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74. The following appeared as part of an article in an entertainment magazine. A series of books based on the characters from a popular movie are consistently bestsellers in local bookstores. Seeking to capitalize on the books success, Vista Studios is planning to produce a movie sequel based on the books. Due to the success of the books and the original movie, the sequel will undoubtedly be profitable.) Discuss how well reasoned... etc. In this argument the author reasons that a sequel to a popular movie will be profitable because the original movie was profitable and because books based on the characters of the movie are consistently bestsellers. This argument is unconvincing for several reasons. In the first place, a great deal of empirical evidences shows that sequels are often not as profitable as the original movie. For example, none of the Superman movie sequels even approached the success of the original movie. Accordingly, the mere fact that the first movie was successful does not guarantee that movies based upon it will also be profitable. In the second place, a movies financial success is a function of many elements in addition to well-liked characters. Admittedly, the fact that the books based on the characters of the original film are bestsellers bodes well for the movies commercial prospects. However, unless the original cast and production team are involved in making the sequel, there is a good chance it will not be financially successful. | 
