Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 2 - VC Andrews - From Jenn
Author name: VC Andrews
Genre(s) they write: Gothic horror/family saga
How I found the author: I saw the movies on Lifetime and then looked up the author. (Side note you should definitely look up the movies, they're fantastic!
Why people should read: The stories are really different and they will have you on the edge of your seat although they’re tear jerkers at times. They are definitely books you have to be in the right mood for.
Recommended Series 1. Flowers In The Attic (Also known as the Dollanger series). This series is about four siblings who after a tragic accident (when their father dies) have to move in with their grandmother. Youu learn very early on that there is something very wrong with the grandmother, it seems like she's not all there and honestly? The mom's not any better. The grandmother insists on hiding the children away and not telling anyone about them put them up in the attic. The children basically grow up together in the attic and the rest of the series follows their lives after they eventually escape. Be prepared, these are real teal jerkers with lots of shocking revelations.
Recommended Series 2. The Casteel Series (Also known as the Heaven series). These books follow the story of Heaven Casteel, a teen who’s living with her father and siblings, but soon comes to discover that her father isn’t actually her father. She sets off to find the truth and her "real" family so setting off to find her family but not before a series of shocking and twisted events because that is what VC Andrews does. Be prepared to have to go through more than one book to get answers!
Conclusion - If you are looking for something different then these are series for you. There are still VC Andrews books coming out but they are written under her name with her family's permission. The stories are still really good and honestly I couldn't tell anything had changed but for example The Ruby (Landry) series is by the new writer.
Melanie Says:
Oh my goodness these bring back memories. I haven't read any of the books in a long time, and definitely not since the new author took over, but the original Flowers in the Attic series (which I think has been extended now), and the Heaven series (which is now apparently called The Casteel series) were HUGE back in the day when I was at school. EVERYONE was reading them - and thinking about it now probably most of us shouldn't have been. I have seen some of the movies, the first one wasn't so brilliant but the remakes look better (in the previews anyway).
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!*** 
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 1 - Kristen Painter - From Melanie
Author name: Kristen Painter
Genre(s) they write: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal Women's Fiction (PWF), Cozy Mystery, Sci Fi/ Dystopian (With Bruno Miller)
How I found the author: Gladys Gonzales Atwell sent me the first 3 books in the Urban Fantasy House of Comarré book series thinking it was a complete trilogy (OBVIOULSY she hadn't read it). It was not, and book 3 ended on a massive cliffhanger so I immediately went stalking Kristen's Facebook page. The rest, as they say, is history!
Why people should read: Kristen has so many books out at this point I think it would be hard to NOT find at least one series that would appeal to you. Even with as many books as she has though she STILL keeps getting twists past me and coming up with new and exciting Supernatural characters.
Recommended Series 1. Hmmmm so I WANT to talk about the House of Comarré series - I mean that is literally how I found and fell in love with Kristen's work and it is definitely a lot darker than the worlds she writes now - BUT Orbit still owns the rights to them (annoyingly) and I don't like them OR want to support them - but if you ever see a newsletter saying "rereleasing" - then you should check them out!
Recommend Series 2. It has to be Nocturne Falls. These are paranormal romance books that are really like Hallmark movies in a book. You KNOW there is going to be a happily ever after, there are no cliffhangers, each book CAN be read as a standalone but trust me they are SO much better if you read from the beginning! Plus the first 14 books are available in Kindle Unlimited! (Side note the Jayne Frost cozy mysteries fit in with this series too - or can be read separately!)
Recommend Series 3. The First Fangs Club - or as I call them - The Sucks Series. This was the first in a new genre formed by 13 authors (including Kristen) and introduced a Paranormal element into Women's Fiction (which I will be honest - it took some convincing that this would work for me as I HATE normal women's fiction and avoid it at all costs). I didn't need to worry though because Kristen introduced a new vampire world with some absolutely amazing characters. The side characters almost steal the show at time - when I grow up I want to be Francine - and WHY someone hasn't written a how to be a vampire handbook I DON'T know! The whole series is complete and available through kindle unlimited or you can get book 1 below.
