Remakes and Sequels, What is Hollywood coming to?

By Nick - 06/30/10 at 12:01 PM CT

I don't know about everyone else, but it seems we are clearly in an era where all writers out there have writers' block. There have been very few original movies that have been good. Hollywood is banking on the ability to utilize new technology to make fancy graphics to remake tons of movies out there to make a quick buck. Yes, some are mildly entertaining, but when it comes down to it, are these remakes really as good as the originals? Hollywood must be becoming too corporate, with no emotionally driven individuals who make movies because of the pure love of doing it. All they think is $$$. Let's make as many sequels as we can to bleed this idea dry, or let's remake these movies that did awesome in the past so we can try to bank again.

This year, we've had Shrek Forever After, clearly an idea that has been bled dry. They say there aren't going to make another one, but I have my doubts. And with the incorporation of this 3D fad, why wouldn't they? At $12 bucks a pop in the theatre, Hollywood is making incredible profits off of poorly made movies. Then we have Alice and Wonderland, a clear remake utilizing amazing graphics in order to give it a new spin. This movie was decent actually, especially compared to other choices we've had this year. Does that mean it is good though? Maybe, but probably not. It just came out at the right time. Then we have Prince of Persia, another decent film that entertained me. This movie is based off of a video game, so no real original idea here either. Again, just pump it full of good graphics, a little eye candy, and we're happy enough to drop some dough to go see it in the theatre. Then we have Toy Story 3. I do have to say the Toy Story originator was very creative when the first one was made. This was clearly Pixar's greatest moment. Toy Story 3 continues the story with our favorite characters, but is this a new idea? Again no, just another sequel to make money. And I'm sure they were even more eager with this film, again due to the 3D fad we are in. And finally I'll mention Karate Kid. Will Smith's son Jaden was a good choice, but in terms of the story, this movie is just another remake in my eyes and I am saddened by it.

Maybe it's just me, but I feel movie making has lost its touch. The big blockbusters we have now really aren't blockbusters to me. I think I need to go back to movie making roots and see some Sundance film festival movies. Maybe watching some Indie movies will give me hope that some real movie makers will make it to the top and give us the movies we all deserve to watch and enjoy. But for now, I can look forward to seeing Twilight or Predators in the upcoming weeks, urgh.....