It’s no secret that Hollywood loves a good reboot. From beloved classics to forgotten gems, studios have been churning out remakes, reboots, and revivals at an unprecedented rate in recent years. But with so many remakes hitting theaters and streaming services, it begs the question: are these retreads worth our time and money?
On the one hand, remakes can provide a fresh take on a familiar story or introduce a new generation of audiences to a beloved franchise. Take the recent “Jumanji” reboot, for example. The original 1995 film was a beloved childhood classic for many, but the 2017 version managed to capture the spirit of the original while also updating the story for modern audiences. Similarly, the 2019 “Lion King” remake may not have been a critical darling, but it still managed to bring in over a billion dollars at the box office.
But on the other hand, remakes can also feel lazy, uninspired, and unnecessary. Why remake a beloved film or TV show if you’re not going to bring something new to the table? Some recent examples of lackluster remakes include the 2016 “Ghostbusters” reboot, which failed to capture the spirit of the original and was met with a lukewarm reception from audiences and critics alike, and the 2019 “Charlie’s Angels” reboot, which was a box office bomb despite a star-studded cast.
So why do studios keep churning out remakes? The answer is simple: they’re a safe bet. With a built-in audience and a pre-existing property to work with, remakes are seen as less risky than original concepts. But as more and more remakes hit theaters and streaming services, audiences are starting to push back. Why pay to see a mediocre remake when you could watch something new and original?
Of course, not all remakes are created equal. Some, like the aforementioned “Jumanji” and “Lion King” reboots, manage to strike a balance between honoring the original while also adding something new to the mix. Others, like the recent “West Side Story” remake directed by Steven Spielberg, have the potential to be something truly special.
In the end, whether or not a remake is worth your time and money is a decision only you can make. But as Hollywood continues to mine its back catalog for ideas, it’s important to remember that sometimes the original really is better.
