I was surprised you didn't addess the overly long Alien franchise. The first sequel was stunning. After that the franches sputters, and the more recent versions with brand new badass but hapless heroes don't do it much good. I would argue, not without good cause, that the first Alien movie set THE standard for monster movies, and the sequel set an impossible standard for sequals. Too bad they didn't stop at the second one.

Several nights ago I watched When Harry Met Sally, and dear god, did I laugh out loud. Good acting, fantastic writing, and no CGI. I am so glad nobody thought to do a sequel. Can't we leave good enough alone? To that, I point to The Avengers. I loved Iron Man. Some of the other origin stories. But the rest? overheated, crappy, in love with itself and trying WAY too hard.