Remakes or reboots, not everyone is a fan of it. Neither am I, especially when it comes to the horror genre. I think it’s just a lack of inspiration and originality in Hollywood. But ever so often there is a remake that actually exceeds it predecessor. Only a short list, but here are the movie remakes that are (without a doubt) better than the original.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986) - Original from 1960
The film is considered a cult classic today. The original is from 1960 and was a low-budget film. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman turned it into a musical and that’s where the 1986 movie version is based on. It’s a dark comedy with catchy songs and fun performances by Rick Moranis and Steve Martin. There is another remake planned for “Little Shop of Horrors”.
The Thing (1982) – Original from 1951
“The Thing From Another World” was one of the best science fiction film of the 50s. But it was Jon Carpenter’s 1982 version that brought us the most scares and it grew out to be one of the most beloved horror classics.
The Fly (1986) – Original from 1958
The first “The Fly” was a science fiction horror film, about a scientist that accidentally turns into a fly. For the time, the late 50s, it was a pretty shocking film. But the remake from 1986, by director David Cronenberg, is so much better. And shocked even more. Jeff Goldblum, who plays the leading role, is transformed into a fly bringing it to us in a pretty graphic an gruesome way.
Scarface (1983) – Original from 1932
I think many people don’t even know that this is a remake, because Al Pacino is the only Tony Montana we can think of. And there is a reason for that, since the 1983 version is the one that impressed us and is a favorite for many movie fans.
Cape Fear (1991) – Original from 1962
One way to get on this list, is to remake a film that wasn’t that great to begin with. The original “Cape Fear” was a pretty bland thriller. Director J. Lee Thompson was replaced by Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro took over the role that Gregory Peck played. There is a constant threat present and De Niro is fantastic in his role as the psychopath Max Cady.
Casino Royale (2006) - Original from 1967
James Bond is a franchise that reinvents itself each time. Since the Pierce Brosnan Bond movies weren’t all well-received, they decided to give 007’s image a boost. And that happened with “Casino Royale”, which is in my opinion even the best Bond movie ever made.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – Original from 1979
Although the original is already pretty great, George Miller remade his own film and topped himself. Everything in this movie works, from the performances by Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy to the extreme action and stunt work. I think this is the most well-received remake ever.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) – Original from 1956
It’s an intriguing remake of the Sci-fi classic from 1956. Alien plant lifeform takes over the body and personalities of people. How this works stays unclear until the end, but the genius of this film is that everyone is suspicious and you don’t know who is human and who’s been taken over. The way the camera moves and sudden close-ups build up the tension. And then there is that shriek….
Posts tonen met het label Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Alle posts tonen
Posts tonen met het label Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Alle posts tonen
zaterdag 23 mei 2020
donderdag 5 maart 2015
Top 5 Thursday: Movies I Watched for My Challenge (February 2015)
Another month has passed and I watched a bunch of movies. Some new ones, some I really regret watching (“Fifty Shades of Grey”) and some classics I really needed to finally see. Here are my five favourites of this month.
5. A Most Violent Year
A story very well told and great performances by Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain.
4. Into the Woods
I’m a sucker for a good musical. And I also love fairy tales. Here those two are combined and it looks amazing.
3. Grosse Pointe Blank
John Cusack is my weakness and I’m a bit ashamed that I never saw this movie before. But when I did, I absolutely loved it. John Cusack at his best!
2. Invasion of the Body Snatchers
A classic and also a remake. One of the better remakes by the way. It might be a bit dated, but that twist ending really freaked me out. That shriek still haunts me…
1. Big Hero 6
I’m still waiting for a major flop from Disney. It’s simply not possible. “Big Hero 6” is an amazing animation and is filled with characters to love. Especially Baymax. Fist bumps were never this funny.
They Almost Made the Top 5: Cool Hand Luke, In a World, Lawless, Foxcatcher
zondag 8 februari 2015
100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 21: Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Director: Philip Kaufman
Genre: Science Fiction/ Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 1978
Starring: Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright, Leonard Nimoy, Art Hindle, Lelia Goldoni, Kevin McCarthy, Don Siegel, Tom Luddy, Stan Ritchie, David Fisher, Tom Dahlgren, Garry Goodrow, Jerry Walter, Maurice Argent, Sam Conti, Robert Duvall
Description: In San Francisco, a group of people discover the human race is being replaced one by one, with clones devoid of emotion.
Review: This “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” is a remake from the 1956 version. In San Francisco mankind is taken over by duplicates. Because the original took place in a small town, the claustrophobic feel is not as present, but here the big crowd scares you. Matthew and his friends can only rely on each other. The bigger the crowd, the bigger that oppressive feeling is.
This all makes the movie a success. They take the time to reveal the happenings, the slow buildup helps building the tension.
The movie is well made, the camerawork is good and the use of light and dark. And some of the action sequences are also very impressive. The thriller and psychological horror aspect are clearly present. Because of the suspicion, claustrophobia and the fear of losing your own personality.
Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams do a good job as Matthew and Elizabeth. Also Veronica Cartwright is very believable and shows a wide range of human emotions. Leonard Nimoy and Jeff Goldblum also perform very well.
“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” is of high quality and definitely one of the best science fiction movies ever made. The movie captivates you till the end and that surprising twist still haunts me. A definite must see.
Rating: 4,5/ 5
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