Do Remakes REALLY bother you?

[ferretchucker]

They annoy me a bit, yes. I find it annoying that writers have run out of ideas and so feel the need to simply tweak someone else's hard work but really, that's as far as it goes. I sometimes enjoy seeing old characters back on the big screen in a different light.

And as I think someone said here, unless they tape over every copy of the original to make the film it doesn't hurt the original. So long as people are aware (which they aren't always) that the original exists I don't mind. And even if people who see the remake first prefer it just because they saw it first, does that matter? Their opinions on films can't hurt you unless they shove your head in a blender until you agree with them.

[Doc Faustus]

Remakes bother me when movies with personal style get broken down and turned into something dull.

[sgambino]

I would like to see new fresh movies. I'm getting tired of all these remakes coming out. Doesn't anyone have any new ideas? There are some awesome books out there that I think should be made into movies.

[neverending]

First of all, writers have not run out of ideas. Remakes are the products of the Hollywood money machine that has hit upon a marketing ploy that is easy and nearly foolproof. Take the title from a movie 10 or more years old that has some kind of audience recognition behind it, hire a writer who will churn out a rehash for a low wage, hitting upon the elements the marketing department says are what the audiences want to see, and the rest is easy, with at least a modest profit guaranteed.

As such, nearly all horror movie remakes are cynical bastardizations of far more original and interesting ideas. So, yes, that bothers the crap out of me. Hey Joe, we've got the rights to the title of this old movie- let's redo it and WE'LL MAKE IT IN THREE DEE!!! Well shoot me in the face and bury me six feet under- I thought filmmaking was about telling a story, not about mesmerizing brains with shiny toys flying off the screen.

Remakes are a pox on the market because precious resources go into making these knockoff inferior examples of filmmaking CRAFT, instead of financing original works of ART that could lead to the emergence of new original talent that could enrich the world in a far greater way than any number of lame-ass retread, inferior by the numbers remakes ever can.

YES, REMAKES BOTHER THE FUCK OUT ME.

[horrorsniped]

First of all, writers have not run out of ideas. Remakes are the products of the Hollywood money machine that has hit upon a marketing ploy that is easy and nearly foolproof. Take the title from a movie 10 or more years old that has some kind of audience recognition behind it, hire a writer who will churn out a rehash for a low wage, hitting upon the elements the marketing department says are what the audiences want to see, and the rest is easy, with at least a modest profit guaranteed.

As such, nearly all horror movie remakes are cynical bastardizations of far more original and interesting ideas. So, yes, that bothers the crap out of me. Hey Joe, we've got the rights to the title of this old movie- let's redo it and WE'LL MAKE IT IN THREE DEE!!! Well shoot me in the face and bury me six feet under- I thought filmmaking was about telling a story, not about mesmerizing brains with shiny toys flying off the screen.

Remakes are a pox on the market because precious resources go into making these knockoff inferior examples of filmmaking CRAFT, instead of financing original works of ART that could lead to the emergence of new original talent that could enrich the world in a far greater way than any number of lame-ass retread, inferior by the numbers remakes ever can.

YES, REMAKES BOTHER THE FUCK OUT ME.


I'm not one for plagiarism but I'm tempted to use this haha. Agreed 100%.

[GothamUndead]

No, they don't bother me. I may not like it when a movie like Nightmare on Elm Street is remade, but it doesn't stop me from just enjoying it. I can't argue against a lot of the points that neverending brought up nor would I want to. I'm usually care free about the movies I see, maybe I'm a sheep or whatever but I just enjoy movies.

I think the problem actually rests with the people who actually are bothered by the remakes that still continue to shell out the cash to see it. Vote with your wallet, or your torrents if you wish, but if you don't like it, don't want to see more of it, don't pay for it otherwise it will continue to happen. What will they do without their money?

[DeadKlown]

i like remakes for pretty much one reason and that is technological advancements. plus most of the time i havent seen the original....there was a lot of stuff before 1984

[neverending]

i like remakes for pretty much one reason and that is technological advancements. plus most of the time i havent seen the original....there was a lot of stuff before 1984

If you haven't seen the original, how do you know the remake has "technological advancements?"

