Angelina Jolie stars in "Maleficent." (DISNEY)
Sequels and prequels are a common occurrence, but a movie opening this week spotlights the growing trend of parallel-quels.
“Maleficent” follows the tale of the evil fairy from “Sleeping Beauty.” While the film starts as a prequel to the animated Disney classic, it then runs parallel to “Sleeping Beauty.” Think of it as connected stories being told at the same time, just by different people.
The storytelling device has been used a number of times in recent years. The Marvel Cinematic Universe bills itself as many films in the same setting. Films such as “Iron Man 2,” “The Incredible Hulk” and “Thor” take place at the same time. S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Phil Coulson moves from "Iron Man 2" directly into "Thor." The destruction in “The Incredible Hulk” can be seen on monitors at the end of “Iron Man 2.”
Both “Paranormal Activity” and “Paranormal Activity 2” run parallel to each other. The sequel begins two months before and ends the night after the events of the first film.
The genre also is a powerful storytelling tool. For decades, fans have thought of Maleficent as an evil, giant dragon. Now fans can get the story behind, and alongside, the original.Other examples of parallel-quels:
“300: Rise of an Empire” follows a different group of Greek warriors against the Persian army of Xerxes, but parts take place at the same time as the Spartans’ last stand of “300.”
The Disney straight-to-DVD sequel “The Lion King 11/2” tells the story of “The Lion King,” but through the eyes of characters Timon and Pumbaa.
The 2009 “Star Trek” film is technically a parallel-quel as it takes place at the same time as the events in the original “Star Trek” series from 1966. But it would also require a flow chart to explain time travel and alternate dimensions.
What are some of your favorite parallel-quels in movies or books?