It seems like Hollywood has run out of ideas. Every new movie idea it seems is just another version of a movie previously released. Whether or it’s an old classic or a continuation of a previous sequel just years later, Hollywood likes to copy and paste…with a twist.
Now, there have been some very successful films over the years that were actually remakes. Films such as Ocean’s Eleven, The Lord of the Rings, The Italian Job, The Departed are just a sampling of some good film remakes that can be done if pursued and produced right.
When deciding whether or not to go the route of creating a remake of a movie, here are some rules/tips that I think every studio should consider before pursuing:
1) Original hasn’t been seen by the majority of the current audience
I think this is the most important rule in creating a remake. I love hearing about a classic story or film being remade and bringing it to the modern audience. There’s no real point in remaking movies like Star Wars or Godfather, everyone has already seen those movies. Bring me an old story, like Moby Dick, and show me a modernized version, keeping true to the story, and that excites me. But taking a series like Ghostbusters that most people have seen and trying to rekindle the flame for this generation’s movie audience doesn’t work for me.
2) The original has to have a good story
Think about it, would you want to see a remake of Bubble Boy, that horrendous movie with Jake Gyllenhaal as a boy who lives in a bubble? Of course not! You know why? Because the story was preposterous and ridiculous, so why remake that?
3) The original movie had to be well liked or had a strong following
What’s the point of remaking a movie that no one liked in the first place? Take films like Robocop and Short Circuit that have lately been rumored to be in the process of remaking, would you say those films warrant a remake? I would say no, due to their underwhelming popularity and success. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love Short Circuit and when I was a young boy, Robocop was a killer cop movie…but I can’t see them being remade now. They weren’t strong enough of movies or had enough success that would justify a modern retelling.
4) There has had to be at least 10-15 years since the original
Before a remake is made, I think there needs to be a legitimate space of time in between the original and when the proposed remake is supposed to debut. If you’ve seen the movie in the last 5-10 years, how would a remake accomplish its goal if it’s fresh on your mind? Take for example, Remember the Titans which came out in 2000, can you see them remaking that movie?
I hope those tips/rules were helpful in determining when it is OK to proceed with creating a remake. I think if they are followed then a GOOD remake could happen…does it mean it will, probably not, but who knows.
Discussion: What other rules would you add to this list?