Do these alleged "technological advancements" really make up for awful acting and lame storytelling?

Is the dazzle of an effect really worth shelling out your $10 for?

Well, I guess it's logical, really. If you've grown up on a diet of inferior product, that's what you come to expect, and you think it's good. Or at least acceptable.

If you grow up eating McDonald's, you have no idea what a joy a real hamburger can give you.

[DeadKlown]

iv never seen the original wolfman but the remake looks kool

[Straker]

For me, remakes represent a saftey first style of cinema that doesn't really excite me. I can watch remakes and I can even enjoy the odd one here and there, but when I look at the budget of these productions all I see is millions of dollars worth of wasted opportunities. Of course they don't stop me enjoying the originals, but I can't help but wish the money would've been invested in original concepts and fresh ideas.

[Doc Faustus]

i like remakes for pretty much one reason and that is technological advancements. plus most of the time i havent seen the original....there was a lot of stuff before 1984

Try seeing the originals. Most of them cost as much to buy as you'd spend going to a movie. You can get the Wolfman and three other classic werewolf movies in the Legacy collection for about 20 bucks. Nowadays, that's your ticket, popcorn and a soda. Or get the movie by itself for about ten bucks. Or get on Netflix. Whatever. You can go to the movies and see something mediocre or you can do a little legwork and see something awesome. We have yet to invent a device that makes a shitty script awesome...unless you count weed.

[neverending]

Not to sound like I'm pandering to Doc, or anything, but I think I can use him to make a point here, because I'm familiar with his work. If they took just 1 million from the upcoming remake of The Blob, somebody could make an amazing original film from his Murderland book. It's got everything young horror fans would want- violence, rock music and plenty of gore. In addition, it's a fresh vision with social commentary and satire that would appeal to more serious minded film fans. It would be a surefire hit.

There is a wealth of great fiction available that could become new horror classics just the way Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, Hellraiser, The Exorcist, Night of the Living Dead and countless others have been. Give new ideas and new voices a chance. Quit retreading the past.

[Doc Faustus]

Biting tongue...information I cannot relay...hope, pray, knock wood, old friend. I've said nothing.

[fortunato]

Biting tongue...information I cannot relay...hope, pray, knock wood, old friend. I've said nothing.

Wow. This could be great news (hopefully).

[Doc Faustus]

It could be. If there was news. Look, a bird!

[friday13thfan]

I have no problem with remakes. While they will never compare to the original if they make money then they are going to be made.

[_____V_____]

I ll admit, when Grindhouse tanked at the cinemas and was severely panned by the critics, I lost all hope for the genre.

But then 2007-2008 happened and look how many originals struck gold. The last few years have seen some real gems coming out in horror - some domestic, some foreign. There is a lesson to be learnt in that, but money-hungry studios wont ever learn.

I think most remakes are checked out by kids who are used to hearing how awesome the originals are, from their parents or granpas etc...The teen audience is easy to cater to, and there's always a willing producer/director with a wallet who is willing to give it a shot. As long as the remake makes some money (at the BO or through DVD sales whatever), the studios are happy.

I am sure some of those cases stated above are teens who watch an original and are actually disappointed by it. "Whatever does Dad see in this? Its a hour long borefest, with outdated fashion statements and outlandish production values."

Remakes will only go out if teens started appreciating the originals. Sadly that doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon. (Maybe...one fine morning when the sun rises in the west)

[newb]

For the most part, I see NO need for them. But every once in a while a real gem emerges from a remake.


http://www.scifi.co.uk/the%20thing.jpg

[fortunato]

It could be. If there was news. Look, a bird!

Ooo! I like birds!
But not as much as the prospect of a film being made from y-
I mean...I like birds!

[fuglystick]

I understand why the idea of a remake induces eye-rolling, because too many producers out there are all too eager to capitalize on the popularity of a film to generate money, and very often deliver an inferior product.

