Hollywood officially out of ideas, plans Short Circuit remake

[HEXUS]

Some might say that Hollywood ran out of new ideas a while back, but, when it reveals plans to remake 1986 Sci-Fi comedy, Short Circuit, that's when you know it's well and truly out of ideas.

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[Funkstar]

I think the butler did it......


...... he did!

[pauldarkside]

I'm not condoning the practice but it's hardly new - writers and directors have been retelling and reimagining stories since the early days of cinema. If you begin to look too closely you'll see the vast majority of stories repeat themselves, in terms of premise or plot, across cinema, television and even gaming; heck, with most things you can spot the influences and trace a lengthy history.

It's sad that Hollywood aren't prepared to take risks in developing new ideas but I can understand their need to protect an investment and make a healthy return. Too many independant film makers (even ones supported by those who've make their money in Hollywood's system) aren't given the audience they deserve at the box office, left only to make their mark at festivals and a subsequent DVD release.

Is this Hollywood's fault though? I'd say the wider cinema-going public are largely to blame. Too many aren't willing to part with hard earned cash and gamble a couple of hours on an experimental or wholly original release, and would rather have a more familiar story - something they know.

I could substantiate the above with hard and fast examples, but as any movie follower will know, they're there in the box office receipts. I pretty much gave up on Hollywood for original material years ago. Like many who are after something new, I look to independant and world cinema offerings instead and only return when I fancy a refill of popcorn, or I just want to switch off for a bit

Short Circuit? Loved it as a kid (Johnny Five is Alive!) - it was good family entertainment in its day, nothing serious, light-hearted and just a bit of fun.

[Lee @ SCAN]

I can't wait for the announcement they are remaking the goonies.

Just think, Iain Dowie would be a cracking casting as Sloth

[dangel]

Will we see "Number 5 Versus Terminator" too?



"Number 5 is alive!"

Not for long mate, not for long.

[DavidM]

I'd rather see a sequel to the original films - they're still 2 favourites ... if only just for Number 5

[Clockwork_Killa]

The latest trend in hollywood to me seems to be ripping of Asian films and then pretending theyve come up with a new and exciting idea themselves. The ring, the Grudge, Dark Water, The departed (which is a subpar attempt at remaking Infernal affairs) and now there are plans to remake Akira (as a live action with Dicraprio producing and starring), Battle Royale and lady vengeance.

Even when they do come up with a half decent Idea, they still cock it up!

Hollywood studio crony 1:Hmmmm, hey I know lets make a film of William Gibson's Cyberpunk masterpiece Neuromancer!
Hollywood studio crony 2: Great idea, who should we give it to? Someone with lots of experience who could really do a good job of bringing the book to life?
Hollywood studio crony 1: Nah, lets give it to that guy that directed Torque and all those Brittney Spears videos.
Hollywood studio crony 2: Good call!

End of cynicsim

[pauldarkside]

Originally Posted by Clockwork_Killa

The departed (which is a subpar attempt at remaking Infernal affairs)

There was me thinking I was all alone on my opinion of the remake. I watched IA long before the remake was announced, then watched the remake and it just didn't hold up to the original. It was a good film nonetheless but didn't deserve all the praise it received - IA was far more gripping.

Remaking Akira is simply wrong. I doubt anyone could do justice to that film whilst keeping its scope - I'd imaging it'd be dumbed down with everything that provoked thought and discussion removed.

[Fraz]

Originally Posted by Clockwork_Killa

Hollywood studio crony 1:Hmmmm, hey I know lets make a film of William Gibson's Cyberpunk masterpiece Neuromancer!
Hollywood studio crony 2: Great idea, who should we give it to? Someone with lots of experience who could really do a good job of bringing the book to life?
Hollywood studio crony 1: Nah, lets give it to that guy that directed Torque and all those Brittney Spears videos.
Hollywood studio crony 2: Good call!

This had me in stitches

[PD HEXUS]

Originally Posted by HEXUS

"With all the sequels and remakes being produced by major Hollywood studios these days, many have been asking the question; "Has Hollywood run out of ideas?"

seems to me that the one word answer would be 'yes'.

and we should vote with our wallets.

my issue isn't so much with sequels, 'cause there' always the possibility that there'll be good creative and entertaining stuff in a sequel (James Cameron's 'Aliens' is probably a good example) or even a series of sequels.

i also reckon it's possible there are times when sequels are necessary to more fully tell or conclude a story, the detail of which might be lost, if an effort is made to cram everything into 90 minutes or so.

what (in general terms) seems to me to be pathetic, are the unnecessary remakes of films which mostly bring little or nothing beneficial and can be worse than the original.

cheers,

PD

[DavidM]

Bad remake example: Psycho

[pauldarkside]

Good remake example: Ocean's Eleven

Could easily come up with plenty of good and bad examples but I'm afraid the bad would win.