Sometimes they produce a true classic in their own right. Airplane for example is basically a remake of a 1957 film called “Zero Hour”. A fairly by-the-numbers air disaster film. But with a new look at it a truly hilarious comedy was created.

Then there are cases where the original is a great concept, but the film just does not do it justice. John Carpenter’s 1982 remake of “The Thing” took another obscure film and turned it into a horror classic (one I still have problems watching some scenes).

Every time something new should be brought. Either a new twist on the idea, or just improving it all around with a better director. But a film should never be remade just for the sake of it, and an all time classic definitely shouldn’t.That is the problem with the new trend in Hollywood. They seem intent on taking an already legendary film and remaking it just because it seems they think it will make just as much money again. But as all normal people know its not the film alone that makes it classic, its the combination of actors, director, and all the other parts that went into making it.

There is currently an extensive list of films already in the works that just should not be re-made. I’m sure there are many more being made, but these are the ones that stand out to me as the worst offenders.

The Birds

Alfred Hitchcock re-made by Michael Bay
If you can, you need to see the original. The basic premise is simple, birds start attacking people. A simple and quiet comical idea, but when filmed by Hitchcock even the most simple idea takes on new meaning.

Then we have Mr Bay. The man who have managed to make two Transformers films that don’t actually seem to contain the title character. He has made some great films “The Rock” and “Bad Boys” are both fun to watch. But I think he has over extended when he starts comparing himself with Alfred Hitchcock.

Akira & Ghost in the Shell

Is nothing safe? I have already talked plenty about Ghost in the Shell and what it means. If there is one more film that is more important to anime and science fiction its Akira. This is the film that is responsible for my love of anime.

So lets think for a moment..how can we improve this film? Lets move it from Neo-Jepan to Neo-New York (eh?). DiCaprio will take on Kenada(oh dear!).. only a little older (what?) the the rest of the film stay pretty much unchanged, but in live action (whats the point?).

Dreamworks have picked up Ghost in the Shell. There seem to be little details about it at the moment so we will have to see. But I don’t hold out any hope at all than a live action version can be anything less than terrible. Dreamworks will put a good budget to it, and I’m sure the effects will be great. But they will not get the hard concept at the centre of it because they will be driven by audience reactions and most people won’t be able to handle it.

Nightmare on Elm Street

If you have ever looked through Wes Craven’s back catalog its amazing to me that he made it to make films like “Nightmare on Elm Street”, or “Scream”. Some of his earlier work is hard to watch. I have never understood why “The hills have eyes” is classed as a classic, everyone has their own taste and I can only assume they can see something in it I can not.

That was remade in 2006 and I think is a good candidate to have it done. An interesting idea that can be improved. Its just a shame I don’t enjoy either version.

But “Nightmare on Elm Street” is entirely different film. The original is a horror classic. Stupid in places, horrific in others it is a product of its time and still stands up well. Sporning 5 sequels and a number of spin-offs it has something special.

So there is just no need to remake it, nothing much can be added to it. From what I can tell from the trailer it seems to be a straight up remake of the original film with some parts from the other films. Of all the remakes coming it definitely looks interesting. But I think that says more about Craven’s original idea than it does about this new version.

Fin

There are a number of other remakes on the way. Including the remake of “The Lavender Hill Mob” that made me write this post. The original version is a classic Ealing Comedy. It is a joy to watch, so what possibly can be added to it?

Like the other British films that have been recently remade like “The Ladykillers” or “School for scoundrels” a competent film will be made that compleatly misses the point of the original. But I do enjoy the “Ladykillers” remake.. except of Marlon Wayanes swearing his way through it.

Remake a film becuase you can add something to it. Not just because you think you can.