Thanks to Yano for the topic.
It was actually difficult to come up with 10 favorite remakes. I usually avoid them because the term “remake” is usually identified with “not as good as the original.” There have been far more bad remakes than good ones. Often, it seems as though the people producing the remake, never watched or identified with the original, so the new version ends up disappointing the fans of the original.
Perhaps that’s why I don’t know if my list counts as “remakes” so much, as updates, or reboots. I prefer this concept rather than a straight “remake,” as opportunities arise to go beyond the original vision and make something better, not just newer.
Batman Begins (2005) – Finally! Batman done right. Batman was always a serious character. The slew of Batman movies from the 80’s and 90’s were more closely related to the 60’s TV show (which I also like, but, for it’s campy self, not a true version of the Batman) than the comics. The Dark Knight was even better. I hope they take the next movie as seriously.
Star Trek (2009) – Being a Trekker (Trekkie back then) since the early 70’s, I was excited when I heard they were producing a new TV series called Star Trek: The Next Generation. At first, I wanted to like it more than I did. The first season was weak, but, as the series progressed, the story lines and characters got better. Sorry Wil Weaton, I may be a fan of @wilw, but I wanted Wesley Crusher to suffer a fatal transporter accident (with Dr. Pulaski as a bonus). The next batch of Trek shows all fell short in my opinion. Enterprise being the worst. The feature films featuring the original series, and TNG, casts were good, but, as they progressed, they seemed to be less and less appealing. My favorite original cast movie is Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home ("Where do you keep your Nuclear Wessles"). Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn is second - not that you asked. Favorite TNG movie: Star Trek: First Contact. That brings us to Star Trek (2009). Originally slated to be released for the holiday’s in 2008, Paramount execs thought the movie was strong enough to be a summer release, and moved the date to May 8, 2009. I was nervous, having been burned by getting over-excited about Trek movies before. My fears were laid to rest after the 12-minute opening sequence. After seeing the movie 4 times (I said I was a Trekker!), the opening still gets me all verklempt (if you haven’t seen it – SPOILER ALERT – the opening sequence is the birth of James T. Kirk, and the death of his father, who saves 800 lives, including his son’s). I consider this movie the best Trek movie to date. Let’s hope they make the next one, at least, as good.
The Mummy (1999) – I still love this modernized (it takes place in 1923) version of the story. The mummy is not some guy in 10 pounds of gauze, slowly creeping along seeking victims. In fact, the original mummy was so slow that, even as a child, I wondered how he could possibly catch anyone! This version of the story has the Mummy coming back from the dead and becoming more rejuvenated with each victim he claims. The dialog is sharp and funny. Some of the special effect now seem dated, but, it doesn't matter, because it is the story and characters that makes this movie fun.
Get Smart (2008) – I love the TV show (would you believe I have the entire series on DVD), and was nervous about the movie version. After all, there were other movie versions that fell far short of the original series. While I don’t think I will ever love it, like I do the series, the movie was very good. The characters were updated, yet true to their original incarnations. I look forward to a sequel.
King Kong (2005) – The Peter Jackson version, not the laughable Jeff Bridges version (Heck, it may have well starred Todd Bridges!). In Peter Jackson’s beautifully rendered version, Kong comes to life like never before. His facial expressions and movements convey a range of emotions that stop-motion photography or monkey suits (actual monkey suits, not tuxedos!) never could. It is, at heart, a love story. The scene where Kong protects Anne from three T-Rex's is fantastic!
Little Shop of Horrors (1986) – Funny, sweet, a great soundtrack, and an awesome cast. I cannot think of how it could have been better.
A Christmas Carol (1999) – First off, I may be slightly influenced by the fact thatCaptain Jean Luc Picard Patrick Stewart plays Scrooge. However, it is a wonderful retelling of the Dicken’s classic. A must for every Christmas season (along with A Christmas Story).
The Magnificent Seven (1960) – Oh, sure, some (OK, most) of the acting was pretty bad, but this remake of The Seven Samurai is still one of my favorite westerns. Don’t take it too seriously and just enjoy the ride. Steve McQueen doesn’t speak much, but is steals just about every scene he is in.
Casino Royale (2006) – This reboot of the (very, very) tired James Bond franchise is still my favorite Bond movie. I was hopeful from the start of the movie. The 60’s “girlie-show” opening credits were gone (unfortunately, they returned in Quantum of Solace). Bond wasn’t glib. No ridiculous gadgets (invisible car, etc.) He wasn’t bedding every woman he ran into (I often thought that the “old” Bonds could have saved the world in half the time if James could just keep it in his pants). He was dedicated to his job with an unwavering commitment. Not afraid to get beaten or bruised, he served Queen and country. He was what, I felt, James Bond should have always been.
