Reader Participation: The Big-Screen Small-Screen Revolution
Sometimes we at CH wonder if film studios will ever run out of old TV shows to re-make on the big screen. They’ve certainly burned through quite a few of the oldies but goodies, but eventually they’re going to be caught up and trying to re-make shows that are still on (we don’t recommend this). Still, it looks like they’re going to keep trying.
The fun of movie remakes lies, it seems, not in the plot or the characters, but in the art design and the casting: how close can the filmmakers get to re-creating the look and feel of the original show with current actors? Even if the re-make isn’t an exact copy–studios are realizing that the public has already seen the originals, and are starting to look for fresh takes on old shows–the public seems to love watching their favorite celebrities interpret roles that were originated by other actors long ago.
We at CH are not immune to this phenomenon. For instance, we hear that Steve Carell has been contracted to play Maxwell Smart in a 2008 adaptation of the TV show Get Smart, which we think is excellent casting work. We can’t wait to see who’s cast as Agent 99 (Marley Shelton? Morena Baccarin?), or to see Carell talking into a shoe. Hilarity will ensue, we’re sure.
In this spirit, a poll: Of the many (many, many) television shows that have been remade on the small screen, which are the best? Or are they all complete dreck? Note that continuations (Serenity, X-Files: Fight the Future) don’t count.
November 13th, 2006 at 5:33 pm
Well, the absolute worst movie remake was “Wild, Wild West” and what makes it so truly appalling was the level of talent they had availble to them, Kevin Kline, Will Smith, Salma Hayek and Kenneth freakin’ Branagh! It was heartbreaking.
As for the best remake, my vote is “The Saint” starring Val Kilmer.
November 13th, 2006 at 11:03 pm
Huh. What does Wild, Wild West re-make?
Also: I LOVE The Saint, or at least I did the million times I saw it in high school. You’ve got to love a man who drives a sexy Volvo, is all I’ve got to say.
November 16th, 2006 at 9:14 am
The Saint was good. I liked the campy take of Charlie’s Angels.
I want to see Knight Rider, heck you can even cast Hasselhof again
Talking car = box office gold.
Or may be Airwolf….yeah.
April 9th, 2007 at 10:06 am
Angie Everhart Nude…
I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read….