By Open Book
Twentieth Century Fox left everyone scratching their heads last week wondering. “Isn’t it a little too soon?” after announcing they were “rebooting” the 2003 superhero film Daredevil, which starred Ben Affleck.[1] David Slade will be directing the “new direction” film franchise but an actor has yet to be announced. So as an attempt to soothe consumers itchy scalp, we thought we would focus on the most successful re-imagined film franchises. However, we will only discuss our Top 5 films of the last decade and the reasons they were successful.
The term “re-imagined” or “re-boot” is a popular term used in marketing film remakes today. It’s a favorite because it let’s audiences know the new franchise does not closely follow the original. Here is a great definition regarding what makes a film a renovation by www.answers.com,
“Reimaginings and renovations often contain tongue in cheek references to the original, with characters of the same name and similar concepts, while remaining significantly different from the original.”[2]
Now part of the reason we are reviewing the most successful because we are hoping to understand the reason Fox decided to reboot Daredevil.
What film franchise is first up on our list?
- 2001-Oceans 11: This re-imagining of the 1960’s Oceans 11 was a good call because the original film, which featured “The Rat Pack,” Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford was not the best film. The 2001 version of course brought it into the new millennium. However, what made this franchise so successful was the clever way director Steven Soderbergh still kept the stylishness, plot twist and star power of the original. But upped the stakes, by making the heist (or plot twist) more intricate, fast paced and beautiful to look at.
- 2005-Batman Begins: Audiences loved the whimsical colorful Tim Burton 1989 Batman. To avoid being compared to Burton’s successful 1989 film. Director Christopher Nolan had no other choice but to veer in the opposite direction. Instead, Batman Begins by taking a more realistic, grounded and darker approach, with a very limited neutral color palette. This version really focused on the internal demons of Batman rather than the villains like the 1989 version. Also, audiences got a chance to explore Batman’s mind and why he became Batman. This laid the foundation for Dark Knight, which is the most critically awarded and successful film of this franchise.[3]
- 2006-Casino Royale: Again using the same formula as Batman Begins, Casino Royale is rougher, more realistic and Daniel Craig the new 007 was perfectly cast.[4] However, unlike Batman Begins the last batch of 007 films in the 1990’s with Pierce Brosnan were not the best. So this film franchise really combined the successful recipe of Oceans 11 and Batman Begins to create the best 007 in the series. Although, many favored Pierce Brosnan 007, what this franchised suffered from was too many dull formulaic plots. Casino Royale had intricate plot twist, gritty realism, and stylish and beautiful cinematography. All of this blended together made it a success.
- 2009-Sherlock Holmes: This film was the first installment to this franchise. There have been many films, and television series told of this character but all of them did not rely on the source material to tell the story of Sherlock Holmes. Instead Holmes became a “lofty-toff” according to the director Guy Ritchie. Ritchie than decided to make a contemporary re-imagined period action film based on the original stories created by Scottish author Arthur Conan Doyle. By merging contemporary non-linear story telling with realistic Victorian era science, technology and innovations breathed new life into this character and into the series.
- 2009-Star Trek: Very much like Sherlock Holmes, this was the first installment of this franchise. Again not wanting to be compared to the successful film and television series in the past. This film franchise rooted itself in the beginning of the two main characters lives (Spock and Captain Kirk) while using gritty realism and non-linear storytelling to make it more contemporary. However, what made this film the most compelling was the evolution of Spock and Captain Kirk’s career and friendship. The combination of humor, plot twist and realism made this our Top 5 best re-imagined film franchise of the last decade.
Perhaps after analyzing our Top 5 list, it may have settled some of your curiosity why Fox is re-booting Daredevil and why Columbia Pictures Spiderman is currently being re-imagined. Only time will tell if these films will be as successful as our Top 5 selection.
So what’s on your list as the most successfully re-imagined film franchises in Hollywood?
Please join us for a discussion Tuesday: 3/22/11@7pE/12UTC
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
I wasn’t feeling the Sherlock Holmes remake. I like RDJ, but I kept waiting and waiting and waiting for the plot to kick in. I don’t think I’ve felt that way about a film since Pushing Tin (that movie had ZERO plot–lol).
I think it’s a bit soon for a Spiderman and Dare Devil reboot though I know the Spiderman one is already being made. I didn’t think the first Dare Devil was that successful at the box office, was it?
Great article OB!
