What to Make of All These Remakes?

Has Hollywood run dry when it comes to the horror film genre? As of late, the recent trend by studios have been to quickly churn out sub par remakes of our beloved horror classics, but are they worth our time and movie dollars? I say, “no”, though there may be minor changes, expanded story lines, bigger budgets and even more attractive casts, the newer films certainly don’t have the impact that their predecessors did.

Back in the day, there was a general excitement and almost something taboo when it came to horror films, it was event for most of us. Being 12, I fondly recall the trailer for ‘Friday the 13^th’ and how I pleaded with anyone old enough to accompany me to the local cinema. A child of late night horror films by way of ‘Creature Feature’ and ‘Elvira’s Movie Macabre’, there was a pure magic these films possessed, that are lacking in today’s efforts. I believe it’s the approach, the films of yesteryear were fresh and had heart, a pure love of the genre. Today, there are a very few fans who are cogs in the studios wheels, but luckily there are the Rob Zombies who infuse their passions for the genre into their works. ‘Halloween’ was among one of the decent remakes, expounding on the original story and creating a new mood of rage the original lacked.

Like potential victims in a slasher film, most remakes have a limited run and meet with and untimely fate. In my opinion the worst remake would have to be ‘The Fog’. John Carpenter’s masterpiece suffered at the hands of director Rupert Wainwright, primarily a video director, his vision did nothing for the story. Carpenter was a producer on the film and it seemed promising, but alas the vision was as hard to navigate through, as it’s title. The film was rushed and the actors looked bored. Selma Blair did not live up to Adrienne Barbeau’s ‘Stevie Wayne’, the rock of the film. However, I will give a nod to the new light shed on the leper colony.

It’s not all gloom and doom, there have been some survivors. A great example is Universal’s remake of “The Mummy.” Though not completely a horror film, it had chemistry and Stephen Sommers quite literally resurrected the tale of “The Mummy.” Sommers’ affection for the story is apparent in the detail he took on the appearance and story. Personally, this film is among my all-time favorite films and it’s a film that I can, and do, watch every time it appears on the cable grid. It is one of the rare instances where it surpasses the appeal of the original.

I’m not sure what the future holds for the genre but there are a slew of remakes on the horizon, including “A Nightmare on Elm Street”, “Friday the 13^th”, “Children of the Corn”, “Hellraiser” and “My Bloody Valentine” to name a few. Personally, I don’t hold out much hope for these films outdoing their cherished originals, but my love of the genre will drag me to my local Cineplex and I’ll be lurking in the dark shadows waiting for that killer flick to take it’s hold. Are you going to take your chances?

From Small Screen To Big Screen: Death Of The Saturday Morning Cartoon?

Remember the days when the school week drew to an end, not only was there excitement of the oncoming weekend and the hours of free play, but it was the significance of the next morning, Saturday morning cartoons. Every kid would spend their next morning affixed firmly to their comfort spot and sat there starry-eyed and mesmerized by the Technicolor wonders that emitted from our television sets. Thirty-something years later, we could not have imagined in our wildest dreams that our beloved toons would make their leap from the small screen into our local cinemas. Has the transition and updated treatments been a testament to our cherished childhood memories? Or have the recent big screen adaptations just been a bunch of ‘Hong Kong Phooey?’

One of the most popular mainstays of Saturday morning pleasures, “Scooby-Doo”, has been enjoyed all over the world and has outlived many of it’s seventies counterparts, due in part to it’s many incarnations. It really isn’t that much of a surprise that it would eventually make it’s way to live action. In 2002, Warner Brothers treated theatergoers with a delightfully enjoyable film that seemed more like an extended episode. Director Raja Gosnell’s attention to detail and the incorporation of several episodic scenarios, was a true tribute to his love of the animated gem. Gosnell was able to breathe a new life into the franchise and actually flesh out the two dimensional characters we’ve all grown to love. 2002’s follow-up “Scooby-Doo 2: Monster’s Unleashed” was even more of a tribute to the ‘Mystery, Inc.’ gang.

