This 2017 Sci-fi Sequel on Netflix Makes the First Movie Obsolete

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2017 saw the release of “Beyond Skyline,” which demonstrated to its 2010 precursor, “Skyline,” the proper method to execute its grand and world-endangering alien invasion narrative. Taking over from the Brothers Strause to lead the “Skyline” franchise was director Liam O’Donnell. In contrast to the original “Skyline” installment, “Beyond Skyline” proved a significant improvement for the film series. Despite the “Skyline” franchise being mostly overlooked, “Beyond Skyline” turned out to be an unexpected triumph for the movie series.

In the movie “Beyond Skyline,” Frank Grillo first appeared as Detective Mark Corley, who bails his son Trent (Jonny Weston) out of jail in LA at a time when an extraterrestrial attack starts. As the 2017 sequel unfolds, its storyline intertwines with that of “Skyline,” which initiated the franchise and featured Eric Balfour and Scottie Thompson as Jarrod and Elaine. Unlike its predecessor, “Beyond Skyline” was more popular, and it’s possible that this trend will continue in the next chapter of the series.

Beyond Skyline Was a Massive Improvement on the Original Skyline Movie

In the 2010 movie “Skyline”, the characters Jarrod and Elaine attend Terry’s birthday party in Los Angeles, only for it to be disrupted by an alien invasion. The aliens have a unique weapon: hypnotic, immobilizing light. They seek refuge in Terry’s skyscraper apartment, but ultimately, they all fall victim to the invaders. Jarrod transforms into a hybrid of human and alien, which leads to Lindsey Morgan portraying an older Rose, their daughter and Mark Corley’s adopted daughter, in “Beyond Skyline” and its sequels.

Despite receiving acclaim for its special effects, Skyline struggled due to a monotonous narrative, underdeveloped characters, and subpar writing. With a dismal 14% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s fortunate that the series persisted, as Beyond Skyline – released seven years later – boasts a critics’ score of 70%. Though Beyond Skyline faced criticism for its weak plot, shallow character development, and predictability, it was generally agreed to be an enhancement over the original film.

Frank Grillo’s acting in “Beyond Skyline” added both stardom and skill to the sequel, boosting its entertainment value since Grillo is such an engaging performer. Moreover, the sequel was packed with intense action, high-speed sequences, and stunning visual effects that kept viewers captivated from start to finish. This is where the 2010 original fell short, so it’s fantastic that the sequel presented a more compelling narrative, while moving the franchise forward in intriguing ways and preserving the personal themes of the original.

The Skyline Franchise’s Next Movie Can Copy Beyond Skyline’s Best Traits

In 2020, Lindsey Morgan reappeared as Rose Corley in the movie “Skylines”, which unfolds 15 years after the initial alien invasion. A 2025 sequel titled “Skyline: Warpath” is anticipated to delve into a different character from Beyond Skyline. Iko Uwais will resume his role as Sua in “Skyline: Warpath”, which centers around human resistance against the extraterrestrial invaders, five years post the initial invasion. It’s speculated that both Frank Grillo and Lindsey Morgan might return, although this hasn’t been confirmed yet. By returning the narrative to Earth seems like a smart move for the franchise.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of delving into the fascinating universe of ‘Skylines’. In the upcoming sequel, ‘Skyline: Warpath’, we find ourselves rooted firmly on our home planet, Earth, after Rose Corley ventured into the Harvesters’ domain. This shift in setting promises a more tangible connection for viewers, while maintaining the franchise’s thrilling momentum by introducing the enigmatic Radial Gauntlet. The anticipation surrounding Frank Grillo’s return to the series following his absence in the 2020 sequel is palpable. His presence could inject a sense of weight and continuity that the story might have been missing, making ‘Skyline: Warpath’ an intriguing prospect for fans eagerly awaiting its release.

In 2022, O’Donnell hinted to Deadline that the upcoming sequel might emulate a blend between “Fast Five” and “Avengers” type sequels, by merging characters from previous installments. However, it appears the plot has since shifted to concentrate on Sua and Earth’s human resistance, yet there’s no doubt that Frank Grillo and others could reappear. Essentially, this implies that “Skyline: Warpath” might mirror the success of “Beyond Skyline,” surpassing the original “Skyline” movie’s disappointment.

The movie titled “Beyond Skyline” was first screened on December 15, 2017 and can now be streamed on Netflix. Meanwhile, another film in the series called “Skyline: Warpath” is slated for release in 2025, with Liam O’Donnell once again at the helm, but as of now, the specific release date has not been finalized yet.

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2025-05-29 02:13