If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, sequels may be Hollywood's biggest compliment to itself.
Among offerings that will soon wash into theaters like a red tide are "Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones," "Men in Black II" and "Austin Powers in Goldmember."
Each has been the subject of intense Internet speculation about how closely it will resemble its predecessor, with varying degrees of secrecy surrounding each production. Hollywood's usual formula is simply to repeat the previous formula in hopes of doubling the take. These films, however, were made by people who seem too smart to simply repeat themselves.
Nor do the rules of sequels from "Scream 2" ("No. 1, the body count is always bigger. No. 2, the death scenes are always much more elaborate") necessarily apply. As we contemplated these movies, we tried to extrapolate what the filmmakers are likely to do--and what a little wishful thinking could provide.
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"Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones"
In the last one: Anakin Skywalker, the future Darth Vader, was a gratingly chipper 10-year-old.
In the next one, we expect: Anakin Skywalker will be twice as old and played by future Tiger Beat centerfold Hayden Christensen.
We'd like to see: How he morphs into the half-man, half-machine monstrosity of "Return of the Jedi"--but we'll probably have to wait for "Episode III."
In the last one: Anakin and Princess Amidala had a baby-sitter/baby-sittee relationship.
In the next one, we expect: They will develop an older woman-younger man romance, complicated by the fact that he serves as her Jedi bodyguard.
We'd like to see: Amidala singing "I Will Always Love You" a la Whitney Houston in "The Bodyguard," backed by 'N Sync (rumored in cameos).
In the last one: The highlight was the "Ben-Hur"-like pod race between Anakin and vicious Sebulba.
In the next one, we expect: Anakin to outrace bad guys' spaceships in an interstellar dogfight.
We'd like to see: Anakin do his flight training on the Game Cube or Xbox versions already in stores.
In the last one: The best villain was Darth Maul, the red-and-black-faced, horned Sith who was cut in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi after killing Qui-Gon Jinn.
In the next one, we expect: The best villain will be bounty hunter Jango Fett, forebear of original-trilogy bad guy Boba Fett.
We like to see: Which earthling ethnic stereotypes will be applied to new aliens.