A personal favorite on the Saturday morning grid was “Josie and the Pussycats” and it’s second seasons revamped jaunt “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space”. I was anxious to see how this would translate into live action. To my utter dismay, the results were abysmal. The film lacked the groovy charm of the series, it didn’t seem to have a concrete link to the series in part due to the lack of references, and the flimsy storyline was all over the place. Rosario Dawson’s portrayal of Valerie was the films only redeeming quality. I’ve always been a fan of this character and kudos to CBS for placing the first African-American animated character on television.

“Speed Racer” is an example of a film that missed the mark. Yeah, the action and CGI were top-notch, but the storyline suffered a flat and never made it out of the pit, in my opinion. Another favorite, the loveable shoeshine boy “Underdog”, was somewhat enjoyable due to my love of dogs, but other than that there wasn’t much meat on the bone. Today’s animated series aren’t without their disappointing adaptations. “SpongeBob SquarePants”, a charming show and much viewed favorite, suffered with it’s cinematic treatment. “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” was sillier that the show and didn’t seem to work as a full-length film. The interspersed theatergoing pirates were annoying and ruined the whole experience. I wont even start with the David Hasselhoff cameo! All in all, there have been a bevy of attempts with films like, “Masters of the Universe”, “The Flintstones”, “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle”, “Mr. Magoo”, “Popeye” and “Richie Rich” to name a few. It is apparent that most of these ventures lack the overall quality.

However there are phenomenal films that had humble beginnings on the tube. Michael Bay’s vision for “Transformers” had various winning qualities and was a box-office smash for 2007. In a large part, Bay’s decision to incorporate the various endearing qualities of humor from the show into the film, made it even more enjoyable. It could’ve been a serious film and still have worked, but the human traits of the ‘Transformers’ is a big reason I was drawn to the show. Another winning move was “Batman” and more recently “The Dark Knight”, currently the biggest box-office smash has outdone all of it’s predecessors. Christopher Nolan has taken the history of the character and show to reconstruct a masterpiece. Creating a

darker and more menacing atmosphere there is little resemblance to the live action show and especially the various animated series, with the exception of the characters. I would even add last years nostalgic visit to “Alvin and the Chipmunks”. It was successful in carrying over the charm of the show. Due, in a large part, to the fact it spotlighted their most beloved, definitive ditty ‘The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late).

In most instances the studios attempts to make the profitable leap to the cinema is the death of our Saturday morning revelry and all we’re left with is our memories. Eventually there are those rare instances where we are treated to a new interpretation and ultimately evolving into a deeper appreciation for the original. I will continue to revisit my Saturday morning ritual, whether it be reruns on ‘Boomerang’, ‘Nickelodeon’ or a new updated vision at the local cineplex.

Mini Review: "My Little Eye"

MY LITTLE EYE

Released: 2002
Running time: 96
Rating: R

Director: Marc Evans

Cast: Sean CW Johnson, Jennifer Sky, Kris Lemche, Stephen O'Reilly, Bradley Cooper, Nick Mennell, Laura Regan


A very understated horror flick that meets all the effective criteria and contains several unnerving moments. Five people are gathered together in a remote woodland house to take part in what they believe to be a webcast reality show, all they have to do is stay six months and then collect $1 million. However, when an unexpected stranger arrives and fails to recognize them as the Internet celebrities they think they must have become, doubt and paranoia starts to befall the group and they start to ask who is watching them and why? Director Mar Evans succeeds in creating a dark, ominous and claustrophobic atmosphere. The acting is acceptable not really any stand out performances, but it was interesting to see Bradley Cooper in an early role ( his second film ) as the stranger who happens upon the group. This film was very reminiscent of "Kolobos" (1999) in respect to a similar gathering of young adults who are allowing themselves to be subjected to isolation and scrutiny. I believe the second act of the film to be the most rewarding as terror and desperation rears it's ugly head. A must view for horror fans out there!

In Memorium: Dixie Carter

Time moves on, things change...when you're a young individual, these things don't resonate in your head but as I find myself progressing in years I've finally come to understand that nothing lasts forever. As of late, the entertainment industry has seen the passing of some great cherished performers and Dixie Carter is certainly among the best. Dixie was that down to earth, independent southern matriarch, Julia Sugarbaker, that I welcomed into my home every week.