Spider-Man (2002) – Remember the 1978 TV show "The Amazing Spider-Man?" There was nothing amazing about it. From the poor writing and acting to the ridiculous, ill-fitting Spidy suit. In 2002, Director Sam Raimi treated us to the best Spider-Man to date. The story and characters were true to their comic book origins. The writing, overall design and special effects were top notch. Still the best Spider-Man.
Now, for fun, some (obviously, not all) of the worst:
King Kong (1976) – Ah, the 70's. I laugh every time I catch parts of it on TV. It is so bad.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) – Surprised this made the list, what with me being a Trekker and all? It bombed on December 7, 1979. It was as though whoever wrote it had never seen Star Trek. I was at the height of my Trekkieness, and I was watching it, thinking to myself "WTF?" If you have problems falling asleep, watch it. Problem Solved.
The Incredible Hulk (2008) – Knowing 2003's Hulk movie sucked, they decided to make another one. Not a better one, just another one. Let’s hope this is the last time the Hulk has his own movie. "Hulk not a smash!"
Robin Hood (1991) – I laughed, I cried (because I paid to see it), but, I mostly laughed. Among other things, it featured Kevin Costner and his case of the disappearing British accent. Errol Flynn is still the best Robin Hood.
Speed Racer (2008) – Die-hard fans of the TV show where disappointed, and it’s no wonder, this was another movie where you ask yourself “did the writers even watch the original show?” This movie couldn’t make up it’s mind what it wanted to be. If it’s a kids movie, why do we see Spritle flip-off the bad guy?. If it’s for young adults, why were there so many childish (think: Spritle and Chim-Chim) scenes? For crying out loud, Speed was driving the Mach 6. What, the Mach 5 wasn’t good enough for him?
Around the World in 80 Days (2004) – OK, I’ll admit that I did not see it – and I like Jackie Chan! I have seen almost all his movies. So why didn’t I see this one? Usually, they put the good bits in the commercials, and the commercials stunk! I wasn't going to pay to see the rest of the movie!
I know there are a lot more, are there any you would have added to either list?
It was actually difficult to come up with 10 favorite remakes. I usually avoid them because the term “remake” is usually identified with “not as good as the original.” There have been far more bad remakes than good ones. Often, it seems as though the people producing the remake, never watched or identified with the original, so the new version ends up disappointing the fans of the original.
Perhaps that’s why I don’t know if my list counts as “remakes” so much, as updates, or reboots. I prefer this concept rather than a straight “remake,” as opportunities arise to go beyond the original vision and make something better, not just newer.
Batman Begins (2005) – Finally! Batman done right. Batman was always a serious character. The slew of Batman movies from the 80’s and 90’s were more closely related to the 60’s TV show (which I also like, but, for it’s campy self, not a true version of the Batman) than the comics. The Dark Knight was even better. I hope they take the next movie as seriously.
Star Trek (2009) – Being a Trekker (Trekkie back then) since the early 70’s, I was excited when I heard they were producing a new TV series called Star Trek: The Next Generation. At first, I wanted to like it more than I did. The first season was weak, but, as the series progressed, the story lines and characters got better. Sorry Wil Weaton, I may be a fan of @wilw, but I wanted Wesley Crusher to suffer a fatal transporter accident (with Dr. Pulaski as a bonus). The next batch of Trek shows all fell short in my opinion. Enterprise being the worst. The feature films featuring the original series, and TNG, casts were good, but, as they progressed, they seemed to be less and less appealing. My favorite original cast movie is Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home ("Where do you keep your Nuclear Wessles"). Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn is second - not that you asked. Favorite TNG movie: Star Trek: First Contact. That brings us to Star Trek (2009). Originally slated to be released for the holiday’s in 2008, Paramount execs thought the movie was strong enough to be a summer release, and moved the date to May 8, 2009. I was nervous, having been burned by getting over-excited about Trek movies before. My fears were laid to rest after the 12-minute opening sequence. After seeing the movie 4 times (I said I was a Trekker!), the opening still gets me all verklempt (if you haven’t seen it – SPOILER ALERT – the opening sequence is the birth of James T. Kirk, and the death of his father, who saves 800 lives, including his son’s). I consider this movie the best Trek movie to date. Let’s hope they make the next one, at least, as good.
