I had heard that all "2 movies" or sequels were doomed to failure but there have been enough noteworthy exceptions to prove that wrong, some that even surpass the first film. Remakes are another story, though. I agree that they seldom go well... especially a lot of recent offerings. However, I would offer that remakes of films based upon literary works are the exception. It's especially true that if a movie was made from a book in the early years of filmmaking, you are going to find more recent remakes often correct changes that never should have been made. The Enchanted April filmed back in the day switched the ladies' names for some reason, and after noting such an arbitrary change I couldn't bring myself to watch the rest of the movie. The 1993 remake, however, is a charming film. Not for everyone, of course, but it captured things better. Also Pride and Prejudice, which has been made again and again, has been much improved over the Laurence Olivier/Greer Garson film. Much as I love those actors, the story was so hammered by the time they got done with it that it just irritated me to watch it. Little Women, filmed with Winona Ryder, was actually pretty good... and I don't really like her that much, or even Little Women that much. Yet it was a nice film. Sure, it was once made starring Katharine Hepburn, but she chewed the scenery so badly that it kinda ruined it. Also A Christmas Carol (I favor the Patrick Stewart version).
I don't say all remakes of books or plays came out better, since there was a wonderful version of A Midsummer Night's Dream from the 1930s, and some Dickens stories, and I'll take Pygmalion over My Fair Lady any day. I'm just saying that there are some remakes out there that have done the world a favor by providing a better option.
That said, worst remake ever: The Pink Panther! How bitterly disappointing! Not the films, which couldn't disappoint me since I didn't expect them to exceed the quality of the old ones, but Steve Martin. I really thought he knew better. Chevy Chase, Dana Carvey, I'd expect this from. Even Eddie Murphy, as good as he is. But Steve Martin? Eccentric, even weird in his comic style, yes, sometimes going more mainstream in his films, sure, but turning just plain stupid? Seriously, does he drink? I know that isn't so much a disappointing movie as a disappointing actor, though, or I'd start ranting about Mike Myers next. Sigh.
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"Pack up my head, I'm goin' to Paris!" - P.W.
The world loves diversity... as long as it's pretty, makes them look smart and doesn't put them out in any way.
There's the road, and the road less traveled, and then there's MY road.