I'm confused by a bad case of deja-vu. I just don't know what to make of remakes of science fiction films. The problem is that I've enjoyed some of them as much as the original classics. War of the Worlds is a good example. I love the George Pal original but I also found Tom Cruise's modern version an exciting re-interpretation. But then you get The Day The Earth Stood Still. A milestone of Fiftie's Sci-Fi, which didn't travel well at all when Keanu Reaves landed in it a few years ago. I suppose a good question is how long should pass before a film is re-made? In some cases this is just a matter of months, usually when the original was 'foreign' like Ringu and Dark Water, examples borrowed from the Japanese horror genre [can't think of any overnight sci-fi remakes]. So my heart sank when I heard that both Total Recall and Judge Dredd have been redone for a modern audience. What is wrong with the first versions? Is the film industry bereft of new ideas? Is this just job creation Hollywood-style?
They just better leave 2001 alone or there will be hell to pay.
ReplyDeleteI second that, Warren. Although no one as yet has done a film based on Arthur C Clarke's book '3001: The Final Odyssey.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that JD keeps his helmet on for the whole movie...if he does that will make it a better movie for me! But bring back the wacky Land-Rover FC's please!
ReplyDeleteLikewise, if the ending of the new 'Total Recall' manages to avoid a chap surviving for about 4 and a half minutes in a total vacuum with a helmet it might just be a better film!!
Generally though I think you should find a new script for your millions rather than plunder the archive!
H
'without' a helmet....doh!
ReplyDeleteYes! Carl Urban seems to have read the comic and keeping in character, keeps his helmet on.
ReplyDeleteHollywood seems to hate risk...hence Shrek & Madagascar 'episodes' infinitum. This makes the risky jewels (like District 9) shine even more among the dross.
Another exception is Invasion of the Body Snatchers. I liked the original black and white film greatly but I really love the remake with Donald Sutherland. I recently saw a similar film with Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman called the Invasion, which was OK. I've never sen the Abel Ferera versiob, Body Snatchers.
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