are just a few of the more recent films in the process of being remade/rebooted. But, why do this?
There are different answers to this question depending on whether the film is classed as a reboot or remake. So to answer the question you have to understand the difference between the two. I'm not trying to patronise you, but I know that lots of people don't know the difference and I didn't until a little while ago.
A reboot tends to involve a franchise like Batman, Star Trek, Superman and Spiderman. These are more common than remakes. Batman has undergone four reboots since 1989 and Star Trek has undergone three reboots.
A remake involves a single film like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Total Recall. You only ever really see one remake. It seems silly to remake a remake.
So, back to the question...Why do they do this? Reboots tend to be made due to demand. I love the fact that if, as an audience, we moan enough we can get a film rebooted. Remakes tend to be made for two reasons, the first being out of love. A producer/director might want to make it because they loved the original and wanted to see what they could do with it. These types of remakes never really live up to expectations. The other reason could be because the original was awful and a producer/directer thinks they can do better. The main underlining reason for reboots and remakes is money. The film industry is here to make money by entertaining us. If they find something that works, they will keep making it until it stops working. The film industry in a nutshell. (Independent films are the exception to the rule)
There is a case where I feel that a film has been falsely branded a remake. The large majority of people who saw the 2003 film The Italian Job thought it was bad because it wasn't as good as the original and I agree. It's nothing compared to the 1969 Italian Job, but I don't see it as a remake. In the film they clearly state they're going to do the Italian job when their original plan fails. It's a film where the characters are inspired by a film.
There are also some cases where I don't believe films should be rebooted/remade. I recently read that Lionsgate had no immediate plans to reboot the Twilight franchise. This implies that they are thinking about it and it'll probably be sooner rather than later. I beg you not to do this, it's had its time and I wish to forget it (sorry Twihards). Let it fall into history.
While I'm begging, I ask that Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings not be remade. They were truly wonderful films and nothing will ever match them, so don't try.
Image: The after and before shots of recent reboots/remakes.
(note: When 'twihards' is put into spellcheck it suggests twats and twits :D)
Twats and Twits. :P Love it. Interesting blog post, my dear. :)
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