by Jennifer Brinkle

Created on: February 01, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

Is Hollywood out of ideas? If one were to look at the number of remakes and sequels out there then a very strong argument could be made in favor of this. Of course there are gems out there that are completely original but often you find these in low-budget or independent films.

One argument has even been made that remakes' are necessary to capitalize on the newest wave of movie goers. When Alfred Hitchcock's timeless classic "Psycho" was remade it was argued that teenagers simply would not watch the original because it was in black and white and that by remaking it in color it would draw a new fan base.

There are many remakes out there that have been successful. Disney is one studio house that has made countless remakes of their classics over the years. "Freaky Friday", and "The Parent Trap" are but two that have been very successful both in their original run and their remakes. Though the originals still stand as classics the issues within are a bit out of date and harder for the older teenager to relate to. Remaking' these films with problems teenagers face in today's world helps them relate better and still provides the basic family value message the originals held.

It goes without saying that the technology today for filmmaking and special effects is far more superior than in previous days. Many classic science fiction movies look almost campy' in light of these facts. But where do you draw the line? Should a movie simply be remade because of these factors?

As a horror fan I have witnessed many remakes over the past few years that are simply unnecessary. Though the scenery shots in "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" were eerily beautiful, was the new film really necessary when the original still had impact and drove sales with today's generation? Other favorites of mine that have been unnecessarily hit would include "The Fog", "The Hitcher", "The Omen", and "The Haunting" to name but a few. And sadder still is the fact that "Halloween" is in the process of being remade as this article is being written.

The argument will continue to exist on this subject for many years. In this writer's opinion, if a movie still makes you cry, hide under the covers and / or double lock your doors then it has done it's job whether it is in the first, second or third generation of film.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Brinkle.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.