Reboot? Remake? Reinvent? Leave it alone?

Reboot? Remake? Reinvent? Leave it alone?

There are a lot of discussions on whether reboots/remakes should be done or not; here is my take on it.

Editorial Opinion
By ecksmanfan - Sep 18, 2009 01:09 AM EST
Filed Under: Other


It seems that now days, Hollywood and it's many studios have run out of good orignal stories and their answer to the problem is to remake or reboot older films. The members of the CBM network have had many arguments and discussions on whether this is the right direction to take with films.

My biggest problem is that they are remaking films that DO NOT need to be remade, there is no reason for it. The orignal films are classics for a reason and they are making a mockery of what makes those films so classic. For example, one of my favorite films is "Clue" starring the incomparable Tim Currey and the amazing Madeline Kahn. Why on God's precious green Earth are they remaking this film? It is perfect the way it is! The story was fantastic, the casting was phenominal and the acting was superb! Now they want to make it more "dark," along with everything else apparently.

Now onto the comic book movie world. I'll use the X-Men films as my example, as that seems to be the series that is most discussed. Some say to just start over and with it and recreate a time line and character group that is more in line with the comics and forget that 4 films (and more to come) have been done using a different timeline and character stories. I disagree with this. Yeah, there have been some mis-steps along the way, but I feel that one REALLY GOOD film can pull this series together.

I hate the idea of rebooting a series that is not even 10 years old yet. With the Batman series, Joel Schumacher had made such a mess of the previous films (and no I don't think The Last Stand and Wolverine were anywhere near the level of shart that is Batman and Robin) that Nolan was able to come in and reboot the franchise into a whole new realm we had not previously seen. Now we have people suggesting a Spiderman reboot is in order...and Superman...and Fantastic Four. Again, just do another film and just make it damn good to make up for the half-assed film prior to it.

Now, in some instances, a reboot is necessary. For instance, Incredible Hulk I thought needed to be done and here's why: Ang Lee' version was anything BUT the Hulk. It was riddled with over-emotion and unnecessary drama; when the Hulk should be out kicking some ass! We got to see that in "Incredible Hulk."

That is my opinion and I know you all have one as well! Let the fighting begin! Please no biting, kicking or pulling hair and keep it above the belt kids.
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Minotauro
Minotauro - 9/18/2009, 2:04 AM
Fat Monkey Pictures, Images and Photos
Boekelaar
Boekelaar - 9/18/2009, 5:43 AM
Certainly a tough one to answer.
I liked the 're-imagining' of Battlestar Galactica and the Hulk and Batman etc. But movies like The Day the Earth stood still with Keanu 'monotone' reeves just wreck what the original achieved.
The main problem I have with reboots is when they do the origin story because it can get tedius if you've seen so many origin stories about one character.
I'll just remain neutral on the issue and publicly bag the bad reboots and praise the good ones :D
supermarioworldE
supermarioworldE - 9/18/2009, 7:40 AM
it all comes down to how bad/good a franchise is doing. Batman and robin killed the batman film series, so naturally they rebooted it. If a film series can be fixed with a sequel, make a sequel. If not, wait a few years before rebooting it. we've had some good reboots(Batman),and some bad reboots(punisher:warzone),but the point is that reboots will come and go. How else are these evil studios supposed to make money?

Btw, ecksmanfan, you liked clue too? I thought I was the only one!
animeex
animeex - 9/18/2009, 8:05 AM
Some need to be re-made and I think some are okay the way they are. Hollywood has said for years they are out of ideas. That is why they are going into comics and even anime. The best one I ever heard was Peter Jackson saying that King Kong was his favorite movie and was perfect the way it was. But... "I am going to do my version" he said. When the interviewer asked him about the "REBOOT", he said "ah no, this is not a reboot". Then what was it??? The re-dos should have been the Batman and the Hulk. The news need to be Daredevil, Elektra and Superman. I am so tired of Superman catching everything and fighting a comedic Luthor. 5 movies and 4 have Luthor??? They need a Superman slug fest with someone good.
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 9/18/2009, 8:20 AM
LMAO @ At the pics guys!!! ; D

As for REBOOTS and REMAKES, only a very few need being done!!!