When my hubs and I travel, we have Ocean’s 11 (and Dodgeball) on a loop. We love that movie and for all the reasons you mentioned, OB.
We also loved DN, but that is mainly due to Heath Ledger. Un.be.lievable! I love CB, but his Batman voice was a little, “Uh, why are you talking like THAT?” Still a great movie.
Didn’t even finish Sherlock HOlmes and I cannot honestly tell you why. It may have been the plot not kicking in, like 4string mentioned.
Casino Royale was GREAT! That torture scene kept making my husband gag. hahahaha!
I’m not a trekkie at all, but I was thoroughly entertained with this newer version of Star Trek. I hope they make more.
As far as Daredevil being re-imagined, I’m assuming it’s because of al these super hero movies coming out and they want this character to be a popular character, and not for being lame. Does Fox have any other super heroes?
Ok, so now I need to go off and do research….:)
Wow, first time in our articles I’ve seen all the movies! That’s truly shocking to me!
Can’t wait to have our discussion tonight!
Welcome new and returning visitors. Please feel free to jump in give us your opinions on the topic up for discussion tonight.
I really loved Dark Knight because of Heath Ledger. He made that film. especially when he dressed up as a nurse.
Oh my gosh!! U and me both.
LOL. 🙂
I finally saw this and just didn’t like it, sorry. Liked Heath Ledger the best in The Patriot.
Paris,
What do u think about all the reboots? Do u think Daredevil, Spiderman and Superman have a shot at being successful?
i think they do if they are done properly. i liked the reboot of the A-team.
I might have to add Superman here just because it’s gone through so many iterations and apparently going thru yet another one.
I agree. Do u think HW is turning over these franchises too soon? Do u think they should at least wait 10 years?
Well, personally I think HW is chasing the box office. They are looking at older movies that were successful with a built in audience hoping to draw them to the theater. Plus with a built in following it almost guarantees ticket sales at some level. Trekkies will go see ANY star trek movie regardless of how well it is or isn’t made.
So I don’t think it’s about HW finding original material, I think its about box office guarantees and minimizing risk.
That actually sounds more reasonable than the turn around right now. At least let the audience forget the old actors in the roles before redoing it.
I don’t know about Superman that one is going to be really tough, because of all the sentimental value with Christopher Reeves.
imo they should wait 15. i liked brandon routh very much and thought they did a good job in regards to their memories of CR’s superman.
I agree they should wait at least 10 to 15. Give consumers a chance to re-group. LOL!!
Well Disney shelves their movies into their ‘vault’ for 10 years and then reintroduces them to DVD release. Maybe HW is trying a take off on Disney’s approach?
i know they do then they vault them again and then re-release. how many times do they expect people to buy the same movie????
How many children are born each year? Its a huge recurring revenue stream for them. Plus they add the ‘digital enhancement’ etc.
Love your thinking it is so true!!
I saw the advertisement for Tangled today. There are 4 discs. the regular dvd. a 3-d version, a blu-ray version and a digital copy. Its ridiculus.
4 discs! Wow, guess they aren’t holding out anymore.
i know.
yeah but it still doesn’t change the movie. For example, I grew up with the original Strawberry Shortcake. I’ve seen the “modern” version of SS and I would want my kids to see the original because i think its better. IMO. Also i think its because its a huge waste of money down the toilet i’m very anal about spending money. LOL
Thank you!! I don’t like the new SS either. I would rather buy the original doll and stuff off of ebay.
Actually they are looking for new generations of kid’s that have never seen the movies. Also Disney always adds new futures to the new releases and add incentives if you buy them which collectors go nuts over.
i forgot about the collectors. LOL all the “disneyana” people.
Yeah don’t forget them, they make Disney some big money. I know I use to buy those collector’s boxes when my boys were younger.
Hi all. Sorry I was late, I thought we started at 7:00 p.m.
Great article as usual. Made me think. I have seen all of these movies (yes final saw Dark Knight)except the new Star Trek. I like Star Trek but I am a Next Generation fan so not into all of the old Star Trek stuff. I have been forced to watch it though.
I have to say I liked Sherlock Holmes and can’t wait for the next one, maybe bc I like RDJ though.
I really enjoyed the Oceans series great cast and great movies.
I have to say I loved Pierce as James Bond, again another series that I have been forced to watch, but Daniel Craig isn’t to bad and this new set of Bonds aren’t bad.
