Reboots and remakes understandably get a lukewarm representation. They’re an odd commodity of cinema that often carry a host of concerns for filmmakers and audiences alike. Do you dare to be bold or play it safe? How might you manage expectations?
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Those that have succeeded tend to offer something unusual, a fresh set of eyes on the story we hold dear. In short, they offer a difference of perspective. However, we tend to be sullied by rigid interpretations that leave us with an odd taste in the mouth. Something bordering on discontent. Ultimately, we’re left asking, what was the point?
The Matrix Trilogy
The Matrixfranchise is a gargantuan example of what can be achieved with just one idea. The cyberpunk series is strongly revered in sci-fi circles, and for good reason. The originalMatrixtrilogy, which was critiqued thoroughly by fans, explored numerous philosophical and spiritual themes and gave rise to a pretty groundbreaking and intricate universe that comprised several media platforms.
After the overwhelmingly positive reception of its predecessors, the anti-climactic ending of‘The Matrix Revolutions’seemed to pave the way for a further sequel,‘The Matrix Resurrections’(made eighteen years later). Though released to generally favorable reviews, most felt thatResurrectionslacked the innovative spark of the original trilogy and did little to break new ground for the series. Whether or not this film will stand alone as a sequel, or give way to a further reboot, remains to be seen.
Based on a Japanese manga of the same name, the original‘Oldboy’boasted some elaborate and expertly choreographed fight scenes that invoked a sense of childlike glee from the audience. The use of violence served a purpose, reflecting the anguish and inner turmoil of Oh Dae-Su. The film forms part of director Chan-wook Park’s Vengeance Trilogy, along with’Sympathy For Mr Vengeance’and’Lady Vengeance’.
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Spike Lee’s American remake came a decade later. A passable retelling, the film (led byJosh Brolin) boasts an appealing visual style that’s synonymous with its neo-noir genre. But while the original garnered its popularity largely by offering something defined, dark and unconventional, Lee’s remake lacked that punch of unique flavor. Like an unsettling hit of deja vu, everything felt all too familiar. Its undesirable reputation also speaks volumes of its failure to entice audiences.
‘The Dark Knight Trilogy’
Christopher Nolan’s ‘TheDark Knight Trilogy’breathed new life into the story of Bruce Wayne and Batman. This was a much darker take on the infamous vigilante, one that relied on an exploration of gritty realism and a confident acumen that was only last witnessed whenTim Burtonwas at the helm. The monumental performance of the lateHeath Ledgerin‘The Dark Knight’has since gone down in cinematic history.
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Of course, Hollywood has never been one to rest on its laurels. But the decision to cast Boston nativeBen Affleckas the most recent caped crusader felt hasty, careless and a little insincere, not unlike the platform he was given to “spread his wings.” ‘Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice’encompassed a clunky, inconclusive plot that largely fell on deaf ears. It was all far too soon.
A Nightmare On Elm Street
TheNightmare on Elm Streetfranchise consists of nine films to date.Wes Craven singlehandedly changed what the term slasher film meansbeginning with ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’, the plot centering around the villainous Freddy Kreuger, a monstrous apparition who returns from the grave to haunt and kill the teenagers of an Ohio town in their dreams.
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After five sequels and one ill-fated crossover, the time seemed right to attempt a reboot of the series. Allegedly, there was a desire for a darker, more scary interpretation that drew back to Freddy’s roots, moving away from the black comedy elements of his character that had begun to develop over time. What we unfortunately got was a story lacking depth, empathetic characters or any of the thrills of the original. Despite this, the stellar reputation of the franchise helped the remake perform quite admirably at the box office. A further reboot is now said to be in the works.
The 1959 adaptation ofLew Wallace’s 1880 novel is a religious epic for the ages. Interestingly a remake in itself, theCharlton Heston-led production contained the largest budget and set design of any film at that time. After a grueling post-production schedule that lasted over six months, ‘Ben-Hur’would go on to receive universal acclaim and saveMGMstudios from bankruptcy. Sufficed to say, the film is considered a cinematic and cultural heavyweight.
So what was the need for a further remake? More to the point, why such a bland and uninspired attempt? At the very least, it’s unnecessary, some might say it’s sacrilege even. The famous nine-minute chariot race (previously one of the most famous scenes in cinematic history) was reimagined in a manner that felt clunky and overproduced. Surely, this was a missed opportunity to create something bold, original, and imaginative? Oh, what might’ve been.
The Wicker Man
‘The Wicker Man’was a British folk-horror film made in 1973 by director Robin Hardy. As with many older horror films, the production relied on the use of subtlety and imagination to create its atmospheric and altogether chilling story. In the time of showy CGI, we seldom see such methods. There’s also something about cults that’s fundamentally terrifying.
The main issue with the misguided American remake (starringNicolas Cage) is that it was unintentionally funny, simply because of how bad it was. Cage’s trademark ability to fully immerse himself in a role wasn’t enough to save a woeful script that lacked the admirable qualities instilled in the original. Certain scenes of his character have since given rise to a string of internet memes, which, speaks for itself.
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