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Jalmari Helander directed the 2023 action-thriller Sisu. The film became a major sleeper hit worldwide. Its success quickly prompted a highly anticipated sequel. Helander now discusses a potential trilogy. He also shared his hopes for a Rambo prequel.

The Return of Aatami Korpi

The sequel, Sisu: Road to Revenge, hits theaters soon. It premieres on November 21st. The story begins a couple of years later. Aatami Korpi returns as the former Finnish commando. Jorma Tommila plays the relentless hero.

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In the first film, Korpi destroyed an entire Nazi platoon. They dared to cross the wrong man. Sisu: Road to Revenge finds Aatami on a new quest. He seeks to dismantle his family’s log cabin. The cabin sits in what was once Finnish Karelia. Finland ceded this territory to the Soviet Union. This happened during the Moscow Armistice.

Building a Sisu Universe

The original Sisu quickly won over audiences. Its brutal action and relentless pace impressed many. The unexpected hit secured a sequel in short order. Helander is now considering a potential trilogy. This would further explore Korpi’s backstory and future. The filmmaker clearly has more stories to tell. This ambitious plan excites fans of the original film.

Millennial Nostalgia Reaches a Peak

Millennial nostalgia has reached a worrying peak. In fact, there is now a new Now You See Me film in theaters. The last time we saw the Horsemen was the Obama era. Now You See Me 2 opened in the Summer of 2016. That sequel followed the hit 2013 original film. We certainly feel much older now.

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The Horsemen’s Altruistic Goals

The Now You See Me 3 review focuses on this returning group. They are the merry band of Robin Hood prankster magicians. The Horsemen previously used magic for genuinely altruistic purposes. They redistributed wealth to the masses. They actively saved the world from evil tech overlords. Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Dave Franco starred. Either Isla Fisher or Lizzy Caplan played the token female magician.

Escapism in a Modern World

Our world is in even worse shape today than in 2016. Therefore, we desperately need some cinematic escapism. Why not watch magic about our current problems? Ultimately, silly movie magic cannot hurt. It seems like literally nothing else can offer a modicum of control. We struggle against billionaires exacerbating environmental degradation. Dangerous technology also poses a threat.

Is the Magic Still There?

This new sequel heavily leans into the heist genre. However, the actual magic feels less crucial this time. The plot relies more on outlandish stunts and silly banter. The script sacrifices clever illusions for distracting action sequences. Consequently, the film becomes a silly distraction. It fails to truly impress with genuine magic. The chemistry between the core cast remains strong. Nonetheless, even strong cast chemistry cannot substitute for a weak script. The Now You See Me 3 review concludes the film entertains briefly. It does not possess the unique spark of the first movie.

Final Verdict and Audience Takeaway

Fans looking for simple, light entertainment will enjoy the ride. Those expecting a return to genuine illusion and wit will be disappointed. In summary, the movie functions well as brainless distraction. It offers a nostalgic return to simpler times. [Read our analysis on the decline of magic heist movies] (Internal Link). You can find local showtimes for Now You See Me 3 near you. [Check local theater listings here] (Outbound Link).

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Director Jalmari Helander Discusses ‘Sisu’ Trilogy and Rambo Prequel