I do think it's a mistake, however, to automatically assume that because a film is a remake it is destined for suckage. Shakespeare's plays have been performed countless times over centuries, in countless formats and variations, because of the strength of the source material. But like everything else, a poor production is a poor product, and a superior production is a superior product.

[Caenxavier]

I understand why the idea of a remake induces eye-rolling, because too many producers out there are all too eager to capitalize on the popularity of a film to generate money, and very often deliver an inferior product.

I do think it's a mistake, however, to automatically assume that because a film is a remake it is destined for suckage. Shakespeare's plays have been performed countless times over centuries, in countless formats and variations, because of the strength of the source material. But like everything else, a poor production is a poor product, and a superior production is a superior product.

It's like you posted for me. :p

[horrorsniped]

I understand why the idea of a remake induces eye-rolling, because too many producers out there are all too eager to capitalize on the popularity of a film to generate money, and very often deliver an inferior product.

I do think it's a mistake, however, to automatically assume that because a film is a remake it is destined for suckage. Shakespeare's plays have been performed countless times over centuries, in countless formats and variations, because of the strength of the source material. But like everything else, a poor production is a poor product, and a superior production is a superior product.

I agree with you all the way. But, I don't remember a good horror remake. Nothing comes to mind for some reason, or it's because I just woke up and can't think of any.

[neverending]

Well, Newb posted one a few posts back, and a lot of people think The Fly was a good one as well.

I'm not agreeing with them... I'm just saying.

[milktoaste]

A couple years ago I came up with the double remake. It's easy and everybody wins. Instead of remaking every successful title one at a time, take two successful stories and mix them together. Then add a catchy title that lets the viewer know what movies their seeing.
Example, Piranha Cop 2, Detective Jon Kimbal is sent undercover to a beach side resort to hunt down a suspect. Little does he know that the hotel is about to be invaded by a military science project gone wrong, it's 30 kindergarteners whose DNA has been mixed with piranha DNA! OMG! Cue blood, cue the breasts! It's not a tumor! Action!

See, everybody wins.

[BackwoodsSlasher]

I think remakes are good because of the technological advancements and seeing the characters in a new way. The originals are always going to be my favorites, because the original is the way it was intended to be seen, and the way the story was to be told. In all id say I just love pretty much any horror movie...each one for different reasons.

[Caenxavier]

I think remakes are good because of the technological advancements and seeing the characters in a new way. The originals are always going to be my favorites, because the original is the way it was intended to be seen, and the way the story was to be told. In all id say I just love pretty much any horror movie...each one for different reasons.

That doesn't mean the directors got any better.

[Putoems]

Its annoying when they try to re-create the almost perfection. Movies like halloween, or the omen (the remake was f--- annoying),its hard to make a statement if you try to re-create films like those ones, so its like an offensive treath to those ones that respect the untouchable movies. On the other hand i agree on the money factor, hollywood just tries to make it with remakes such as the crappy friday 13th or the sad copy of the spanish movie, Rec.

[Ferox13]

Well some remakes were better than the originals (or as an alternative version of the source material for you nitpickers):

The Thing was definally better than the The Thing from Another World (though still a good film).

I feel the 70's version of the Invasion of the Body Snatchers was better than the 50's one..

And the 40's remake of The Maltese Falcon beat the shit out of the earlier versions..

[Putoems]

Yeah and i guess the atimyville and hills have eyes remakes are better but in those cases theres some room for improvement, specially hills have eyes. But the omen remake... Pleaseeeee! What kind of film is that?!

[Caenxavier]

Yeah and i guess the atimyville and hills have eyes remakes are better but in those cases theres some room for improvement, specially hills have eyes. But the omen remake... Pleaseeeee! What kind of film is that?!

Wouldn't call the Hills Have Eyes remake better. Maybe a bit more disturbing, crude and offensive, but not better.

[iNFiN1TY]

If its a good movie than no, if it sucks well if doesnt have to be a remake for me to hate it then.. but i prefer fresh idea's aswell.

