I think i prefer the original Gremlins, tho the second part was OK and quite inventive.
I don't know what it is about Exorcist 2: The Heretic that is so Compelling for me, but i just really really like it. i don't think its better than the original in any way i just find myself in the mood to watch it more than any of the others, tho the third is a very underrated movie.
Final destination 5 is my favorite i think, 5 or 2, i think i watched the first so many times I'm bored with it, strange how that happens with some movies, then others like Carrie, Poltergeist or films like Killer Klowns From Outer Space i never tire of.
I agree, I'm in hope that the new Carrie movie is OK, we'll just have to wait and see. i think the casting for the 2002 version was very well done, apart from the two most important characters (Momma and Carrie) - whoever made it didn't really understand the characters or their relationship, but hey-ho, i still watch and enjoy it.
JL