We recently took the kiddos to see “The LEGO Movie” (which was pretty awesome, even though that song got stuck in my head for days), and while I was there, I couldn’t help but notice the posters promoting new and soon-to-be released flicks. “Endless Love.” “Robocop.” “About Last Night.”
Did I suddenly enter a time warp? Or weren’t those movies from the (shudder) 1980s?
This is one topic Dr. G. and I love to complain about: the lack of originality when it comes to new movies. Seriously, those Oscar people must have one heck of a time coming up with nominees for “Best Original Screenplay” because everything lately seems to be based on (or adapted from):
(a) a book or comic book (“Hunger Games,” Thor, even “FROZEN”) or TV show (“Sex and the City Movie”)
(b) a toy (see “Transformers,” “GI Joe,” and – yes — “The LEGO Movie”)
(c) a true story (“Zero Dark Thirty,” “Captain Phillips,” “American Hustle,” etc.)
(d) a prequel or sequel to a movie that wasn’t even that good in the first place (too many examples), or
(e) a complete and total reboot (I mean, did we really need a remake of “Footloose”?)
Has Hollywood really run out of ideas? Or are consumers far less picky than they once were, meaning we’ll go see an absolutely terrible “G.I. Joe” movie simply because it has brand and name recognition?
Or are Hollywood execs banking on the fact that today’s teens have probably never seen crappy movies like “Endless Love”, so why not make some easy money by keeping the same cliched plot and then just throw in some iPhones and other touches of 21st century life. Voila! Instant film!
Think about it: When was the last time you saw an original, glued-to-your-seat film?
<Crickets>
It took me awhile to come up with one, especially since I don’t see as many movies as I used to, but I really enjoyed “Bridesmaids.” Like a few years ago. And I want to see “Gravity” when it comes out on DVD soon.
Someone recently sent me a link to this article and I almost choked. Did you know there are planned reboots of the following ’80s movies: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (a merchandisers dream), “Poltergeist” (which absolutely terrified me as a child), “Romancing the Stone,” and even my beloved “Annie” (with Cameron Diaz, of all people, stepping into Carol Burnett’s shoes)?
Like, gag me with a spoon.
All of this got me thinking: With this flurry of 1980s remakes, what movie would you absolutely NOT want to see remade? And which one would you love to see rebooted?
For me, there’s the obvious Brat Pack films (“St. Elmo’s Fire,” “The Breakfast Club,” etc.), but honestly, I think it would be sacrilege to remake “Heathers,” which is one of my all-time favorites. I could seriously quote this movie all day. “What’s your damage, Heather?” “Grow up, Heather. Bulimia’s so ’87.” “This isn’t just a spoke in my menstrual cycle.” “You know what I want? Cool guys like you out of my life.”
And who could forget that wonderfully crude line about a chainsaw?
But I admit I would happily break out my bedazzled jean jacket for a reboot of “Poltergeist.” With today’s special effects, I think this has the potential to be completely terrifying (or maybe that’s the 6-year-old girl in me talking).
And seriously, Mom and Dad, what the heck were you thinking letting me see that movie?!
Okay, your turn! What movie — from any decade — do you/don’t you want to see as a reboot?
jen says
i agree with you 100% on this. to this day i cannot hang any part of my body off of the bed for fear that a clown will come out and grab me ! damn poltergeist – what were our parents thinking is right. but a remake would likely be terrifyingly amazing! movies to me are like toys – what was old is new – cabbage patch dolls, my little pony, strawberry shortcake … they are all back. i am just waiting to see if jem makes an appearance then we are really in for it – 😉
Jessica says
LOL – same here! I don’t know, a JEM revival might not be so bad. She is truly outrageous, after all 🙂
katie @ Pick Any Two says
I once saw a video called “Everything is a Remix” that basically made the argument that there are never any new story lines anymore; everything is now a “remake” of sorts from something that came before. It’s an interesting concept, and all the more reason for screen writers and film producers to step up their act!
Jessica says
That really is an interesting concept! Maybe now is the time to start working on my screenplay 🙂
Heather @ Housewife Heather says
I don’t get to the movie theaters, but love watching movies through iTunes or OnDemand! I will admit to being corny, I like watching the remakes, mostly the cheesy romantic ones & I will give them at least one chance! 😉 Not so much Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Poltergeist!
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
Heathers the Musical opens on Broadway in March, I’m not sure how I feel about that.
Jessica says
OMG, are you kissing me???I hadn’t heard that! Although I admit I am having trouble envisioning “Heathers” as a musical, though …