Recommend Series 4. Shadowvale - a cursed town that can only be found by people that need it! These books can be read on their own although the first couple of books definitely set up the series for me. That being said my favorite is probably either Book 4 "Moody and the Beast", I mean THERE IS A GOBLIN KING!, and then when I didn't think she could beat that we got Nasha's story in Her First Taste Of Fire. There is also a book 6 - but that made my freezer list sooooo make of that what you will. This is an ongoing series but although there are some vague unanswered questions there is never a feeling that the story you are reading isn't complete. You can start reading this series for free - just click the book below!
Conclusion: There are no BAD options for which series to start reading. Check out her Amazon page HERE to see ALL the available options. Got a question about any of the books, or series not mentioned (because we were meant to have 2 - but I couldn't pick 2 - and I am gonna throw in a shout out for the Sin City Novellas too) - just let me know. I would be HAPPY to make more suggestions!
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***  Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 28 - Guardians of the Galaxy 2 - JennGuardians of the Galaxy 2 is one sequel that might have had me going wait what? Especially at the end, but this movie shows what our guardians have been up to, and honestly with rocket around it might not be anything good, knowing how he likes to take things that he might think will be useful later, this movie also finds quill face to face with his father. Now knowing how these movies turn out that’s not always a good thing, though the guardians realize that no matter what they’re there for each other, and they even pick up some new friends along the way. Melanie - Oh yes one of the few Marvel movies I have watched. I liked both of these ..... enough to watch once ;) Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 27 - Tales from the Crypt presents Bordello Of Blood - MelThe first Tales from the Crypt movie Demon Knight was fabulous. Cheesy, dark humor, and Billy Zane was fabulous. A year later they decided they were going to release a sequel. One of the interesting things about this movie is that when you see it in the DVD packs it is always listed first, even though it's the sequel, but honestly as a Tales from the Crypt movies are basically stories on their own. There is a very tenuous link between the two but you could definitely watch Bordello of Blood with no knowledge of the first one, although if you did it would probably put you off watching Demon Knight. I think the biggest issue with the movie was that everything changed from the original plan, from the story idea to the cast. There were disagreements on set, special effects budgets were cut because one of the cast would only be in the movie for way more money than the film had been budgeted for, and sadly everything didn't quite come together. It's definitely not as good as the first one, but as a bloodfest filled dark comedy, it works. **THIS WILL BE A GIVEAWAY MOVIE AT THE END OF THE MONTH*** Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 26 - Look Who’s Talking Too - JennLook Who’s Talking Too is one great sequel, and I love how it just expands on Look Who’s Talking. We know in the first that Mikey got a new dad, but in this one I think he gets more of a surprise and that’s in the form of a new sister, so not only does he talk but she does as well. Mikey might end up feeling a little left out at first but in the end in a life and death situation he realizes that he will always be there to protect his baby sister no matter what, and that’s even with the differences that they seem to have with each other through the movie. Melanie - Awwww I remember when these came out. Super cute. I even remember seeing them in the movie theater lol. **THIS WILL BE A GIVEAWAY MOVIE AT THE END OF THE MONTH*** Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 25 - The Bourne Supremacy - SusanThe Bourne Supremacy is the action packed sequel starring Matt Damon. The movie continues the story of Jason Bourne, a former CIA assassin suffering from psychogenic amnesia. The film focuses on his attempt to learn more of his past as he is once more pulled back into the conspiracy involving the CIA and Operation Treadstone. The Bourne movies are a favorite of mine, and ones I always recommend when someone is looking for an action packed movie series. It's also a franchise I never tire of rewatching. These movies just keep getting better, though I think you need to look at the Bourne Legacy like it's own solo movie, because as much as I love Jeremy Renner, that movie couldn't stand up to the sheer brilliance of Jason Bourne. Melanie - Pretty sure I watched and liked them - just not enough to watch again lol Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 24 - Jumanji: The Next Level - JennJumanji is definitely one of those classic movies that I love to rewatch but now I want to talk about Jumanji welcome to the jungle and how a whole new set of kids get trapped inside the game that has now taken the form of a video game instead of a game board. There’s definitely some throwbacks to the original, though not many as there’s also a lot of differences. Like instead of just one person getting trapped inside the game, a whole group does and they can win there own way out by basically winning the game, unlike the original where Alan gets trapped until someone rolled a five. These group of teens who need to work together to get home safely may just realize judging someone not in your friend group is never a good thing! Melanie - I LOVE these movies. I think they are both fabulous and I do love the callbacks to the original movie especially in the first one. For me Jack Black absolutely STEALS the show. If you are looking for a fun movie to watch with kids, or even without kids - these are good options! Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 23 - Center Stage: Turn It Up - MelThe first Center Stage movie to this day remains one of my all-time favorites. If you look it up it has pretty terrible reviews, people generally are not fans, but even they have to admit that the dance numbers are fabulous! The big finale is one that people either love or hate and I LOVE It. (If you aren't going to watch the movie, have seen it, or just want to watch again I am going to stick it here. Mainly because I feel like it! Then 8 years later they decided to try again but they didn't really have a story. They couldn't tell the same story as the first movie - I mean noone wanted that (and there was no way to compete with it), so they seemed to take bits and ideas from a bunch of other successful dance movies, smush them all together, and hope for the best. They did realize that having NONE of the original cast would mean it wasn't really a Center Stage movie at all so they have Jonathon (which makes sense - I mean he RAN the academy), and Cooper ... Ummmmm WHAT? Nope! If you watch the original you will know why that is SUCH a reach to have him back the way they did. Talk about desperate. If you haven't seen the first one check it out - and then leave it right there! Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 22 - Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian - JennNight at the museum: battle of the Smithsonian is one of my favorite sequels, and honestly, I think that’s because of where it takes place and at a museum. The Smithsonian. Oh, how those museums are absolutely stunning and beautiful, though I’ve only seen two. This sequel takes the tablet on a journey that it never should have went on in the first place thanks to a friendly extinct monkey. We meet new friends like Amelia Earhart and even a couple of Einstein’s that help our heroes on their journey to saving the museum and getting the tablet back. Oh how I loved seeing how they made the Smithson come to life and enjoyed how they made me want to also visit them for myself. This is one sequel that I would say definitely should not be missed. Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 21 - The Dark Knight - SusanThe Dark Knight is the second film in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy, and gets included in this list because Melanie told me I could not include The Dark Knight Rises, the third movie, which is my fave of the three because of a certain Mr. Tom Hardy! The movie centers on Batman and his alliance with police commissioner James Gordon and district attorney Harvey Dent, as they try to take down an organized crime gang, but who also have to contend with The Joker, who wants to see how far he can push Batman in his attempts to save the city. The film's release was bittersweet following the death of Joker actor Heath Ledger, who passed away after an accidental overdose. Portraying the Joker was one of Ledger's greatest performances, and is still one still stands the test of time to this day. Melanie - I have to confess I stopped watching all the Batman things after Michael Keaton (except the one with George Clooney and I wish I hadn't watched that lol) Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 20 - Back to the Secret Garden - JennThe secret garden has always been a favorite of mine, so when I found out there was a sequel to it I was definitely all in. Having some of the original characters come back didn’t hurt it either, but this story introduces a brand new set of kids since the manor has now basically become a school, so as Lizzie navigates the secrets of the garden not only will she realize that it’s going to take more than just her to keep it alive, she will also realize that maybe trusting and letting people in may not be such a bad. After all the secret garden has a way of changing everyone that it comes into contact with. Melanie - I literally had no idea there was a sequel. Will have to love this up as I love the first one. Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 19 - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - SusanThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the epic sequel in one of the best book to screen adaptions ever. The sequel brings us back to Panem, where Katniss is trying to deal with the aftermath of the 74th Hunger Games. She is visited by President Snow, who is unhappy with the rebellion Katniss and Peeta's actions during the 74th Hunger Games. He wants to punish Katniss for making him look bad, and forces Katniss back into the arena once more. I loved the books, though I am a massive fan of dystopian, so I was eager to see how the movies would turn out. The visuals in all the movies are spectacular, from costumes to sets, to special effects - it was exactly how I saw things in my head when reading the books. It's rare for a franchise to stick mostly true to book, and I think the Hunger Games did, which each film getting better and better. I think it might be time for a rewatch and a reread! Melanie - I read the books and hated them so totally skipping the movies lol Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 18 - Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - JennSonic two was actually one of those sequels that I enjoyed more than the first. I think that might of been because in this one we’re introduced to Sonic’s friend "Tails" and she's one of my favorite characters, and no I’ve never actually played the games though I am familiar with the characters. Dr. Robotnik was sent to a different world in the first movie but I mean come on if there’s going to be a sequel then you know he will most likely return to cause trouble for our two heroes. Tom leaves with his girlfriend for a wedding leaving sonic to stay home alone, which probably wasn’t a good idea in the first place. We also have Knuckles who we meet as well, though at first he may be misguided when he try’s and helps Robotnik take over everything, but in the end Tails, Sonic and Knuckles realize they need to work and stick together if they want to stop Robotnik from taking over everything Melanie - Now I am the opposite - I played the games but have never watched the movies - and even though they look cute I probably won't. Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 17 - Kindergarten Cop 2 - MelIn 1990 they came up with the funny idea of having Arnold Schwarzenegger forced into the undercover role of a kindergarten teacher when his partner (who was supposed to be doing it) gets food poisoning. The result was a fun, escapism, action movie that some how worked. Skip forward 15 or so years and they for whatever reason try to do basically the exact same story, but with Dolph Lundgren stepping into Schwarzenegger's shoes and definitely not being able to fill them. Sadly the writing was subpar, probably because there really wasn't a new story to tell. It was quite obviously a money grab and it just didn't work out. If you haven't watched the first one it is definitely good for a laugh (even though as with most good things it's a little dated now) but the second one can just sit in the vault in my head that only gets dragged up for things like this. Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 16 - Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser - JennJoe Dirt is one of those odder movies that you either like or you don’t and I happened to be in the I like it category, but there is one Joe dirt movie that I could not even finish and that was Joe dirt two. I think I got not even half way through before saying nope and turning it off. I mean David spade is still there as Joe but it’s like they completely forgot everything from the first movie. This sequel is definitely a skip and pretending that it doesn’t exist. Melanie - I am sure I must have watched the first one as I used to love David Spade but I don't really remember it - and I will definitely be skipping 2 now! Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 15 - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - SusanI have been a Transformers fan since I was child, and loved the first movie getting to see the Autobots and the Decepticons, on the screen that wasn't a cartoon. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is the sequel in the Michael Bay franchise and brings us back into the Sam Witwicky's life. Sam is now a college student, has been seeing symbols after touching a smaller shard of the allspark in the first movie and making him a target for the Decepticons. Michael Bay movies are known as big blockbuster events and this sequel is just that. It's one of the better movies of the franchise, though it could have been a lot better if someone other than Shia Lebeouf was the one leading the movie. I'm not his biggest fan or Megan Fox's, and could have watched the movie with just the Transformers in it. Although, the continuation with Mark Walberg was terrible so I think the casting was my main issue not matter who was in the movie! Melanie - I never saw the movies but I used to watch the cartoon - does that count? Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 14 - Addams Family Values - JennWith the Wednesday craze hitting everyone right now I thought that it might be the right time to remind you about this movie. Addams Family Values is the sequel to the hit movie the The Addams Family. It’s also just as good as its predecessor. In this movie Morticia and Gomez have just had another baby, which doesn’t thrill Wednesday or Pugsley. They hire a nanny, but not known to them this nanny has another agenda, and she targets a lonely uncle fester, marrying him and isolating him from his family. But that isn’t her only plan! What could the rest of it be, well I’m sure you’ve seen this movie but if not then I definitely don’t want to spoil it for you. Wednesday played by Cristina Ricci also shines in this with some great one liners, so again if you loved watching Wednesday on Netflix and haven’t seen this then I highly suggest you remedy that right away Melanie - They really nailed the cast for these movies. I loved both of them. The first one probably edges to the top but this is definitely a sequel worth NOT skipping! **THIS WILL BE A GIVEAWAY MOVIE AT THE END OF THE MONTH*** Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. 28 Days Of Sequels 2023 Day 13 - The Matrix Reloaded - MelWhen the original Matrix movie released I was obsessed. I had the special edition DVD where you could "Follow the Rabbit" and get all sorts of behind the scenes info, learn about particular references, and generall all the geeky stuff that a fan would want. When I heard there was going to be a part 2 I was excited. The end of the first one set the story up perfectly and I think a lot of fans had an idea where they thought the movie was going to go ..... and we were ALL wrong. The sequel introduces a whole lot of new stuff that honestly I couldn't have cared less about. The first movie was packed with action, and was unique and asked interesting questions (I mean is there anyone who hasn't heard about the red pill / blue pill?), and set itself up for Neo to rule the Matrix - stop the bad Guys (Machines?), and help free the slaved world. What we got was some rubbish about Zion and that's where this and the third movie merge together in my head as "Movies I Pretend Don't Exist". What made it even worse was the trailer looked pretty awesome - that's because ALL the good bits are IN the trailer! Greg often tells me he doesn't remember watching these (despite us owning the DVDs) - I like to point out that it is because the sequels were SO bad we only watched them once! Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 12 - Coming 2 America - Jenn Coming 2 America was a sequel I actually never thought I’d see, but when it got announced with the same cast and everything I got excited. While watching it I thought this isn’t bad. I mean it really continued the story well, and it was fun to see there family, but I knew with these nothing is that easy, and I was right, that comes in the form of King Akeem finding out that he had a son he never knew he had, trying to save his kingdom through him. Will he realize before it’s to late that his son is a lot more like him then he thinks, and also realize that his heir was right there all along in the form of his oldest daughter Melanie - I LOVE the original and when I saw there was a sequel I was intrigued - and then I read what the story was and thought NOPE. The timeline doesn't fit and I couldn't get passed that so never bothered with it - and probably never will, Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 11 - Blade II - SusanBlade II is the sequel to the Marvel Comics page to screen adaptation and takes place roughly two years after the first movie, with Blade in Prague to find his mentor, Whistler, who was turned and held captive. Blade cures him. Blade is then offered a true by the vampire nation, who want his help to cull Reapers, blood thirsty vampires created during a pandemic. Blade II wasn't a great movie for characters, not even Ron Perlman and Norman Reedus could help to negate the fact that it seemed like more thought was put into the action scenes rather than intriguing characters. Wesley Snipes plays the title character with the same gusto as he did the first movie and it's a great performance from him from a film that lacks a lot. Melanie - I agree - I didn't mind the first one too much although it never seems to hit my rewatch list but the second one was not good! Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 10 - Avatar: The Way of Water - JennAnother movie over a decade in the making. Honestly I never thought I’d see a second movie but this past December I was proven wrong, and off I went to the theatre to see Avatar Two, The Way of Water. Three and a half hours later I have to say I liked it but if I’m being honest a lot of stuff could have definitely been left out. Also, the story kind of mimicked the first. I’m not saying it was bad because it wasn’t. It could have just gotten rid of half of the movie and still been fine. I’m not really going to go into details with this one because as it’s newer. I don’t want to ruin for any musers who may have not yet seen it. Though I’d wait until streaming because you might be more comfortable watching at home then in theatre. Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 9 - From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money - MelanieFrom Dusk Till Dawn is one of my favorite Vampire movies to have emerged in the 90's. Written by, and staring Quentin Tarantino, this movie has a plethora of familiar faces and takes on the genre in a refreshing way. Full on tongue in cheek humor, and lots of fabulous effects, this movie didn't pull any punches and so when I saw there was going to be a sequel in 1999 I was excited. That excitement was a HUGE mistake. Despite having Tarantino attached as an executive producer, this straight to video release sequel should have just gone right in the garbage. They did manage to attach a great number of big names to the project, and on paper it looks like it could be a good watch, but for me it lost that magic that the original had. The humor felt forced, the jokes and cameos didn't really fit, and really if you took the vampire part away you had just a pretty blah western. The franchise, like all good vampires though, does not seem to want to die. Perhaps the memories of the first movie keep inspiring hope. They even made a TV show which I literally just watched the trailer and added that to the "this doesn't exist in my head pile - apart from when I write articles). Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 8 - Bad Boys II - SusanBad Boys II is the action-packed sequel to the ultimate action buddy cop movies in my opinion. The dynamic between Marcus and Mike is hilarious, and I love any scene that Joe Pantoliano, who plays the long suffering Captain Conrad Howard is in. The sequel takes place eight years after the first Bad Boys, with the events of the movie leave Marcus considering whether or not he wants to continue being Mike's partner. It also introduces Gabrielle Union as Marcus' sister Sydney. (If you liked the bad boys movies you should check out LA's Finest TV show that features Sydney and Jessica Alba as her partner) Syd is working with the DEA, and working undercover on the same case that Marcus and Mike are working on. And of course, true Marcus and Mike style, things don't go exactly to plan, especially considering that Mike is secretly dating Sydney! Bad Boys II also features one of my favorite scenes in a movie that is is hilarious and comedy gold. Check it out below.
Melanie - I will say I LOVE these movies. I think they are both a ton of fun. Even though Will Smith annoys me a lot - I have to say he does some amazing movies! **THIS WILL BE A GIVEAWAY MOVIE AT THE END OF THE MONTH*** Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 7 - Hocus Pocus 2 - JennHocus pocus was definitely a cult classic and hocus pocus 2 was definitely over a decade in the making, when I first heard they where making a second movie I was so unsure because the first is just timeless and perfection in its best, but with the original sisters returning I decided to give it a try. Watching it with a friend, I noticed a lot of differences from the first but a few references as well. I liked how they went back and told the origin story of the sisters, and also how it changed up the whole kids thing, that’s just something I never really liked in first movie. This also shows redemption and realizing the greatest thing you may have are the people who love you and will always stand beside you. So from my view I enjoyed this second movie but some of you may not because in the end it does show the witches in a different light, especially Winnifred. Melanie - This is still on my to be watch list, I do plan on getting to it, I even cosplayed Mother Witch, but I just haven't gotten there yet. Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
 Welcome to February's 28 Days Of Sequels! Every day throughout February one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present a movie sequel complete with a trailer! The big difference with this list is they aren't all winners that we loved. Some were disappointments and some just trainwrecks. Hollywood is short on original ideas so when one hits big, they milk it for all its worth and squeeze it dry. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Day 6 - Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery - MelanieWhen "Knives Out" hit Netflix back in 2019 it was an instant hit and created the sort of buzz that movies dream of. Excellent cast, unusual twists, a real throw back to the "whodunnit" days of movie making. Sadly, as with all successful movies these days they decided to go for round two. Let me start this part by saying that the writers DID NOT in any way WANT to link the two movies together, despite them having the same detective, but Netflix was worried without the "Knives Out" branding, the limited movie theater release they had planned may not go so well. For me, this movie was a bust. As with so many things they took all the great parts from the first movie, and went way bigger with the second, and messed it up. In my opinion the best scene was almost a little throw away one featuring Hugh Grant and prompting the internet to say they would like to see THAT as a movie (I actually agree). Would it have made a difference if they hadn't named it as part of the Knives Out series - I am honestly not sure. I am positive I still wouldn't have liked it as a movie, BUT, I probably wouldn't have cared enough to bitch about it due to expectations after the epic first one being dashed. Have you seen it? What did you think? Stream It Or Skip It? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
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AuthorVarious Movie Features From The Muser VIPers Archives
June 2023
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