I heard someone say they should do an early Bond like before he becomes a 007 and have one of our favorite British actors play it. That could be interesting.
Last paragraph: yes, yes, YES!!!
Yes! ITA…
I really like the way Guy Ritchie re-developed the characters and relationship between Sherlock and Watson. That was fantastic!!
Why are so many classic stories being remade? For example, Beastly, which i haven’t seen yet but it looks good.
Well Beastly is not suppose to be very good. However, I think this story was made to appeal to the TWI teen girl demo.
I don’t know. It’s kind of annoying because either the remakes are going to be great or really sucky. I heard Beastly wasn’t that good either….looked cheesy to me.
what is it with film makers and teens? What about adults? Do we not count anymore??? LOL
The teen segment is BIG and accounts for ton’s of money across many different business, retail merchandising towards teens is huge.
Here, here!!!
Hey, I heard/read that there is possible re-imagination for the Fletch series. If that’s true, I don’t know how I feel about that. Also, I haven’t seen Arthur yet, but it looks great. Is this a re-imagined one too? Sorry, I know those are not super heroes, but since I think they fit under the re-imagined part, I thought I would ask….
i think arthur is a reboot. i know they also rebooted Fright Night.
I wonder how Fright Night will go over with all the Twi Fans. LOL
What is Friday Night?
I agree I need some enlightenment on Friday Night.
LOL! Fright Night is the vampire movie with Chris Sarandon it came out in the mid 80’s.
If RP could seduce someone that Chris Sarandon did i think every tween would have to be put on meds. LOL
*the way
Thanks, Paris! Maybe I will check that out. haha!!!
your welcome. 🙂
LOL!!
Oh I have a feeling Fright Night, if they do it like they did Halloween, I will actually pass.
Fright Night was scary the first time and it didn’t have all the expected gore, blood, and stuff that horror films seem to have to have now.
Which is so sad, because I still like the psychological scare, which no one seems to be able to do, very well anymore.
Psychological scares are the best. I completely agree!
I agree Kim, it was psychologically seductive.
Kim,
What are your favorite psychological thriller films and why?
Great question!!! Yeah, Kim, I need to put some new movies on my que. 🙂
Silence of the Lambs first one that comes to mind. Poltergiest (Spielberg scared the crap out of me, he hit all your childhood fears) (Could you imagine this re-booted, I shudder).
What about the one with Jack Nicholson? The Shining?
My husband refuses to watch that movie with me. haha!
Sounds like me and Paranormal Activity 1 or 2.
The Blair Witch was another one, I think since both these type movies were done in a documentary style that made them even more scary.
Just like the old radio program of Orsen Welles.
Poltergeist is untouchable!! yes, it still creeps me out. I also liked What Lies Beneath. (Would that be considered a psych thriller???)
Littlebells,
Yes! Arthur is a re-imagined film. However, it looks like they followed the formula or Oceans 11. IMO!!
I do believe they are planning to re-make Fletch.
Thanks OB! I really do want to see ARthur because I remember the original and thought it was great. maybe I will see it this weekend (I;m going to NYC tomorrow and am so excited!!!!)
If they make Fletch, they better do it some justice because I love, LOVE Chevy Chase.
What do u consider a good re-boot? Should they have a substantial amount of reference to the original source material or to the most successful film series. For example Superman and Spiderman.
some really good references to the original source material.
Just taking those two for example, there is so much source material from the comics. I think a successful reboot would be a landmark comic strip like when they introduced a new villian. Its different than what may already be on film, but uses original source that the audience can get excited about.
I love it when they introduce new antagonist characters from the original source. I think Chris Nolan did that really well in Batman. I loved two face in Dark Knight.
Aaron Sorkin’s character? So did I but Joker was still the best.
Umm…I think they should maintain the integrity of the original source. Don’t go off on some weird angle that makes no sense. It should stay true to form if possible but still be completely creative. I don’t know if that made any sense. My HW vernacular is not the best.
Well I don’t see a problem re-booting something that was bad when it first came out, such as the A-Team (know I haven’t seen the movie version) but the t.v. series drove me nuts.
Well re-booting seems to be taking over the television screen also, with the re-boot of Wonder Women and Charlie’s Angels. Next week will have the Love Boat (hahaha)
LittleBells here is the seduction scene.
Oh I remember this movie now!
