A Tale of Two Sequels, Or Why Hollywood Makes No Sense

The star of “Bridesmaids” isn’t sure she wants to revisit one of 2011’s most popular films. The screenwriters of “Horrible Bosses” are gearing up for round two.

Both film projects help define the sorry shape of mainstream movie making today.

Let’s start with “Bridesmaids 2,” a project which apparently lacks the support of its star/co-writer Kristen Wiig and uber-producer Judd Apatow. Both don’t see a need for a sequel at this point, and they’re right. “Bridesmaids” was a one-of-a-kind hit, and re-staging the film’s antics for a sequel will likely be as enjoyable as “The Hangover Part II.”

Good for them. But the bean counters behind the film won’t let that stop them. We might even see a second “Bridesmaids” without Wiig. Can’t some hits simply be left alone?

And then there’s “Horrible Bosses,” an agreeably coarse comedy from last summer which did better than expected box office. The story followed three pals who, when their professional lives sank to rock bottom, decide to off their bosses.

Now, how in the world can you repeat that formula? The three men all find new gigs, and each gets a boss even worse than the last time around?

Pathetic.

That’s not stopping the scribes behind the movie from penning a sequel.

While the studio is still in early talks as to whether or not Seth Gorden will direct the second film, employees Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis and and their angry employers Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, and Kevin Spacey are expected to appear in it.

Wouldn’t it make far more sense to have the creative minds behind both films write entirely new stories and then market each as, “from the folks who brought you …”