Aside from her "Designing Women" days, Dixie was an accomplished stage actress. Dixie made her professional debut in "Carousel" and then onto Shakespeare's "A Winter's Tale". Divorced twice, I believe she found true love with her surviving spouse, actor Hal Holbrook. The two worked together professionally many times on "Designing Women" and in 2009's "That Evening Sun" for which they were both nominated and won a Special Jury Award. Dixie Carter's television success continued past her Sugarbaker days, with stints on "Family Law" and most recently "Desperate Housewives" for which she garnered and Emmy nomination for 'Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series'.

I will always remember Mrs. Carter first as a lady of class and distinction, but I will cherish her as that warm and sharp-witted Julia Sugarbaker, a beloved character that audiences can enjoy for years to come. Thank you for the memories Mrs. Carter.

After Dark Horrorfest 4

It's that time of year again, where we're treated to the latest
offerings from the 'After Dark Horrorfest' festival participants.
In their fourth year of release 'After Dark' still releases the
standard eight, unlike 'Ghost House Underground' who have
scaled back their releases to only include four. However,
'Ghosthouse' has taken the step into the high definition arena
and releasing their last titles on Blu-ray. With a better caliber
of film, I can only hope that 'After Dark' takes the cue from
'Ghost House' so we can see every gory detail in high definition.

In Memorium: John Forsythe

"Hello Angels" I waited in anticipation to hear that uttered from a little speakerphone on television every week. It is truly a sad day in the entertainment industry as the passing of another beloved celebrity, John Forsythe. Classic, dignified and debonair are words that best describe Mr. Forsythe. Personally, he was a familiar presence on my households television set, if not as the voice of Charles Townsend, in one of my all-time favorite shows, "Charlie's Angels", then as the Colorado oil tycoon Blake Carrington in "Dynasty".

Mr. Forsythe enjoyed a six decade long career starting in 1943's "Northern Pursuit" to his last appearance, and most memorable and cherished character Charles Townsend in 2003's "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle". Varied in his acting roles, he rarely played the villain, he opted for the down to earth hero type. Personally, of all his films I have two favorites: the 1955 Alfred Hitchcock comedy/thriller "The Trouble With Harry" and 1966's murder drama "Madame X".

Aside from his acting Mr. Forsythe was active in sports and an avid environmentalist, he lent his voice to narrating the long running outdoor series "The World of Survival". He will be missed, but will live on in his films and television series for future generations to enjoy.

Review: "Repo Men"

When I first heard of this film in a 'Coming Attractions' article I was convinced, yet another remake was going to make it's way into our local cinemas. However, it was only when I saw the trailer that I realized it wasn't a revamped version of the 1984 action film starring Emilio Estevez, but something somewhat different.

Set in the not-too-distant future where illness, or rather, organ failure isn't a concern, you simply purchase it on credit. However, failure to remit payment before the ninety-five day delinquency period "The Union" will send it's skilled and aggressive repo men to collect their product. Former soldiers Remy (Jude Law) and Jake (Forest Whitaker) are the company's best, cold and unsympathetic, until unforeseen circumstances suddenly put Remy on the other end of the scalpel. Unable to function in his duties and no income to pay for his new heart, Remy resigns himself to his fate and goes on the run with a beautiful nightclub singer in the same dire straits.

The metropolis' futuristic atomosphere is reminiscent of Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner", dark, desperate and devoid of any emotion. Remy and Beth (Alice Braga), both machine for the most part, are ironically more human than anyone else in the film. During the course of the film, our hero's newly acquired emotional overload paves the way for our protagonists plight and leads them to transcend their own state of affairs and help all runners, in attempting to bring down the 'Union'. For all the gore hounds there is plenty of carnage in the fight sequences, in particular the films climax, which was rather unrelenting.

Not a totally unique idea, reminded me a bit of the 1976 sci-fi epic "Logan's Run", but still a good and entertaining film...oh yeah, and a killer twist to boot. If you are a sci-fi/action junkie than this is your film, but if you're squeamish and have a sensitive nature, then I suggest you find a warm and fuzzy flick because this ain't it!