Take Two: Top 5 Movie Remakes

With new movie remakes being made almost every year, it is difficult to choose only five for my Top 5 Movie Remakes list. Many remakes don't improve upon the original, instead further complicating or skimming-over the storyline and infuriating fans. However, some manage to enhance the original telling of the story, standing on their own without the success of the original. In order of release, here are my Top 5 recommendations:

An Affair to Remember (1957)

This incredibly popular remake of the 1939 movie Love Affair set the bar on romantic tear-jerkers incredibly high. Stars Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr are charming and believable in their whirlwind, forbidden romance. The chemistry between the two leading actors is legendary, and the movie met a whole new generation of fans after being referenced repeatedly in the 1993 hit Sleepless in Seattle. Directed by Leo McCarey, An Affair to Remember was nominated for four Oscars including Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Music for the Original Song "An Affair to remember," and Best Music, Scoring.

Cleopatra (1963)

This remake of the 1934 film of the same name, Cleopatra stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton redefined the definition of "on-screen chemistry." According to Platinum Guild, the torrid love affair between the two married costars started on the set of Cleopatra in 1961; a likely explanation for the believable affection between historical characters Cleopatra and Mark Antony. The pair later married in 1964, and their forbidden love is a classic Hollywood romance. Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, this remake won four Oscars in 1964, including Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, and Best Effects; it was nominated for five others, including Best Actor for Rex Harrison as Julius Caesar.

Scarface (1983)

Many movie fans do not realize Scarface is a remake of the 1932 film of the same name; the two films have very little in common except for the same basic story outline and title. Al Pacino stars as Cuban immigrant Tony Montana, and his intense performance is often heralded as one of the best of his career. Numerous other big-name actors added their names to the roster of the film, including Michelle Pfeiffer as Elvira Hancock, Steven Bauer as Manny Ribera, and Robert Loggia as Frank Lopez. The film was nominated for three Golden Globes: Best Original Score, Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture for Al Pacino, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture going to Steven Bauer.

The Fly (1986)

This remake stars Jeff Goldblum in his first of many roles as an eccentric scientist, cast here as the brilliant scientist Seth Brundle whose botched experiment is slowly transforming him into a giant man/fly hybrid. His love interest is journalist Veronica Quaife, portrayed here by stunning Geena Davis. According to Phrases.org, this film is also the origin of the infamous phrase: "Be afraid. Be very afraid." Directed by David Cronenberg, The Fly went on to win an Oscar for Best Makeup, and to ultimately become one of the classic go-to Sci-Fi movies beloved by many to stand the test of time.

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

The original Ocean's Eleven from 1960 is a tribute to Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, with endearing performances and several impressive songs. The 2001 remake stars George Clooney as Danny Ocean and a remarkably long list of big-name costars including Brad Pitt (Rusty Ryan), the late Bernie Mac (Frank Catton), Julia Roberts (Tess Ocean), and Matt Damon (Linus Caldwell). The cast picks up where the original left off, with Danny Ocean assembling a group of misfit robbers and scoundrels intent on sacking a Las Vegas casino. The success of this remake led to follow-up movies Ocean's Twelve and Ocean's Thirteen. Steven Soderbergh was the Director for this remake, and each subsequent movie in 2004 and 2007.

Sources:

IMDB, "Internet Movie Data Base"

Phrases.org.uk, "The meanings and origins of sayings and phrases"

Platinum Guild, "Platinum Guild International USA"