Leave FANTASTIC FOUR alone and do a ORIGINAL X-MEN FIRST CLASS! FOX!!!

Oh yeah leave DD alone too lol.

And WB, SEQUEL to SUPERMAN (VS DOOMSDAY)!!!

; )
UberGeek
UberGeek - 9/18/2009, 8:28 AM
It seems that with more than any other format superheroes undergo the most change lets take Superman as a prime example.

The character of Superman has appeared in various media aside from comic books. The character has been developed as a vehicle for serials on radio, television and film, as well as feature length motion pictures, plus video games have also been developed featuring the character on multiple occasions.

The point is that different incarnations of the same charter is sometimes necessary once society ideals and morals change and modernisation is needed.

Once you introduce the element of instant access for fans and general audience alike to have a platform in which to express opinions of such characters instantly, then studios are going to take more and more note of what they feel is the best direction to take a character.
ryanallen
ryanallen - 9/18/2009, 8:33 AM
Pleez don't reboot Superman Returns...the movie was fine and the storyline has a lot of potential...just go from here...
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 9/18/2009, 8:37 AM
I understand the desire for rebooting and remaking.

But to accept the conclusion that there needs to be a remake, you would have to agree to the premise which is that there was something wrong with the first one.

There are many who don't see it that way.
AlexDeLarge87
AlexDeLarge87 - 9/18/2009, 8:58 AM
ecksmanfan@

Glourious picture man!!!
CrashTest
CrashTest - 9/18/2009, 9:24 AM
I think Xmen BADLY needs a reboot! how can you continue The X-Men with Cyclops dead? In my book the last X-men moives need to be forgotten. Yes the had their moments, Mainly NightCrawler,Mystic,Xavier and Lady Deathstrike. Other than them there was so much done bad in those films.

Colossus wasn't even Russian, He didn't fight the Juggernaut. The Juggernaut could of been done better. I got sick of them trying to make it so damn realistic. I want to see the X-MEN DAMMIT! not what the X-men would be if they were walking around with us. I would have rather seen Juggernaut done like The Hulk and the Abomination, just monstrosity's!

Logan in the movies was way to soft, the whole thing with him and rogue could of been left out, hes fight scene were not Wolverine worthy, I was not on the edge of my seat ready to Kick someone due to my excitement. How Wesley Snipes made feel in Blade 1&2.

Sabertooth looked like a homeless person. Storm lines were terrible! ( do you know what happens to a toad that gets struck by lighting? The same thing that happens to everything else!) REALLY? I love Hally but she sucked as Storm. Magneto as a whole was just WACK!

No sentinels! They would of made the perfect X-men scene.
(Ice-man from the air, sliding on Ice, he freezes the sentinel where it stands. Cyclops shots out the sentinels leg. All along Wolverine's on the sentinels head putting in work. Sentinels Crashes, Wolverine gives, Cyclops the middle Claw!

I wont even start with the Danger room. But in a chase where so much went wrong, you need a Reboot. A good script in the right hands, and the X-men as well as DD is one.

Superman Just needs to stop fighting Lex Luther and get a Villain who can punch him the hell back. And can someone tell me, why in the hell they give him a kid??? How would that work?? Not the father as Clark but the father as Superman?? since Louise didnt tell her new man at the end.
CrashTest
CrashTest - 9/18/2009, 9:27 AM
and hush I agree with you 100%!
divo
divo - 9/18/2009, 9:35 AM
I have a question for all of you...Does anyone know why The Punisher was rebooted? The first film wasn't THAT bad...I loved the origin story.
WulfComicFan
WulfComicFan - 9/18/2009, 9:47 AM
@ Divo, have you even seen the FIRST Punisher? If you had your last coment would not be what it is, The Punisher with Tom Jane is actually a REBOOOT!
divo
divo - 9/18/2009, 9:52 AM
I knew that. I know the first one was with dolph lundren. But the Thomas Jane one wasnt THAT bad. They couldve done the sequel with him. They rebooted the franchise like 2 years later which is pretty ridiculous. Does anyone know the reason for that?!
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 9/18/2009, 9:52 AM


@ divo, maybe there are some that don't see that film the same as you do, and that's why they believed a reboot was needed
WulfComicFan
WulfComicFan - 9/18/2009, 9:55 AM
Why do you think it was a reboot, why couldn't it have been down the road from Tom Janes, plus Tom Jane didnt want to do this one.
BLANK
BLANK - 9/18/2009, 9:57 AM
Some need to be rebooted and some don't.

