Hollywood: A summer of triquels

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It's hard to think when the Hollywood machine was in such coordinated third-part mode, cranking out (mostly) tacked on triquels to successful blockbusters, raising DVD sales for the other two films -- reviews, of course, be damned.

With Pirates Of The Caribbean and Shrek going into 3-mode and hitting Indian theatres this Friday, here's a look at Hollywood 2007. Times 3.

Spider-Man 3:

Critics killed it, and the audiences dropped by more than 60 percent over the first week -- which means bad word of mouth. Doesn't matter much, of course, when its the most successful opening weekend in movie history.

More? Sure, 4-6 are definitely a go, producers Sony have confirmed.

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Pirates Of The Carribean: At World's End:

Current reviews might have dubbed this 'At Wit's End,' the overlong (close to three hours) blockbuster coming after a second half that was middling at best. Still, Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow is this decade's first truly iconic film character, and he brings in the crowds.

More? Depp's rumoured to be ready for another 4, so long as they let him shoot one other film (Tim Burton-time is so vital for an actor) a year.

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Shrek the Third:

This time, Shrek has kids -- and we're not talking about spinoffs, sequels or happy meal merchandise. Chris Miller steps in to direct this one even as Andrew Adamson, the man behind the first two, opts for more Narnia instead. Justin Timberlake is the new celebrity voice -- and the lesser said the better.

More? Again, biggest animated film opening ever. At this rate, we're going to watch Donkey IV in a few years time. Yawn.

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Ocean's 13:

Ah, the all-star party. Steven Soderbergh reassembles his friendly neighbourhood gang of megastars, pays them barely a dollar apiece, and decides to spend a few million on a cool looking, blissfully plotless movie. Al Pacino is the new 'mark,' while Ellen Barkin comes aboard as Ocean's 13th mate.

More? Part 2 was extremely (unfairly?) ill-received but this one might finish off the franchise entirely, especially if Pacino draws much flak, as is likely. Then again, this does seem George Clooney's pet project.

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The Bourne Ultimatum:

Director Paul Greengrass, chuffed from the enormous critical and commercial success of his United 93, returns to his favourite Robert Ludlum character, Jason Bourne. A tight thriller looks certainly on the cards, considering Bollywood (Hello, Farhan Akhtar) is much inspired by Paul's last, The Bourne Supremacy.

More? Well, there are more books. And these films are making money. Still, if Greengrass alternates these with other interesting projects, as he is wont to do, we shouldn't really complain.

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Rush Hour 3:

'Do you understand the words that you are reading on this screen? Do you? Do you?' Sigh. Expect more high-pitched hysteria as Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan return in their mega-successful series, heading to Paris this time. The obvious result? French accent jokes to add to the mix. Brett Ratner makes his second triquel, last having helmed X-Men: The Last Stand.

More? No. Please, no.

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Resident Evil: Extinction:

Yet another Milla Jovovich vehicle, but gamers aren't bothered. This is one videogame adaptation that seems to have translated well as a franchise, and manages to please h* fans of the bestselling game. Slated to release in September, this one is still not quite ready.

More? Why would they stop at 3? And with game tie-ins to the movie and vice versa, this could go on forever.