The 1980s were a monumental time in film history. The decade started off with two sequels to the critically acclaimed original “Star Wars” (1977). The Indiana Jones trilogy was released throughout the 1980s, along with standalone classics such as “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986), “The Breakfast Club” (1985) and “The Goonies” (1985). They were far ahead of their time when it came to the art of filmmaking. “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” had groundbreaking special effects on a level that had never been seen before.
There has been a common trend in recent decades of reviving these classics. “Star Wars” has been rebooted twice, once with the prequel trilogy (1999-2005), taking place before the original 1977 film. A subsequent sequel trilogy (2015-2019) taking place after the original trilogy of films, setting the stage for several spinoff films and T.V. shows that are able to expand on the intergalactic story. Coming in 2023, “Indiana Jones“ is getting another revival with the upcoming release of a long-awaited fifth installment to the franchise.
As revivals of supposedly finished series have become common and a regular occurrence, fans of these franchises have loved seeing their favorite films expanded upon. On the same note, critics are also beginning to wonder if the art of creating new and original cinematic masterpieces is coming to an end.
Only time will tell, but in the meantime, we can all enjoy both new and original films that are being released, all while enjoying the new “Ghostbusters”, every single upcoming “Star Wars” show, and growing the hype around the fifth “Indiana Jones” film. Let’s learn to appreciate ideas that can expand old stories as well as ideas that tell completely new ones.