[Scarebaby]

American remakes can bug the hell out of me, like the remake of Spanish film [rec] which was released a year or something after the original film, and the rumored "Let Her In" remake of a Swedish vampire movie. Suck it up and read the subtitles, you little twerps.

I can see why they'd want to remake a film that's over 20 years old though, like with all the horror films that are being spewed out lately, and that doesn't bother me per se. Mostly I just don't watch them. Best way to avoid being annoyed.

[Putoems]

Wouldn't call the Hills Have Eyes remake better. Maybe a bit more disturbing, crude and offensive, but not better.

I agree with you for a bit but, that was the whole idea of desert brutal people, to be crude and offensive, i guess, the idea was on the original one, but, it lacked almost everything beside the plot, and the remake, in this case, i think bought some few good solid points.

On the downside, Hills have eyes, tend to go on the "Wrong Turn" movie... and that kinda was a bit disappointing.

[Ferox13]

I can see why they'd want to remake a film that's over 20 years old though, like with all the horror films that are being spewed out lately, and that doesn't bother me per se. Mostly I just don't watch them. Best way to avoid being annoyed.

Because they make money...remakes fpr the most part are sure fire money makers...

[Caenxavier]

I agree with you for a bit but, that was the whole idea of desert brutal people,

Yeah, but they could have been less....tasteless with the whole rape thing.

[Putoems]

Yeah, but they could have been less....tasteless with the whole rape thing.

Agreed, they could do the film without that part. Even so, i guess, it's a better remake than the Omen, again, lolol.

[Deimos]

I don't mind remakes when they are done right and show the proper respect to the classic.

[neverending]

Contradiction in terms.

[Scarebaby]

Because they make money...remakes fpr the most part are sure fire money makers...

Yeah, I know. It's really quite sad.

[Doc Faustus]

It's a product of cultural illiteracy. Young people don't know about the original so go see a movie with a cool premise (which is why it got made to begin with) and think it will naturally be good because of said premise.

[fiend_skull]

Remakes only bother me when its of movies that don't need remakes. Like certain movies that are so bad (the unenjoyable bad, not Plan 9 bad.) should be remade. Though I will say the Reboot (I'm not sure what the difference between that and a remake are, they just called it that) of Hellraiser, has some of my interest despite the fact that Clive Barker is not going to be directly involved with it.

[GRAND INQUISITOR]

Is the Nightmare on Elm Street remake really nessecary?

[cheebacheeba]

Is any movie really n-e-c-e-s-s-a-r-y?
Is life?
Is existence?

[GRAND INQUISITOR]

For the most part, I see NO need for them. But every once in a while a real gem emerges from a remake.


http://www.scifi.co.uk/the%20thing.jpg

Does that incvlude the Death Race 2000 remake? reminds me of an early '80s Italian flick Fighter Centurions/Rome 2073 by Fulci but instead of cars it's a gladiatorial motorbike race in only the winner survives.

[GRAND INQUISITOR]

great faces of Eddie video!!!

[VampiricClown]

Yes, they do. For several reasons. I think they've pretty much been covered here already, by many of the members:

The younger audience, for the most part, do not appreciate the classics, nor even bother to watch them, once a remake has been created. Mostly for the reason of "it's old" or "stupid".

Another gripe, is that I personally feel that when someone does a remake, they are using someone elses idea, because they could not come up with their own. Not only that, it is marketing greed.

And why keep feeding us the same movies, every ten years? I don't eat leftovers that are ten years old, because it has a prettier arrangement on my plate. Why would I wish to pay/watch a rearrangement of a movie? I want to see something NEW.

[Hollow God]

Generally yes, I really hate remakes. I don't see the remake of Nightmare on elm st. as being necessary because the original is still relevant. It just seems lazy and unoriginal to me.

[Elvis_Christ]

They never used to bother me until recently because there's been a long run of stinkers like Last House On The Left and The Stepfather.

It's weird its become a subgenre of its own. It was a lot better when there was one every now and then not the sole output.

