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!

Box Office Bits

The current 3-D craze is dominating screens this weekend. Dreamworks' "How To Train Your Dragon" dethrones the three week, 3-D fantasy epic, "Alice In Wonderland". The story revolves around Hiccup, a young viking hoping to become a dragon hunter. However, when he finds himself the owner of a young dragon, he assumes that there are more to these creatures than anyone realizes. Receiving decent ratings from critics I doubt this animated tale will maintain the number one position for long. Next week arrives the fantasy epic, "Clash Of The Titans". Another foray into the 3-D realm, "Clash Of The Titans" could deliver the first 1-2-3 punch to the box office next week with all three top films being in the 3-D fantasy genre. Cinemagoers rejoice!

Review: "The Bounty Hunter"

Let me first start off by saying that the studios seem to be churning out the romantic comedy genere by the truckload this year. So with that being said I was a bit hesitant about my latest cinematic outing. Being an avid fan of both Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler, I had been eagerly awaiting the release of this film for some time and suffice it to say, they didn't disappoint.

Butler plays Milo Boyd, a down on his luck ex-cop turned bounty hunter while Aniston, his ex-wife, is his next assignment. Eager and willing, Milo sets out to stick it to Nicole (Aniston), but then his plans go haywire. Throw in a couple of bumbling pseudo gangsters and an enamored co-worker henceforth the hilarity ensues.

With all the comedy and deception the real appeal of the film is the chemistry between Aniston and Butler, this pair was enchanting, convincing and purposeful. I was ever hopeful, as I'm sure many of my co-viewers were, that the pair would overlook their perplexing situation and rekindle their romance.

I'll admit over the years I've developed an admiration for the romantic comedy genre, quite a departure from my usual viewing mainstay of slasher films. Two films, of this genre, have really stuck out this year, this being one and the earlier "Leap Year". I guess it's not so bad departing the cinema with a 'feel good' mood.

2010 Films I'm Anxious See

Back On The Scene

Well after a long hiatus, new job, working on other sites and a minor health scare, I'm hoping to start discussing everything to do with films. Due to my working hours the posts may be slow in coming and a bit more brief (reviews), but I'll do what I can.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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Review: "Autopsy"

"Autopsy" was one of the selections in last years After Dark Horrorfest collection brought to home video. Being backlogged in my home library viewing and wanting to keep within the Halloween season, I decided to give the disc a spin.

The story revolves around a group of twenty something friends celebrating the Mardi Gras festivities and then embarking on a road trip only to find themselves in an accident on a lonely country road. Miraculously an ambulance happens by, searching for a lost patient, and offers to take the group in for observation and to call for a tow. Mayhem ensues as the group is hunted down, tortured and offed one by one, by the sadistic skeleton crew at Mercy Hospital. Your standard psychotic doctor scenario.

I want to start off by saying that this film had so much promise, I mean the atmosphere alone grabbed me from the beginning, but then it went downhill. The acting was over the top, most characters were shallow and self-centered, so I didn't care about their demise. Our doomed gang seemed to be roaming and running down the same two halls, shot at different angles. I might as well have been watching an episode of the "Flintstones" watching the same scenery going by as Fred ran through his house. All that aside, and on a positive note, the film does star Robert Patrick ("Terminator 2: Judgement Day") and reunited co-star Jenette Goldstein ("Terminator 2: Judgement Day", "Aliens") as the psychotic doctor and his ruthless nurse. The film does offer us some juicy...and I mean juicy, gore. Innards are literally strewn all about as our group fights to stay intact.

All in all, I enjoyed the "T2" reunion, of sorts, and it's definitely great fun for the gore hounds in all of us.

Ghost House Underground 2009

This years Halloween season will be filled with more goodies courtesy of Ghost House Underground. In the same tradition as the After Dark Horrorfest, Ghost House Underground is in it's second year of releasing their brand of horror flicks.

Last years debut of Ghost House Underground's releases were more numerous, albeit inferior to After Dark's offerings, they have taken the jump forward into the age of blu, but with a scaled back release schedule to just four discs. This years titles include "Seventh Moon" (Eduardo Sanchez, "The Blair Witch Project"), "The Children", "Offspring" and "The Thaw" (starring Val Kilmer). I am eager to see if After Dark follows suit and releases this years films in glorious high definition.

