If it’s not broke, remake it: The top 5 Horror remakes
Howdy, fellow frighteners, I’m back again for my penultimate Halloween list before the big one on Monday. Today’s countdown concerns The Good ol’ classic Horror movie and how Hollywood basterdizes the legacy of the film by remaking it. Well, that’s one way to look at it, but this list counts down the top five of these remakes.
Without further ado, as I have probably lost your attention anyway. So here’s the top 5.
Honourable mention. Ok, because I did it last time. I’ll do it again. Just missing out on our top 5, is the newest film on the list.
The Film: Let Me in (2010) The Original let the right one in (2008)
Why it missed out: Let Me In is a good remake. This film is one of a few horror films that are remade for an American audience as the general belief is that Americans don’t like reading subtitles. Whereas Let the right one goes at an incredibly slow pace, Let Me In goes quicker, but clearly lacks the subtlety that the original does.
The reason that the movie is not on the list, is mainly due to the quality of the original. It’s harsh to say, but whereas the other movies on the list either offer up a different interpretation or improve upon the original, Let Me In just feels like a remake.
Number 5: The Ring (2002) The Original: Ringu (1998)
Why it’s on the list: Another Americanized version of a foreign film for. However, a slightly longer gap that Let Me In. The Ring is an interesting concept concerning a Killer TV Tape. The original is a chilling tale made all the more terrifying, by not grasping what’s going on a lot of the time.
Evidently, The Ring doesn’t have this capability. But, The Ring does make up for it in the story and a truly scary villain. She is one creepy little girl.
Number 4: Cape Fear (1991) The Original: Cape Fear (1962)
Why it’s on the list: Maybe more of a Horror- Thriller hybrid, but to me Cape Fear is still a Horror film. It has a villain coming to town and trying to tear apart the people in the town. If it’s a Giant Shark, an Alien or a Man, the concept is still the same.
Like all good remakes, Cape Fear doesn’t just imitate the original; it takes a life on of its own. Instead of the brooding a tense Max Cady, played by Robert Michum, we have the snarling and educated terminator-esque psychopath, played by good ol’ Bobby De-Niro, who’s performance isn’t just as good as Michum. It could be better.
Number 3: Dawn of the Dead (2004) The Original: Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Why it’s on the list: The first time I watched Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead, I was expecting just your basic horror remake. However, what I saw was a face passed, thrill filled, horror movie, which breathed Adrenaline filled life into an old and somewhat tired concept.
Sure, it’s probably not as good as Romero’s original. However, it’s different and entertaining. Plus, it’s got Ving Rhames in it, so you know it’s going to be awesome.
Number 2: The Fly (1986) The Original: The Fly (1958)
Why it’s on the list: A David Cronenberg movie on the list? Surprising. Well he is my favourite Horror movie director after all. And The Fly, showcases how good Cronenberg is. Based on the 1950s Vincent Price movie, Cronenberg takes The Fly and makes it his own.
Cronenberg strips away the camp and throws on buckets of creepy. However, the standout performance is Geoff Goldbloom. Usually camp
Number 1: The Thing (1982) The Original: The Thing from Another World (1951)
Why it’s on the list: Much like The Fly, The Thing is a remake that surpasses its original. Based on a 50’s B movie, John Carpenter’s ‘something in the snow’ classic turns a somewhat cheesy concept and throws a bucket load of creativity and realism into it.
Ok, some of the performances are a bit overblown, but it was made in the 80s so it’s probably a given. However, what The Thing excels in is realism. Even though it’s about aliens and mutants. That is some feat, but what do you expect from John Carpenter.
What do you think? Do you agree with my list? Not at all? Tell me why in the comments bellow.
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Until next time, Enjoy The Show.
Daniel Morris.
Daniel Morris.
All good picks. 'Let Me In' was a decent effort but can't hold a candle to 'Let the Right One In' which is a masterpiece. The first 20 minutes or so were fantastic, but then it sort of got all shot-for-shot and lost its way a bit. So yeah, I agree with your thoughts there and I agree with the top 3 very strongly. I haven't seen 'Cape Feare' but chances are I'd agree with you there, too.
ReplyDeleteCape Fear gets slated by some people for being too obvious, but I just think it's more sinister. Deserves a watch
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