2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)
It is impossible to not disappoint a little with a sequel to 2001, but I think it is possible to appreciate its qualities without that reference. This is more traditional Hollywood science fiction, in a good way, where 2001 transcended the genre and became something else. While this is clearly influenced by other science fiction hits of its time, like Alien, I like how it is still rooted in actual science and most of all - a positive message about scientific collaboration as a remedy against political fighting. I especially liked how the film built on HAL as a character, as someone they both feared and respected, with its strengths and shortcomings as a computer. Making a dramatic and tense out of a computer making a decision is impressive in its own right. Yes, some of the special effects leave something to be desired, but I think it is a worthy successor to 2001 in how it deals with humanistic themes. If only they could make 3001 at some point.
Rating: 4.5