Thursday
Movie Picks is hosted by Wandering Through the Shelves. This week’s theme is
about remakes/reboots/sequels. Hollywood hasn’t shied away from rebooting,
remaking, or adding sequels to popular movies so it’s no longer a surprise when
an existing property is getting a glitzy upgrade. I went with one pick for each
(remake, sequel, reboot) and listed accordingly.
To
Kill a Mockingbird – This is a beloved movie, with Gregory Peck playing an
iconic character in literature. I wouldn’t mind seeing a remake of this
classic, if they decide to touch on the book again.
National
Treasure 2 – This installment was bad, but I like these kinds of treasure hunt
movies. This also left things on a cliffhanger, with the president asking
Nicolas Cage’s character to check a page on this book hidden in the Library of
Congress. So yes, I want a third movie.
The
Neverending Story – I think this is a simple story, but could be improved on by
better graphics.
The Neverending story I could definitely see an update. Now that I think about it, I'm surprised that hasn't happened yet.I think it would be hard for me to picture anyone but Peck as Atticus.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a remake of A Neverending Story. If they do it like Pete's Dragon it might work.
DeleteI didn't think much of The Neverending Story so I wouldn't mind seeing another go at it.
ReplyDeleteI'm also in agreement on National Treasure 2 (how I HATE the lack of originality in sequel titles now...if it's a sequel it's another story give it another name that alludes to the first don't just stick a number afterwards damn it!) I enjoyed the first but the followup was woeful.
I'm with Brittani though on Mockingbird. I can't imagine finding someone who would fit Atticus Finch as well as Gregory Peck or being as much too him. Some things are best left be.
I found this an intriguing theme since it allowed everyone latitude to go there own way. It's also fun to see what different movies each person wants to see reworked or continued. In that spirit and since we had multiple choice on the theme I went with the remake & sequel options.
Sequel first:
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)-Sequels are tricky affairs usually a lesser shadow of the original but occasionally as with Aliens it works out well so I’m usually hopeful. Man from U.N.C.L.E. was a stylish, fast paced affair with a terrific vintage look and relaxed, enjoyable performances from the three leads and Hugh Grant as their wry boss. It didn’t perform as well as expected so this probably won’t happen which is too bad since it was a more realistic adventure with less reliance on CGI than most current actioners.
And two remakes:
As I mentioned with TKAM I’m not much for remakes of classics, what’s the point? You can’t improve on perfection so unless a new perspective or element can be added leave well enough alone. My first is an example of adding a different element. However sometimes a good idea receives faulty execution, occasionally even the best filmmakers stumble and then I say have at it. That would be my second.
8 Women (2002)-This French musical mystery farce is a one of a kind concoction, wonderfully entertaining with a cast full of the best feminine Gallic cast of the day (Catherine Deneuve, Fanny Ardant and Isabelle Huppert among them). It would have been hard for it to turn out better. But since women’s films and musicals are thin on the ground despite the abundance of talent available an American remake would be great to see especially since the cast runs across all adult age brackets, hell it even has a custom made role for Angela Lansbury as the matriarch.
Topaz (1969)-Every great director has a lemon in their filmography, this exercise in boredom is Alfred Hitchcock’s. Sluggish to the point of ennui and indifferently acted it was difficult to get through even once. The thing is the basic story, a Russian agent defects and during his interview tells of another supposedly friendly country’s spy ring that is selling high risk secrets to the highest bidder, is a good one and has great potential to be made into an excellent film. If the studios feel the need to remake the Master’s work than start with this fumble and not one of his successes.
The Man from UNCLE needs to have a sequel. I thought buzz for it would have picked up since it's still well received now even if it didn't make much bank in theaters.
DeleteI think with the right director and cast, a remake to To Kill A Mockingbird could turn out great.
ReplyDeleteI think so too!
DeleteI couldn't see anyone but Peck as Atticus and hope they leave it alone and don't have Tom Hanks in the role as that would be the go-to guy for this type of film. I liked both National treasure films even though the 2nd is schlocky but i could see another sequel. The Neverending Story would be a possible good remake considering what can be done now
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine Hanks in the role. He's a good actor but would want the role to go to someone else.
DeleteI am all for another National Treasure- anything with Nic in it works for me.
ReplyDeleteI think those movies are the only decent ones he made for his recent career. Hate that they left it with a cliffhanger.
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