Hollywood is doing it again. They are taking some popular movies, a couple with huge cult followings, and thinking they are going to “improve” on them with edgier costumes, updated effects and most likely, inferior storytelling skills.
Last week, I saw at least three big reboot announcements and plans for films that were so representative of the moviemaking landscape of their time, the thought a creating a more modern version of them is almost insulting.
The Crow (1994)
The Crow, based on the graphic novel by James O’Barr, was such suitable representative for the dark 90s comic book scene, it immediately gained a fandom. Also it was a sad reminder of that Brandon Lee had such a tremendous on screen presence he could have gone on to create so many more cool films. Yet, we all watched this knowing that would never be the case due to his tragic death on the set of the movie. There were some sequels and television series that were all “meh”.
The 2024 reboot featuring Bill Skarsgård has been all over the movie internet this week. Skarsgård is a fantastic actor and there are other films I am looking forward to seeing him in. But not this one. Lee embodied the comic book feel of Eric Draven so well, Skarsgård’s “upgrade” looks like the Jared Leto version of the Joker.
American Psycho (2000)
Right as the Y2K scare was over, came this dark comedy thriller poking fun at the yuppie generation. It was based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis that was so disturbing and violent it made the film seem like Ghostbusters. More than anything, though, it was Christian Bale’s delivery that drove it. How his murder-y “Do you like Huey Lewis and the News…” rant just before axe murdering (in his head) his buddy is constantly replayed, spoofed and quoted.
A few days ago, articles were circulating this one may be remade as a True Detective style anthology series. Yeah, no. This was one character and one story that played itself out with one movie. As far as staying true to the book, there are some things that should be left on the page and not brought out in loving color. This movie got the job done without anything new being created.
On a side note, everyone is always yammering on about women directors being needed. Well, the original was directed by a female director, Mary Harron, who co-wrote the screenplay. The difference is she didn’t make a “thing” out of it.
The Naked Gun (1988)
Surely, they can’t be serious? A 2025 reboot of The Police Squad movie that became synonymous with Leslie Nielsen is on its way starring…..Liam Neeson. Yup! It will be directed by Akiva Schaffer who did films like Hot Rod and Pop Star. Okay, I can (believe it or not) see Neeson doing this sort of role. Remember, Nielsen started out as a serious actor and his Frank Drebin was a perfect vehicle for him to make fun of the over-dramatic mid-century cop show. As for Neeson, he has already showed he can make fun of himself like he did in his cameo role in Ted. He also did comedy early in his career including playing a flatulent ghost in High Spirits. Yet in today’s preachy, easily offended “modern audience” world, I fear the worst for our Gen X favorite.
The Naked Gun is a Zucker Brothers staple as much as Blazing Saddles is for Mel Brooks. No one else should be directing it, no matter
What do you think? These new films might be excellent, but somehow I just can’t get into them.
These originals may not have been outright masterpieces, but they were something special at the time. We know the iconic scenes, and quote the famous one-liners. Younger generations still used these for memes or cosplay ideas.
I may have been due to the actor, the directors or state of the world when it was created, but there are simply some things that need to be left alone.