All four discs are available at your local retailer and are truly a promising start to this years Halloween viewing schedule.

Go Broncos!

Demand "Paranormal Activity" in Your City

Review: "Pandorum"

Redemption at last! Lately I've endured the most insipid cineplex experiences and today that streak has come to it's conclusion. In dire need of a truly spectacular sci-fi adventure, I purchased my ticket hoping for the prime experience I've been denied. "Pandorum" offered a bevy of visual delights and incessant distress, beyond any conceivable notion of my own.

Aboard a desolate spaceship, whose destination is another habitable planet after Earth is depleted of it's natural resources, two flight crew members wake from a lengthy hyper-sleep to find themselves alone and without an inkling of who they are or of their mission operative. In a desperate attempt to keep themselves alive Bowen (Ben Foster) strikes out in an attempt to reset the core reactor to prevent the obliteration of their existence, or the extinction of the human race. Bowen is thwarted in his attempts to reach the reactor by mutated beings he must learn to evade at all costs. Keen on killing all the incubated human cargo, the mutants systematically bait the small band of fighters that Bowen has discovered. The journey is perilous and fraught with spine tingling chills.

"Pandorum" reminded me of a cross between "Aliens" meets "Event Horizon" meets "Supernova". Regardless of the similarities to the aforementioned films, "Pandorum" does stand on it's own merit. I found the film fresh and captivating while the storyline unfolds nicely with extremely well paced development. I felt the desperation and urgency. Ben Foster carries the film and is superb in every aspect.

I gave this film a 9 out of 10 stars, extremely entertaining and a suspenseful thrill ride, not to mention the shocking twist. "Pandorum" is definitely among my top sci-fi films of all time.

Review: "Fame"

Alan Parker created one of the most gritty and realistic forays into the musical genre, when he brought the hopes and dreams of a group of New York City performers to the big screen in 1980. Nominated for six Academy Awards, winning two for it's score and for the title song, created a frenzy in theaters, or at least for me, and I was ready to go conquer my dreams of becoming an actor. Unfortunately, I achieved that dream on a much lower scale and so did this reincarnation.

Director Kevin Tancharoen had the daunting task of capturing the drive and ambition of a handful of performing school hopefuls in an updated storyline, though his approach was probably intended to be fresh, this film could easily be filed under the sequel to any dance flick produced in the past ten years. I wont say that it didn't have it's moments, because it did, but they were few and far between and weren't enough to give it buoyancy. The cast, being mostly comprised of unknowns, with the exception of the faculty, had big shoes to fill. However there were two standout performances, Kay Panabaker (Jenny) and Naturi Naughton (Denise). Panabaker, the 'Doris' of the former film, gives a fresh and natural performance as the strict disciplined artist who must learn that fame is not the road to happiness. Panabaker's character was the only one to make the internal impact upon this viewer, in turn, I cared about her failures and achievements. I can't forget nor overlook Naturi Naughton's vocal prowess, but to attempt the vulnerable "Out Here On My Own", made famous by Irene Cara in the original film, and my favorite scene I might add, was just a lukewarm interpretation and easily forgettable.

The lack of energy and background development was the overall problem, not enough character development coupled with the quick-paced and all-over-the-place storyline added to the deterioration. Granted it is a task to cram four years into a two hour time frame, but too many storylines also added to the developmental limitations.

Sadly there have been numerous remakes lately that have just gone awry and this is another reel to add to the heap. As the remake machine churns out their lackluster attempts I am becoming increasingly jaded and less likely to part with the bill at my local cineplex.

Disney's 'Diamond Collection'

The reigning studio of animated masterpieces has announced their release schedule for their blu-ray 'Diamond Collection' over the next seven years. The Disney vaults will reopen to introduce viewers to the majesty of their enchanted tales, all presented in high definition quality for the first time. "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" will start off the fourteen title series on October 6, 2009, and will continue a schedule of two titles per year. The selected titles are as follows: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; Beauty and the Beast; Fantasia and Fantasia 2000; The Lion King; Bambi; Cinderella; Lady and the Tramp; The Little Mermaid; Peter Pan; The Jungle Book; 101 Dalmatians; Sleeping Beauty; and Pinocchio. These are going to look fantastic in full 1080p and will definitely be welcome additions to my home video collection.