Things like Battlestar, Batman were great! Some of them NEED to be rebooted. Honestly, I think instead of having a geriatric man running around killing people, they probably should have rebooted Rambo. Have a young guy doing it and just start fresh!

Now, where you run into issues is, they are rebooting EVERYTHING because it seems to be popular. How far will they go? Will they reboot/remake classics? Are we going to see a Gone with the Wind reboot? Wizard of OZ reboot? To Kill a Mockingbird? Are these really necessary? Those are timeless...classic.

And what of the reboots that are happening WAAAAY to soon. They are just going to confuse the general audiences. Battlestar? Now rebooted by Singer? The final movie of Moore's STILL hasn't come out yet! It hasn't been a YEAR! Why? I'd even have to say that if they were going to reboot Superman so close to Returns., they were pushing it with General Audiences. Same thing with Hulk. Almost too close to eachother. Yeah, CBM folk and fanboys know whats going on, we would love/hate it...whatnot, but the movie as a whole would most likely fail due to the fact that they would have lost the General Audience factor. And in the end, they need to make their money...Bottomline. So it's a delicate balance.

Some just don't need to be done at all. And thank god they just cancelled things like Rocky Horror Picture Show. Again...why? It's a cult classic.

So yes, some need to be done so that the characters can continue to entertain the masses throughout time. But some of them need to remain the way they are.
Deathlok
Deathlok - 9/18/2009, 9:59 AM
The Punisher with Thomas Jane was terrible. Since when does he live in Tampa? Who the hell is Howard Saint? And it's not enough that they kill his wife and kids but they bust up a whole family reunion? Also, Travolta totally sucks as a villain in that movie. I thought War Zone was a ton more satisfying than the previous one.

And right on CrashTest. You said it. So I don't have to.
FORTAPACHE
FORTAPACHE - 9/18/2009, 10:06 AM
they should do a Punisher focussing more on the "Born" storyline, that would make a good basis for a film
ecksmanfan
ecksmanfan - 9/18/2009, 10:41 AM
@Nicholsy - That's not what I'm saying at all. The re-boots works because the original film was so bad, it needed to be done. I have no problem at all if this is the case. I think we'd all agree (for the most part) that Ang Lee's "Hulk" was a debauchery compared to "The Incredible Hulk," and after the pathetic showing that was "Batman and Robin," "Batman Begins" is what we'd been wanting since Tim Burton Left the project. I don't think an X-Men reboot is necessary because there are 2 films that were great and one bad one. Make a kick-ass sequel to those and problem is solved.

Thanks for the feed back kids. I found that picture and Knew it was right for this article.
Weeton
Weeton - 9/18/2009, 11:11 AM
I think the X-Men franchise is salvageable -- there are so many alternate realities (Age of Apocalypse) that could spin the direction, allow for new/alternative character growth, without sacrificing what was established in the original movie franchise (don't get me wrong, I'm not content with how the 3rd movie was developed). I would be up for a solid X-Men First Class, but that essentially would be a reboot. I want the original five, not some mishmash of characters to somehow make the current continuity work.

As for other reboots, superman needs one, but could survive with its existing timeline. what this series really needs is a decent physically powered villain: metallo, doomsday, bizarro superman. i appreciate lex luther and all...but its time to move on.

All the Punishers (Lundgren, Jane, and Stevenson), Fantastic Four, Daredevil: the originals were so bad that I could care less if they made new movies along this franchise. I certainly wouldn't put my hard earned money into watching another in the series in the theater. either needs to be rebooted or set it by the wayside.