Gosh – the 80’s. whew.
I know I was 8 when this movie came out. I still have it on video.
Exactly. Whew!!!!
Marcy and Prince Humperdink!!!! hahahahahahaha! Still sexy though.
Oh my gosh I just go to the part where he takes her hand and it reminds me of hand sex from Barbarella!!! hahahaha!!!
LOL
LOL!! These Twi fans would be in a coma if RP did half of this in TWI.
I think it would be way worse for RP than it is now.
Love the 80’s.
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know.
All he has to do is walk into the cafeteria and I swear you can hear clothes flying off!!!
LoL!! This is hilarious!!
Coma? LOL So true. They certainly would be passing out!
I don’t miss my 80’s hair!
Me either. teased bangs, side ponytails and leggings.
See I want to see them redo Top Gun!
Who would be in your Top Gun redo dream cast Lurker?
OK Who would u cast?
Me? ummmmm Shane West as Ice (Val Kilmer’s character) I don’t know who i would pick for Maverick or Kelly McGillis’s character.
SW-O.k. I have not seen much of his work.
He’s Michael in Nikita.
Hmm!! O.k.
Oh I know who I would cast, just because of the Navy whites. I man in a uniform.
I think it would actually be good if Tom Cruise came back as the officer training them.
Well, Cruise has to be the ‘instructor’ or they have to have him to the lead in somehow.
Oh gosh, some young hot shots! Gotta get the tough pretty boys. Go back and look at how many of those guys that you realize how young they were.
I think that movie still captures audiences because the soundtrack and the photography they were able to get on board the aircraft carriers. That was exclusive material that is still used today. In fact, at airshows when they do the f-16 flyovers they use the Top Gun music. It defined Navy pilots.
True story, my HS girlfriend ended up marrying a Navy Pilot, who happened to go on to Top Gun right after they married. A few years later he got the assignment to the NASA program is now one of the twins in the space program (Scott&Mark Kelly)
Wow! Great story about your friend.
Wow that’s cool. 🙂
That’s fantastic. good for him!
How come? I loved Goose and Ice, but I can see others recast.
me too but i’m talking about a total recast. I picked Shane West because I think he can pull the bad boy image quite welll.
I think you have to do a total recast, I mean it’s years later. Technology has changed. Even the classroom training in that movie, the computer simulators are O-L-D technology.
I think there’s a way to bring it up to speed and still capture the audience. But it has to be slick and appeal to the boys with big toys.
I can completely see that. I think it’s one of those movies that because of the technology, would be great to see updated. Cruise would HAVE to be a part of it somehow because….just because. 🙂
I totally agree. plus what a great recruiting promotions. That’s usually when the armed forces will agree to let them use their stuff if its going to make them look good.
Do u think they could or should re-make When Harry met Sally?
No. I think it is perfect as is.
no. I don’t think anyone could fake an orgasm as good as Meg Rayn. LOL
*ryan
True, leave that movie as a classic.
ITA!! I feel the same way too…
No why mess with perfection. That was such a good movie. Still a classic.
My husband had never heard of it. I forced him to watch it and he loved it. LOVED. IT!!!
See that was when the movies were okay or bad but the music was oh so good.
Flashdance the original didn’t see the remake it was all about the music
Footloose again all music, movie ehh wondering how the remake will be
Oh! We were both thinking the same thing about Flashdance!! How funny!!
How about Flashdance?
Flashdance was just remade, oh wait that was Fame, which again great music, okay movie. I didn’t see the remake. Didn’t want to.
Yeah, that was Fame not Flashdance.
Here’s a question do you think they could redo Psycho (now not with adding the gore, just re-boot it to be more of a psychological thriller.
I think many of Hitchcock’s could be redone with the right director and screenwriter.
They’ve already redone it with Vince Vaughn and Anne Heche.
Well it right there tells me it wasn’t done right then. Probably why I don’t remember it.
🙂
hahahaha!
That reminds me of the television version of The Shining. They stayed true to the book, and honestly, wasn’t feeling it. Creepy Nicholson and Kubrick was the finest.
I agree. 🙂
I would like to see The Birds and Rebecca remade.
Anyone else watch The Birds and find themselves covering their heads? I do – EVERY time.
YES!
I haven’t ever seen the whole movie. Hitchcock really plays tricks with my insecurities. I never have seen all of Psycho, but just the part shown of the shower scene still makes me check hotel showers all the time and makes me pay attention while taken showers alone.
