978) were far superior. ‘The Invasion’ didn’t have any real horror, but it did get me thinking. What other film franchises have gone to the well for the fourth time and was it even worth it?
Obviously, last week Stallone added a fourth Rambo to his trilogy making it a Quadrilogy. The final verdict of which is still be debated by critics and fans. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas are adding another Indiana Jones film this summer also, making it a Quadrilogy. Many fans are trying to have faith that Spielberg will be the saving grace of the film. All the while knowing that since Lucas gave us a fourth ‘Star Wars’ we shouldn’t get our hopes up. Let’s not forget that Christian Bale will don the mantle of John Conner in ‘Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins’ making yet another Quadrilogy. Bale’s casting might be the saving grace of the franchise (much like the saving grace of another) despite McG being attached (as of 1/29/08) as director.
Quadrilogy. An interesting word that came about because of the ‘Alien’ four DVD box set. However, in the ‘Alien’ franchise it signified a dismal end. Sorry fan boys it is true. ‘Alien vs. Predator’ and its dull follow up will never deliver the thrills and chills of Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien’ or James Cameron’s ‘Aliens’. The more I think about Quadrilogy it is almost the kiss of death. Need another example? ‘Batman and Robin’. Need I say more?
Are we out of original ideas or do we the fans simply create the demand? Personally, the idea of ‘Aliens vs. Predator’ sounds incredible. It is the execution that falls flat. I don’t want to see humans mixed into the fray. I want a straight up war with Predators as actual characters, not just killers in suits. Not to mention an actual story.
The word Quadrilogy should be blessing not a curse. As of right now with ‘Rambo’ out in theaters, ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ on its way and ‘Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins’ hanging out in there in “development hell” I guess the verdict might still be out on Quadrilogy.
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