Thursday, March 18, 2010

Re-Imagining vs. Re-Make

In looking at the top releases for the last few months, as well as the upcoming blockbusters, it would appear that Hollywood truly has run out of ideas.  I find this disheartening, not because I believe for a minute that every story ever has been told, but because I have a sneaking suspicion that this is a direct result of Hollywood's reluctance to take a risk with film-making.  Add to this the slow agonizing death of the popularity of Independent Films, and you have a depression view of the movie world to come.

Still, while Avatar, Alice in Wonderland, and the upcoming Tron, Iron Man 2 and Karate Kid (oh yes, that happened) might speak to deeper issues within the inner workings of the entertainment world, there is merit to be found.  Having seen both Avatar and Alice (and for that matter, Sherlock Homes), while the over-arching idea might be familiar, each of these movies presented a new perspective in storytelling or cinematography that is innovative and in the case of Avatar, will most likely influence movies of its kind for many years to come. 

Which brings me to my point.  I hate remakes.  There is no reason to simply make a movie again because some actor or studio wants to cash in on a previously successful idea.  While Mara Wilson is positively adorable, there was nothing wrong with the original Miracle on 34th Street, and remaking it is an insult to the shoulders modern Hollywood stands on. 

However, I ADORE re-imagings.  If you can tell a story we've all heard before and still make it interesting and compelling because of some new technique, point of view, or historical significance, I will watch and devour with all the voracity of a hungry bulldog inhaling his kibble.  And I will love you forever.

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