The Mummy (1999) – I still love this modernized (it takes place in 1923) version of the story. The mummy is not some guy in 10 pounds of gauze, slowly creeping along seeking victims. In fact, the original mummy was so slow that, even as a child, I wondered how he could possibly catch anyone! This version of the story has the Mummy coming back from the dead and becoming more rejuvenated with each victim he claims. The dialog is sharp and funny. Some of the special effect now seem dated, but, it doesn't matter, because it is the story and characters that makes this movie fun.
Get Smart (2008) – I love the TV show (would you believe I have the entire series on DVD), and was nervous about the movie version. After all, there were other movie versions that fell far short of the original series. While I don’t think I will ever love it, like I do the series, the movie was very good. The characters were updated, yet true to their original incarnations. I look forward to a sequel.
King Kong (2005) – The Peter Jackson version, not the laughable Jeff Bridges version (Heck, it may have well starred Todd Bridges!). In Peter Jackson’s beautifully rendered version, Kong comes to life like never before. His facial expressions and movements convey a range of emotions that stop-motion photography or monkey suits (actual monkey suits, not tuxedos!) never could. It is, at heart, a love story. The scene where Kong protects Anne from three T-Rex's is fantastic!
Little Shop of Horrors (1986) – Funny, sweet, a great soundtrack, and an awesome cast. I cannot think of how it could have been better.
A Christmas Carol (1999) – First off, I may be slightly influenced by the fact that
The Magnificent Seven (1960) – Oh, sure, some (OK, most) of the acting was pretty bad, but this remake of The Seven Samurai is still one of my favorite westerns. Don’t take it too seriously and just enjoy the ride. Steve McQueen doesn’t speak much, but is steals just about every scene he is in.
Casino Royale (2006) – This reboot of the (very, very) tired James Bond franchise is still my favorite Bond movie. I was hopeful from the start of the movie. The 60’s “girlie-show” opening credits were gone (unfortunately, they returned in Quantum of Solace). Bond wasn’t glib. No ridiculous gadgets (invisible car, etc.) He wasn’t bedding every woman he ran into (I often thought that the “old” Bonds could have saved the world in half the time if James could just keep it in his pants). He was dedicated to his job with an unwavering commitment. Not afraid to get beaten or bruised, he served Queen and country. He was what, I felt, James Bond should have always been.
Spider-Man (2002) – Remember the 1978 TV show "The Amazing Spider-Man?" There was nothing amazing about it. From the poor writing and acting to the ridiculous, ill-fitting Spidy suit. In 2002, Director Sam Raimi treated us to the best Spider-Man to date. The story and characters were true to their comic book origins. The writing, overall design and special effects were top notch. Still the best Spider-Man.
Now, for fun, some (obviously, not all) of the worst:
King Kong (1976) – Ah, the 70's. I laugh every time I catch parts of it on TV. It is so bad.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) – Surprised this made the list, what with me being a Trekker and all? It bombed on December 7, 1979. It was as though whoever wrote it had never seen Star Trek. I was at the height of my Trekkieness, and I was watching it, thinking to myself "WTF?" If you have problems falling asleep, watch it. Problem Solved.
The Incredible Hulk (2008) – Knowing 2003's Hulk movie sucked, they decided to make another one. Not a better one, just another one. Let’s hope this is the last time the Hulk has his own movie. "Hulk not a smash!"
Robin Hood (1991) – I laughed, I cried (because I paid to see it), but, I mostly laughed. Among other things, it featured Kevin Costner and his case of the disappearing British accent. Errol Flynn is still the best Robin Hood.
Speed Racer (2008) – Die-hard fans of the TV show where disappointed, and it’s no wonder, this was another movie where you ask yourself “did the writers even watch the original show?” This movie couldn’t make up it’s mind what it wanted to be. If it’s a kids movie, why do we see Spritle flip-off the bad guy?. If it’s for young adults, why were there so many childish (think: Spritle and Chim-Chim) scenes? For crying out loud, Speed was driving the Mach 6. What, the Mach 5 wasn’t good enough for him?
Around the World in 80 Days (2004) – OK, I’ll admit that I did not see it – and I like Jackie Chan! I have seen almost all his movies. So why didn’t I see this one? Usually, they put the good bits in the commercials, and the commercials stunk! I wasn't going to pay to see the rest of the movie!
I know there are a lot more, are there any you would have added to either list?
