5 Interesting Movie Remakes

In the history of filmmaking, there has always been a repeat of the same stories but millions of ways to tell the story. For example, though 'Cinderella' had an evil stepmother, in other interpretations, there could be another circumstance such as ethnicity, that keeps the story's Cinderella from meeting her prince charming. Such is the case of many of today's favored movies, the idea of 'rags to riches', and vice versa when necessary.

Here is a list of some my favored movies that truly strayed from the original stories to create a different interpretation of the story.

Anyone who watches the 1971 "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory", directed by Mel Stuart, would walk away with a smile and the friendly thought of Oompa Lumpas making the wonderful candies and a friendly faced Willy Wonka dancing about peaceably in the factory. The inconclusive ending would spur imaginations to create their own worlds and happy fantasies in mysterious factories. However, the dark and mysterious feelings behind the 2005 "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory", directed by Tim Burton, leaves audiences feeling a sense of happiness in the darkness of reality they live in. Everything from the Oompa Lumpas to the outfits of the Johnny Depp interpretation of Willy Wonka is greatly different from the original. However, the great detail and visual advancements due to the improvement of technology makes the 2005 remake much more exciting and creates a stronger connection because of the off-the-wall strangeness of the movie.

The ever popular and excitement created by the 2003 "The Italian Job", directed by F. Gary Gray, was inspired by the 1969 "The Italian Job", directed by Peter Collinson. Choosing to keep many of the similar chases and props of the original movie, the 2003 remake pulled the story into present times and used present equipment to pull off the heist. With guns, computers, and an old-school structure, the three mini-coopers fit right into the midst of the plot. Viewers found the 2003 remake more pleasing due to the action and high concept of the remake. Also, it seemed to prove that anything was possible with a large amount of money, technology, and the right people. Though the original movie had a large group of people pulling separate jobs to ensure success, the ending was, literally, a cliffhanger that put off anyone to the idea of actually performing such a feat. However, at the end of the 2003 remake, with everyone happily settled into each thief's dream lifestyles, there is a feeling of contentment. (Note: To enjoy the original, don't expect it to beat the remake. Just watch it for what it is.)

The classiest of the classics, featuring the Rat Pack in the original and then several of the smoothest men of all time in the remake, "Ocean's 11" shattered and exceeded expectations of the past. The 1960 original, directed by Lewis Milestone, pushed the boundaries of the law and showed the life of crime in an exciting and glamorous fashion. The guys pulling the jobs were ex-army pals, all looking just to survive with what tricks they gleaned from their experience in the army. The end rendered their efforts useless, though the lesson was well learned for them. The 2001 remake, directed by Steven Soderbergh, however, proved different results. Not only did the talented men get away with the money, but they also continued with their life in crime. Of course, technology and complex character with deeper motivations helped add suspense, which drove the film. Also, the characters had little connection to each other before the heist, which made the experience all the more real in the eyes of viewers. A true 'ten' of a movie, and highly recommended for a filmmaker.

Far be it from me not to include a film about sports. Of the popular ones that I'll drift through is "The Longest Yard". The original was released in 1974, directed by Robert Aldrich. The plot was similar and very simple, though the remake in 2005, directed by Peter Segal, also included the 2001 "Mean Machine", directed by Barry Skolnick. By absorbing "Mean Machine" into "The Longest Yard" remake, the story is better filled out and more fun to watch. As a plus, Burt Reynods, who played Paul Crewe in the original, also played Coach Nate Scarborough, a washed up football player who was rumored to having died long ago. Through the collaboration of the two movies, the 2005 remake was very successful and had a star cast of Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Nelly, and many more. Not only is the remake fun to watch, but also very entertaining, while reaching deeper into what drives and connects with people. Also, interestingly enough, with the PG original + the rated R "Mean Machine" put together, the remake in 2005 is rated PG-13. Apparently, math isn't completely obsolete in this line of the industry.

(At this point, I debated between completing this mega-manly set of movies with "Infernal Affairs" (2002) and "The Departed" (2006), or adding a softer piece to gain more of a female readership. And so...)

Last, but not least, a favorite romantic comedy that needs mentioning due to the innovative way it came about. The 1998 "You've Got Mail", directed by Nora Ephron, revived romantic comedies and featured two of the most classic of all actors, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan (known for their previous romantic comedy, "Sleepless In Seattle"). Taking place in New York, this story is the classic romantic comedy that abides by Hollywood's every standards. What also adds to this story is that, it combines three different sources together. The first is "In the Good Old Summertime" which was released in 1949, directed by Robert Z. Leonard, featuring Judy Garland and Van Johnson. From this movie came the anonymity idea of writing to someone and falling in love through letters. The second source is "The Shop Around the Corner" which was released in 1940, directed by Ernst Lubitsch, starring Margaeret Sullavan and James Stewart. The shop in "You've Got Mail" and the story about it comes from the 1940 movie. Together, with a play written by Miklos Laszlo, the characters, story, plot, settings, and relationships within the 1998 remake is a complete story. Not only loved by the older generation, but also the younger romantics who have survived the throes of time.

I highly encourage everyone to watch, both, original and remakes so as to draw your own conclusions as to whether or not the remake surpassed the original. As you'll come to see, not everything new is better. Enjoy the movie experience and write your own reviews!