[MisterSadistro]

Remakes only bother me when its of movies that don't need remakes. Like certain movies that are so bad (the unenjoyable bad, not Plan 9 bad.) should be remade.

I'm actually doing a 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' remake right now for that exact reason. The problem is they tend to cash in on the popularity of the original, but never bother to improve on them in any way. If the Hollywood system was at all interested in remaking movies, they should remake bad movies that had good ideas (like UFOs raising zombies :D ).
CK

[nightmare_of _death]

Yes, for the most part the do bother me.Some I don't mind,but some are just horrible.I thought the hills have eyes remake was okay, the second one sucked!!! I just saw the remake of Fame and it was horrible,still yet to see the original.The remake of dawn of the dead,haven't seen it and don't plan on it either.

For me I guess it all depends on the actors,directors and such,and if the trailer looks good,but sometimes....okay lots of time a trailer is misleading. It really disappoints me when they put stuff in the trailers,then you go to watch a movie and lots of the stuff in the trailer is never in the movie.

[ProfondoXxRosso]

Do Remakes REALLY bother you?

Only in the way that jellyfish or athletes foot bother me.

[ChronoGrl]

Only in the way that jellyfish or athletes foot bother me.

Jellyfish bother you? Or do you enjoy athletes' foot?

Hey, it's OK, I don't judge... :cool:

[newb]

a "Nightline" take on remakes....on Hulu

http://www.hulu.com/watch/142291/abc-nightline-why-remake-a-bad-movie

[The Krell]

I wont even comment on the quality of the flood of remakes today.Besides,that's not even my biggest beef about them any way.Argue all you want about CONTENT,my problem with this crap is INTENT! The filmmakers,studios,,they dont give a crap about artistic vision,storytelling and such.Their INTENT is solely to grab dollars out of the hands of uninitiated horror fans.I understand of course that making money is part of any business,but I thought art came from being inspired,not merely HIRED!

[milktoaste]

If you could paint a five dollar bill, and then turn around and spend it at the store, wouldn't you? Or would you paint something creative that may only be worth $3?

[newb]

If you could paint a five dollar bill, and then turn around and spend it at the store, wouldn't you? Or would you paint something creative that may only be worth $3?

WOAH.....that's deep, dude

[Deimos]

Im ok with it as long as the film is shown the proper respect and made by a director who knows what he's doing.

[neverending]

Im ok with it as long as the film is shown the proper respect and made by a director who knows what he's doing.

Short term memory loss?

http://www.horror.com/forum/showpost.php?p=854041&postcount=37

[The Krell]

If you could paint a five dollar bill, and then turn around and spend it at the store, wouldn't you? Or would you paint something creative that may only be worth $3?


Says no,while shaking head yes. :D

[milktoaste]

WOAH.....that's deep, dude

haha, don't get me wrong, I (almost) always take the creative route for a lot less than three dollars :) but then again I don't create for profit.

[Berzin]

The "Dawn of the Dead" remake was not only was respectful of the original, but it added a new texture to the zombie films-zombies that can run and have very quick reflexes.

The traditional zombie ushered in by the original "Night of the Living Dead" has fallen out of fashion, and is no longer compatible with what is currently in vogue.

It is also no longer scary.

The last couple of Romero zombie flicks felt as if they had something missing-that extra sense of panic and foreboding because of this.

Knowing you can't just walk past a zombie and they won't get you because they're too slow anymore has thrown a new twist in the genre, and has the potential to make new films of this type much more action-packed and exciting.

[The Krell]

The "Dawn of the Dead" remake was not only was respectful of the original, but it added a new texture to the zombie films-zombies that can run and have very quick reflexes.
Knowing you can't just walk past a zombie and they won't get you because they're too slow anymore has thrown a new twist in the genre, and has the potential to make new films of this type much more action-packed and exciting.

Hmmm..I'm sure there are earlier examples of fast zombies than the DOTD remake.One that comes to mind for me is Return of the Living Dead.Check out that parking lot scene.Those undead suckers can move!Send more paramedics!

