My Top 5 Favorite Movie Remakes

Mention the word 'remake' to any true movie buff, and more than likely noses will turn up. The truth is, remakes have been around since the very beginning of film making, and many people are often shocked when they learn that one of their favorite movies is actually a remake of an earlier one. In some instances, remakes can actually surpass the originals in either artistic concept, acting, special effects, or all of the above. Here is a list of my top 5 favorite movie remakes and why I think they are better than the originals.

House on Haunted Hill (1999)

While I absolutely adore the original 1959 version starring Vincent Price, the 1999 update took it to a completely higher level. Remakes of old horror films are usually always better, as they are often more graphic, violent, and thus end up being 100x scarier than the originals ever could be. The 1999 version of House on Haunted Hill follows the exact same plot as the original where guests have to spend the night in a haunted house, however, the dark violence and creepy atmosphere in the remake are absolutely superb and frightening! It also should be pointed out that Geoffrey Rush (playing the Price role) is a dead ringer for the late, great Vincent Price as well, and really pulls off the part magnificently. I love this movie!

The Time Machine (2002)

One of the great things about remaking a science fiction movie from long ago are the updated special effects that can be used to enhance the story. This was the case with the remake of the classic 1960 film The Time Machine, based on the famous story by H.G. Wells. While the 2002 remake added some new twists that weren't in the original, the special effects used to tell the story of time travel were truly amazing. I will admit, I saw the remake before I watched the original, and frankly I found the 1960 adaptation a little slow paced. Of course, this is merely my own opinion, but if you adore the classic story and want edge of your seat action, I highly recommend the 2002 version.

The Parent Trap (1998)

I will probably be killed for this, but I actually prefer the Lindsey Lohan remake of the Disney classic better than the original! While I grew up watching the original version starring Hayley Mills on the Disney Channel and still love it with all my heart, I thought the 1998 adaptation was simply superb. Despite what Ms. Lohan's public image is today, one has to admit she was a great child actress, and I was simply blown away at how she perfected a British accent! Dennis Quaid and the late Natasha Richardson give devine performances as the separated parents, and a real treat in this movie was a cameo by Joanna Barnes as Vicki Blake (who played the original villainess 'Vicki' in the 1961 version). Disney succeeded on all levels with this one. I love it!

Show Boat (1951)

I bet you were surprised to find an oldie on this list that was a remake, but that is exactly what the 1951 version of Show Boat was. As a matter of fact, this was actually the third remake of Show Boat, and it's by far the best one. The classic Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein musical was given the full MGM treatment, and the costumes and musical numbers are colorful, splashy, and fun. Ava Gardner absolutely steals the show as Julie, and the handsome Howard Keel is simply dreamy as the gambler Gaylord Ravenal. I loved this movie so much as a kid that I wore out my VHS copy!

Thirteen Ghosts (2001)

Once again, a classic horror film from the early 1960s gets a gruesome 21st Century make-over. John Waters once said that 'Bad movies need to be remade...not good ones' and he is clearly right as far as 13 Ghosts is concerned. The 1960 version was downright BORING, and simply relied on the gimmick of 'Illusion-O' when it was first released in theaters back in the day. The 2001 version requires NO silly 3-D gimmick to be scary, as it is truly violent and disturbing to boot. The ghosts all have a back story and their own agendas, and nothing is shrouded in mist. Take my word for it, AVOID the original at all costs and watch the remake, as it is a zillion times superior!

To view a complete list of movies that are remakes of earlier films, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_film_remakes

Sources:

www.imdb.com
www.wikipedia.com