There used to be a time when original ideas were worth something and movies weren’t just about making a quick buck. Those days are sadly gone as every week we are seemingly treated to a remake of questionable quality.
Re-envisioning a classic can be a glorious thing and if done correctly can introduce a new generation to a wonderful forgotten story (case in point Peter Jackson’s
King Kong). Unfortunately we seem to be amidst a remake tornado as even the most turgid of films are getting an unnecessary upgrade.
I can somewhat understand the need to recreate a film released in the first half of the 20th century but I am gobsmacked at the recent wave of '80s remakes. The last straw was the absolutely unnecessary remake of
Sorority Row. Seriously, could no one come up with a new “college girls get hacked” plot line?
Either way the next year seems to continue this worrying trend with the release of
Fame, The Stepfather, The Crazies, Clash of the Titans, Piranha, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Karate Kid and
Red Dawn to name a few.
To remember what has been we have looked at the top ten worst movie remakes. We hope this serves as shameful reminder to studio bosses the world over.
10. The Invasion (2007)
The seventies remake is better than the original, the same can’t be said for this boring mess.
9. Rollerball (2002)
LL Cool J is the best thing about this film…you read right.
8. The Stepford Wives (2004)
Nicole Kidman continues to demonstrate her uncanny ability for choosing quality projects.
7. King Kong (1976)
Unbelievably the ape here is less convincing than in the original.
6. The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996)
I guess Marlon Brando really needed the money.
5. The Vanishing (1993)
The original has an amazing ending that will haunt you for days, not the remake thanks to a “happier” conclusion. This film is the epitome of why people hate Hollywood.
4. The Planet of the Apes (2001)
Undoubtedly Tim Burton’s biggest stumble and they changed the twist!
3. The Pink Panther (2006)
Steve Martin should know better.
2. The Wicker Man (2006)
Pitiful and awful in equal measures. Please watch…
1. Psycho (1998)
A shot-for-shot remake of the absolute classic, what the hell was Gus Van Sant thinking?