As for established ones like Spidey or X-Men where the franchise started strong and slowly degenerated, i'd give them one more shot to get the direction back on track or i'm out. my money can be better spent playing comic book video games.
CorndogBurglar
CorndogBurglar - 9/18/2009, 11:18 AM
@ nicholsy

thats a good point and one that i've said on here many times!! this isn't directed toward anyone in particular, but ANY time news of a reboot or remake comes out, there are ALWAYS people on here complaining about it. yet, when they make a batman reboot, suddenly its okay with everyone.

the whole argument about, "whether it needs" a reboot is totally up to opinion. it doesn't mean there aren't original movies being made. in fact, over all, there are FAR MORE original movies that come out every year than reboots. just because you don't like a certain "original" movie, doesn't negate the fact that it IS an original movie. and i also find it funny, that people talk shiz about the movie makers for "not having an original idea". yet no one stops and thinks about the fact that ALL CBM's ARE NOT original ideas. they are ideas being taken from a different medium, that were created by SOMEONE ELSE! that is the very definition of "unoriginal". yet we all love us some comic book movies, don't we?
dancingmonkey08
dancingmonkey08 - 9/18/2009, 11:21 AM
Superman Returns needs a reboot because if you think about it Superman Returns was a loose sequel to the first two Superman movies as evidenced by the existence of Superman Junior after Lois and Clark getting it on in Superman 2. This means it is bogged down by continuity from thirty year old Superman movies. If Superman Returns had been a reboot in the first place, everything would be fine now. What Bryan Singer should have done was restart the Superman franchise with a new Superman movie that started out with Zod trying to cause a rebellion on Krypton to warn people of the planet's inevitable destruction but Zod is locked away in the Phantom Zone. Jor-El sends Clark to Earth and the opening credits bring us right up to Clark as Superman already a couple of years into his superhero career. The rest of the movie could have had Zod escape and Superman would be forced to fight him in god-like kick ass battles and flashbacks could have showed more of the events that led up to the destruction of Krypton. And Bryan Singer could still have payed respect to the original Superman movies by including elements from the original Superman movies (a bit like how they payed respect to the original Hulk TV series in the Incredible Hulk) without completely [frick]ing copying the original Superman movies. By now, we could have had a sequel and a new franchise but nooooo, Warner Bros and Singer [frick]ed that up

The only reason a movie should be rebooted is if the previous movie had completely ruined a character i.e. Batman & Robin, Fantastic Four (mostly Doom and Galactus was [frick]ed up), and Hulk (some of the plot elements sucked). X-Men could be still saved as there are stories from the comics that could be used to fix the stupid ideas from X3
RaxusPrime
RaxusPrime - 9/18/2009, 11:29 AM
As far as Spider-Man goes they should and should not reboot it. Here are a couple reasons to reboot it. Kirsten Dunst and Spider-Man 3 enough said. Here is why they should not reboot it. 1 and 2 were excellent and in fact Alfred Molina played a fantastic Doc Ock. William Dafoe was Norma Osborn to a T. Having James Franco and William Dafoe as father and son was probably the most perfect fit.

I would say over all just remake number 3 the way Sam Raimi originally intended to make it. I do not blame him, I blame Marvel on this one for pushing to have Venom in the movie. They need to rethink pushing for a Venom solo film to they can do him justice in Spider-Man.

A reboot for Superman might not be a bad thing. They can add actual villians. I love the classic Superman 1 and 2 but I think he needs a major update. Honestly I dont care if they reuse the script from 1 and 2 as long as they add some phenominal CGI for flying and fighting. The only thing to do is keep Brandon Routh as Superman, or finally give Mr. Tom Welling the big screen leap that he deserves. Those are the only 2 people who should even be considered for the red and blue tights.
JoshWilding
JoshWilding - 9/18/2009, 11:30 AM
Great Article!

But man, its been a slow news week!!! We need some big casting news or something, lol!

A few films need reboots but in some cases an 'Incredible Hulk' style reboot would be good enough!

