Remake (n.): a previously released film plot that has been reshot, hopefully in a new and inventive, perhaps purposeful, way

I am not a fan of this new trend. And yet, I am.

On the one hand, it’s not a very original art form. If you already have a script, how hard is it to film it again? On the other hand, it is a very original art form. It’s quite a challenge to take a film that has already made its mark in cinematic history and create an improved presentation for it. This side of the coin is where the phrase "reimagining" for the term remake originates.

Many remakes have been produced over the years. Recently though, it seems that the number of remakes in theaters is significantly greater than the number of original films. And while it can seem that way, if you look at the current films in theaters, you can make the case that there are a lot more originals than remakes. After all, the AMC 30 in Sterling Heights has 28 movies showing at this time and only two, King Kong and Fun with Dick and Jane, are remakes. Both films are top box-office draws. Not only are there a small number of remakes, but the two in current release are doing prety good.

However, I don’t consider adaptations of books or television shows or sequels or even prequels to be original scripts. Adding those types of films into the count, that cuts the number of originals nearly in half. Expanding the term "remake" to include these non-original ideas for scripts can paint a different picture.

Now, of course, just because a script is not original does not mean that it is going to make a bad movie or that it won’t be as good as an original script. King Kong is one of my favorite films – the original and Peter Jackson’s recent remake. Jackson’s version actually caused me to reevaluate my previous stance on remakes which was that, with little exception, there’s no such thing as a good one.

I attribute this attitude to the remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. TCM is the pinnacle of classic horror. It is raw, original and disturbing. The remake is also disturbing, but not in a good way. It’s disturbing that the creators of this abomination actually thought they were improving upon the original. What’s more infuriating are all the little brats who think the remake is better than the original, or worse yet, don’t even know it’s a remake! Grrr...

When I heard that The Dawn of the Dead was being remade, I was equally infuriated. I thought, “Great. Another slaughter of a classic.” But then I saw the first ten minutes of the remake on a sneak preview teaser on USA network. Wow. Amazing. The action and terror start within minutes and don’t stop. The cinematography and gore effects are awesome. Yet, the story is just as gripping. I actually like it better than the original. This would be one of those little exceptions I referred to earlier.

In the next few weeks, two more remakes of classic horror films are being released: When A Stranger Calls and Annie much better than the Disney-fied remake.

I thought the new Stepford Wives was a bit more enjoyable than the original. But this is only because the original’s ending is so bleak. The two films are so different. While the premises are the same, the original was a dark film that should be classified in the science fiction genre. The remake was a goofy comedy. Both films have an audience, but they are not made up of the same people. I do have more respect for a film that goes for the unpleasant outcome, but I also like the Hollywood ending. After all, don’t most of us use movies to escape reality?

No matter how you feel about remakes, they are here to stay. Hollywood seems to think remakes, like sequels, are more likely to generate box office revenue since they will likely already have an audience. For the most part, it’s true. Most of the time when I’m going to see a remake, it’s because I’m a fan of the original and need to see if the remake is any better. And I often see sequels of films of which I liked the original. But there are no guarantees that a remake, a sequel or an original script will yield a good film. There are so many factors involved – actors, directors, writers and even producers; any number of possibilities can create a great, mediocre or terrible film.

My point is: Don’t hate the remake. Some are better than the originals. Some are worse. Like any film, you can’t be sure until you see it. And you never know: a remake may just become one of your favorite movies.

For more remakes, visit the Wikipedia site of film remakes at: List of film remakes.