[milktoaste]

I guess what bothers me the most about many remakes-not all- is how different they are from the original. Take for instance DOTD, all they had in common was the fact they were trapped in a mall. Come up with an original title and call it an homage.

[Berzin]

Hmmm..I'm sure there are earlier examples of fast zombies than the DOTD remake.One that comes to mind for me is Return of the Living Dead.Check out that parking lot scene.Those undead suckers can move!Send more paramedics!

"28 Days Later" is a better example, but regardless I try to keep to films that aren't schlocky or try to be funny when they're not.

[The Krell]

28 days Later is actually a terrible example.The people in that film contract a rage virus.They are not zombies.If you don't care for Return of the Living Dead we are clearly entertained by very different films.

[Berzin]

28 days Later is actually a terrible example.The people in that film contract a rage virus.They are not zombies. If you don't care for Return of the Living Dead we are clearly entertained by very different films.

Is this the movie you're talking about? If so, then I totally agree we are entertained by different films.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wylpeAXYcBQ

By the way, I used "28 Days Later" to illustrate a point. Regardless of whether it's a virus or whatever, the premise of having the infected and/or undead chasing their victims at high speeds is what I was referring to.

[Berzin]

Double post.

Mods please delete.

[The Krell]

Is this the movie you're talking about? If so, then I totally agree we are entertained by different films.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wylpeAXYcBQ

By the way, I used "28 Days Later" to illustrate a point. Regardless of whether it's a virus or whatever, the premise of having the infected and/or undead chasing their victims at high speeds is what I was referring to.

Yep.That's the one.I love that movie.To each their own of course.That's one of the pleasures of this type of forum.

Ok I get ya on 28 days later.Still that leaves even more earlier movies than the DOTD remake which feature fast Zombies/infected persons.With that as your criteria The Crazies,Shivers and countless others preceded DOTD with the quickness...which of course was my original point.

[Ghoulie Newmar]

there have been some good remakes( last house on the left,dawn of the dead) but most are utter shit that didnt need to be made. i have read many a good book that would make a great film such as "sins of the flesh" by don and jay davis...and more koontz stories than i could mention have yet to be made..."lightning" would make a incredible movie as would "darkfall".

*sigh*

[Cloudyskiez]

Personally, I dislike most remakes. In all honesty. But, even though I don't personally enjoy them, I feel that remakes of, for say, Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street make it possible for people who don't feel like watching the originals the chance to get into the movies, and then maybe get into the originals. If that makes sense. ;)

[Karayamidragon]

Personally, I dislike most remakes. In all honesty. But, even though I don't personally enjoy them, I feel that remakes of, for say, Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street make it possible for people who don't feel like watching the originals the chance to get into the movies, and then maybe get into the originals. If that makes sense. ;)

yes that makes sense. i hate that too. i hate it when people are to lazy to make up new movies and just take old ones and redo them and sometimes make them suck. like some of the return of the living dead ones. there have been some that have sucked big time

[ZombieSlasher]

Well, for the slasher movies it's impossible not to do a remake. They can't make a sequel because the series has already been ruined with the 80's and 90's, so they want to still see these characters on the screen.

For example, "Halloween" is an amazing series (however the last 2 of them lacked creativity). How many times can we watch this guy die? It stops getting scary, so they need to revamp them!

I'm all for the idea of remakes, but not the remakes themselves.

[Ferox13]

i hate it when people are to lazy to make up new movies and just take old ones and redo them and sometimes make them suck.

Do you really think that that the reason remakes are so popular is because ' people are to lazy to make up new movies '?

[fuglystick]

The Crazies remake was pretty solid.

[TypH]

I thought the Crazies & My Bloody Valentine remakes were both good.

My problem with remakes I personally don't think they ever should rushed, an I think when getting writers/directors/producers they should try an find someone who was actually a fan of the original an not just doing it for the big bucks Hollywood willing to put out for it.

Yeah sure maybe some of the people that work on the remakes are fans of the original I don't know but if they were fans you would think they would work harder to try an out do the original instead of taking the easy way out an making a shit ass remake but thats just me.