Definition - a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, film, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work. In other words, when Hollywood runs out of ideas. Again. Let’s look at some of the best – and worst – of Hollywood’s many spin-offs.
The Good – Creed (2015)
‘Rocky’ spinoff Creed took an iconic hero role and turned him into a mentor, like a boxing Yoda, and gave the ageing franchise a new life while staying true to its roots. Stallone is the best he’s ever been and despite some narrative cliché, Creed is a powerful and engrossing watch up until the final bell. Rise up to the challenge of your rival, and give it a look.
You can buy Creed on our website, or check out the entire Rocky Collection
The Bad – Minions (2015)
Those little yellow bastards continued their bid for world domination in their own film, but quickly proved they only work as supporting characters. Exhaustingly irritating and almost plot-less, Minions is one of the worst spin-off films out there. Thankfully, the reign of the Minions seems to be coming to an end. We will soon be free from their tyrannical clutches. Little fuckers.
You can buy Minions on our website, or check out Despicable Me
The Good – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Yes, I know, this isn’t even out yet. But let’s face it, it’ll be good. And even if it’s just ‘good’, it’s still going to be a hell of a lot better than most spin-offs. Darth Vader is back, the Death Star is back, and Ben Mendelsohn plays the villain. Even with Godzilla’s Gareth Edwards directing, I’m confident this’ll be another strong addition to the Star Wars saga.
Sadly Rogue one is not here yet, but you can revel in all the Star Wars you want
Sadly Rogue one is not here yet, but you can revel in all the Star Wars you want
The Bad – Get Him To The Greek (2010)
Russell Brand and Jonah Hill being twats for two hours. Sound good? Nope, thought not. This spin-off of ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ takes Brand’s obnoxious rock star Aldous Snow on an adventure from London to LA in a comedy that falls flat on its stupid face at every turn. This is one of the worst spin-offs if only for how utterly unnecessary it is.
Buy Get Him To The Greek on our website, or check out Forgetting Sarah Marshall
The Ugly – X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a film that has basically become a joke. Originally intended to be the first of several X-Men Origins spin-offs, no more came to fruition because this one was shit. And it’s irrelevant now anyway; the events of the film were erased in the time-travelling X-Men: Days of Future Past. It’s just an embarrassing entry to an otherwise solid saga, and one that many have even forgotten exists – except Deadpool, who makes several jokes at the expense of this dreadful little film in his 2016 adventure.
Buy X-Men Origins: Wolverine on our website, or see the entire X-men legacy
Buy X-Men Origins: Wolverine on our website, or see the entire X-men legacy
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