I have to say Rear Window is another Hitchcock movie I can watch on replay. Love how Jimmy Stewart really goes to extremes.
Rear Window is so good. Did you get to see the mock up they had of the set at Universal in the 90’s?
Covering my head and eyeballs!! I love the scene where The Birds are plucking out eyeballs. It’s so scary and every time I watch that scene my eyes water.
See and I like Signs for that same reason. M Night Shamalyan usually does psycho thrillers pretty good. I jump in Signs in the exact same place. Even though I know it’s coming. Stupid I know.
I can’t watch any alien abduction films, they just really bother me. Signs is one of those films.
Would anyone like to see a remake of City Slickers? I wouldn’t just because I thought Jack Palance was absolutely brilliant in that film.
NO!!
AGreed! don’t mess with comedic timing that is already perfect!!!
See I think that is another one of those films that the timing, cast and crew were perfect with that film and it can’t be touched.
With all the remakes of 80 stuff I’m surprised no one is remaking all of the old John Hughe’s movies Fuerhler’s, 16 candles, etc
What about Sleepless in Seattle?
And Kim, someone would have to have some major cajones to touch one of Hughe’s films.
Could you see them casting Justin Beiber as Fuehler’s hahaha NO
oh god not beiber. ummm no.
Littlebells
ITA!! I double dare them. LOL!!
I double DOG dare them!!! 🙂
LOL!!!
I love Tom Hanks. so i’d have to pass if a remake of Sleepless was ever done.
I agree and at the same time I would love how to see how they changed it.
O.k. This is a very important Q.
Do any of u like films from the 70’s? If u do what are your favorites and would u like to see them re-done?
Ah shoot! I can’t even THINK of any films from the 70s off the top of my head….
I don’t know any films from the 70’s.
Annie Hall, Jaws, The Exorcist, Saturday Night Fever.
They can’t touch The Excorcist. I was seriously frightened with that movie.
P.S. U have already mentioned three so far.
ok i’m brain dead right now…LOL Which ones did i mention?
Close Encounters!!
OOO, that would be interesting.
Gee the 70s was Spielberg’s era wasn’t it.
Okay only movies I can think of our the original Star Wars, Grease, Appledumpling Gang (hey I was a child), Saturday Night Fever (which I was not allowed to see), The Deep, Oh the Benji movies.
Saturday Night Fever with a Dancing with the stars twist!
LOL
LOL!! Love It. Your hired….
We used to watch the PBS Latin Dancing championships on the weekend all the time. Then we got Dancing with the Stars. I still like watching the pros though.
I used to watch that all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alright lovely ladies, I have to go run errands and pack before my big trip! Great discussion and I look forward to coming back tonight and reading the rest of the comments. I’ll see you next week!!! 🙂
Bye! Safe travels!
Have Fun!
Have fun and a safe trip Littlebell. Nice to have u join us as always.
TC!!
Have fun.
Lurker!!
How about The Godfather? You have it playing right now. LOL!!
No I would say those can’t be touch either, there is something about the look of those movies that make them perfect.
ITA!! So True!!
No I don’t have it playing right now. But I can pop in the DVD. Which one would you like 1,2 or 3? LOL
No they can’t touch the Godfather. That would be a travesty to Coppola. No way.
Paris,
How about The French Connection?
nope don’t touch it. i will have a heart attack. LOL
and Charade can’t be touched either.
Nope……ITA. LOL!!
Actually that would be kind of cool, but again Gene Hackman would have to be in the movie (it was Gene Hackman right?)
O.k. can u name the 70’s film that takes place in Philadelphia and it’s about a boxer?
Rocky of course, but why would you touch that?
rocky
See I would love to see another take on Kojack.
Telly Savalas was quoted weekly in my house growing up.
And while we’re at it – Barney Miller (Fish – Abe Vigoda) and Welcome Back Kotter.
Vinny Barbarino!
Rocky.
O.k. u all win tonight and are going home with a high five from me. LOL!!
Have a nice night everyone!!
you too!
good night
Please join us tomorrow night to discuss “The Price of Entertainment” our third article in the WFE series.
have a godd night everyone!
Oh I am in a huff with my computer! I refreshed every 5 minutes or so (I was listening to music so after each song ended I refreshed) during the discussion time and only NOW do the comments show up! I could scream.