Fantastic Four: Partial Reboot
X-Men: Full Reboot
Superman: Partial Reboot (without Origin)
Daredevil: Partial Reboot (with small amount of origin)

The sd thing is that 3/4 are owned by Fox so even the reboots would probably suck!!! :(
JoshWilding
JoshWilding - 9/18/2009, 11:34 AM
LaffaTaffa: Spider-Man definitely shouldnt be rebooted! One bad film hasnt killed the franchise!!! Why restart the origins and everything that goes with it! Spider-Man 2 & 3 set up a possible return for Norman and you just know Spider-Man 6 will feature The Sinister Six!!! No reboot necessary!
RaxusPrime
RaxusPrime - 9/18/2009, 11:36 AM
@josh reread my whole thing to understand what i was saying
CorndogBurglar
CorndogBurglar - 9/18/2009, 11:42 AM
@ laffa

really?? you want a reboot of spiderman because you didn't like one of the actors??
JoshWilding
JoshWilding - 9/18/2009, 12:01 PM
LaffaTaffa: sorry but that isnt a good enough reason to reboot it however many times i read your comment? So, you basically want another Spider-Man 3? Just make 4 and forget Venom! Id rather see other characters like Electro or Scorpion anyway!
Phinehas
Phinehas - 9/18/2009, 12:09 PM
FULL-BORE SUPERMAN reboot is in order!!!

And despite popular opinion, an origin story wouldn't hurt if it was made with epic vision in the same manner as Richard Donner did the first movie. He set up for two villians that were to re-emerge in the second film. But they were seen in the first with his father. That is awesome! I have no problems, with Superman beginning all over again providing it is done with more care to story and comicbook loyalty.

As far as other movies, yes some reboots have gone too far. Punisher was a good example. I have mixed feelings on this. Its like a Constitutional Convention. You can see need for improvment, but you know once the door is open, all the pricks in the world will shovel in more crap than intended and making it worse than before!!!
AvengingAngel1022
AvengingAngel1022 - 9/18/2009, 12:38 PM
I guess it depends on the movie
danialj84
danialj84 - 9/18/2009, 12:56 PM
i think the spiderman franchise needs more venom time.... how it could be done im not sure... but they need him back... not the sinister six.... evolve the curt conners story in the next one... as for rebooting it... no way... spiderman 1 & 2 were just awesome, 3rd well... less said the better, but it had its good points.

superman reboot... no... the story needs evolving... a greater threat to metropolis, and maybe use it to start forming the justice league... take the franchise in a new direction... but keep luthor on the sidelines....

fantastic four movies in my eyes were good movies, not great but good. only (frick)up was not having galactus in his true form... theres so much they can do with a 3rd installment, but wether or not they choose to is another thing...

the bottom line of it all i think with the marvel franchises is they need to get all the rights back for them, and make them the marvel way. the crossovers could be endless....... if the avengers is a good movie (fingers crossed eh??) they need the xmen, they need the fantastic 4, they need spiderman and not only that they need the villians...
CrashTest
CrashTest - 9/18/2009, 1:05 PM
Im with joshw24.

X-men= Full reboot. I didnt like any of them.

Spider-Man = semi reboot. I would not reboot a intro. I would reboot the cast. Yes spiderman 1 and 2 were great except for Dunst. But 3 killed me, Toby wont even workout for the part and SpiderMan teaming up with Green Goblin! booo, That was BS. You could continue with the story, for me its mostly the cast. I really dont want to see dunst as MJ again. I also want to see Venom how he should be, I want to hear " WE ARE VENOM!" how do you leave that out? A reboot of cast/continue story but with a wise cracking, confident Spider-Man.

Fantasic Four = continue, Im with BmanHall, try harder but change doom, or at least his voice as doom.

DD= REBOOT, [frick]ing SUCKED! Ben Affleck,never again!

Superman= Reboot. No kid, and MUST HAVE A VILLAIN THAT CAN PUT HANDS ON SUPERMAN! Darkside, Metallo,brainiac. shit bizzaro! I dont know if I want to see Bizzaro as a main villian but Lex need to be in the behind the scene or Prez like in Public enemys.

Dragon Ball= REBOOT! had to say it.

Ghost Rider= New cast, Nick is to old. and Villains we garbage.

The Hulk = Great, continue and put him in the Avengers!

and cross overs ARE A MUST. yes danialj84, I think we all would agree that marvel needs the right back. I would of like to see Peter Parker in the FF. SO many Possibility be done that all lead up to some big ass movie like the Civil War, lol.

Gatcha01
Gatcha01 - 9/18/2009, 1:16 PM
Superman=Reboot. Superman is a HERO not a love sick stalker and please no more that stupid kid in the Superman Returns. Fresh start on everything
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 9/18/2009, 2:07 PM
Reboots are for sissies.
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