Poltergeist is set to return to the big screen this week and is a remake of the 1982 movie of the same name. This time around, Gil Kenan is in the director's chair, while Sam Raimi is on board as a producer.
Poltergeist
Over the years we have seen a whole host of movies be remade and given a modern day slant - some work and some do no. However, there are some films that really should be left well alone.
Which movie do you think should NEVER be remade? We take a look at the films that we don't want to EVER see given a makeover - some of them are already classics and could never be improved upon.
- E.T (1982)
E.T. is a movie that celebrated its thirtieth anniversary back in 2012 and - in my humble opinion - it remains one of Steven Spielberg's finest moments as a filmmaker; in fact, E.T. is my favourite movie from this iconic director.
E.T. is one of the greatest family movies of all time as one of the very few films that makes me shed a tear every time I see it - anyone who isn't moved by the film's ending truly has a heart of stone!!!
The movie follows Elliot as he befriends a alien who is trying to get back to his home-world and starred Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Robert MacNaughton, Dee Wallace, and Peter Coyote.
E.T. is just one of those timeless movies that has not diminished at all over time. It a wonderful look at the innocence of childhood and the willingness to accept and help those that are different - a wonderful message I think you would agree.
This is a movie that is packed with charm and heart as well as some iconic moments - the flying bikes being the one that immediately springs to mind. While we have seen a whole host of family movies come and go over the years, none has really captured the magic of E.T. Any studio would be crazy to try to bring a new version of this great film to the big screen.
- Jaws (1975)
Sticking with the Spielberg theme for a moment, we move on to Jaws. Jaws it the ultimate monster movie and really did kick off the blockbuster era. It was the first movie of its kind and remains a true classic of the genre.
Of course, we have seen man 'monster' movies over the years that have involved sharks and crocodiles... but no film has ever managed to match the terror the Spielberg created with Jaws.
Ok, I know that the film is looking a little dated, but there are moments when I still jump out of my seat - no matter how many times I have watched it.
Jaws is actually celebrating its fortieth anniversary this year and remains another gem in Spielberg's back catalogue. Spielberg keeps that dread, tension, and fear hanging over the entire movie and that is what makes this the terrifying film that it is.
Jaws is a masterclass in movie entertainment - it is tense, it is chilling, it is action packed, and there are characters at the core of the story that you can't help but root for. Jaws is widely regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time - and I am not going to argue with that.
- Casablanca (1942)
Hard to believe but Casablanca was not a huge box office hit when it was first released back in 1942. It went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars and the acclaim and love for this film has come over the years.
During that time, Casablanca has gone on to be regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time as well as one of the best war films of all time. Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund are two characters that Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman are synonymous with - it would be a very brave pair of actors who stepped into these fine shoes.
For me, Casablanca is a masterpiece as it is a rich story packed with interesting and complex characters and relationships - throw in the love and the romance that pour out of this film and you have a true cinema great on your hands.
"Here's looking at you, kid." and "Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time." are two of the film's most memorable lines and this is a script that could never be improved upon.
Casablanca is one of those timeless movies that don't come around all that often and like films such as Gone With The Wind and Citizen Kane, they should be left alone.
- The Sound of Music (1965)
I have to say, I am not the biggest fan of the musical genre but The Sound of Music is one of the very few films that I do actually enjoy - I think it is mainly down to Julie Andrews' terrific central performance as Maria.
The Sound of Music is fifty years old this year and yet, it remains one of the finest musicals to ever grace the big screen. Fans in their droves still watch it on the big screen, all dressed up and singing along with the songs that we know so well.
This is a true crowd-pleaser movie that is still packed with charm fifty years on. While The Sound of Music is very much about love and family, it is also about doing what is right and facing the enemy head on - no matter what the consequences.
Andrews is one of the finest actresses of her generation and some of her musical moments are just outstanding as she shows off the range and power of that incredible voice. Thankfully, they have never tried to re-cast the role of Maria on the big screen as I don't see how anyone could fill enormous shoes.
The Sound of Music remains one of the best and most loved musicals of all time and I would rather see future generations discover this film, than a new film made for future generations.
- The Goonies (1985)
We have already looked at one family movie in the form of E.T., but The Goonies is another film in this genre that should be left well alone. The Goonies is one of the films of my childhood and will always have a special place in my heart.
The problem is, studios don't make movies like this anymore. The traditional family adventure film has been replaced by savvy kids and special effects - there is just something so innocent and charming about this movie that could never be recaptured.
It was back in 1985 when The Goonies hit the big screen and saw Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, and Kerri Green at the beginning of their acting careers - some have gone on to enjoy huge success and star in some big movies.
There has been talk about bringing the original cast back for a sequel - that alone fills me with horror - so I would never want to see this movie remade. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
The Goonies is one of those films where you can just kick back and have a terrific time every time you watch it - it is as much fun now as it was when I watched it as a kid.
- Dirty Dancing (1987)
I don't think there is a young girl anywhere who hasn't been introduced to Dirty Dancing - the ultimate chick flick and the movie EVERY teenage girl has to see at least once.
Dirty Dancing is one of the best coming of age movies as a young girl learns about life and love whilst at a holiday camp with her family during the summer of 1963.
This is a movie that does tackle relationships, sex, class issues, and making the big step from adolescence into adulthood, but Dirty Dancing tackles in a laidback manner that is a whole lot of fun.
As well as a great coming of age film, Dirty Dancing is also a terrific dance film that will have you singing along to one of the best film soundtracks of all time. Dirty Dancing is one of the biggest hits of the eighties and is as much loved today as it was back in 1987.
Sadly, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights was brought to the big screen back in 2004, but it was no match for the original and sunk without a trace. I am glad to say there has been no talk of another movie in the last decade - however, the much loved film has been adapted for the stage.
- Some Like It Hot (1959)
Marilyn Monroe is one of the biggest stars of all time and was at the height of her fame and power during the fifties - Some Like It Hot remains one of her most memorable movies and roles.
Directed by Billy Wilder, Some Like It Hot saw Monroe team up with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon - who disguise themselves as women and flee the mob in an all-female band. It is here where they meet Sugar Kane Kowalczyk.
Some Like It Hot is a movie that is over fifty years old and yet it remains one of the greatest comedies to ever grace the big screen - it is also one of the best comedic performances of Monroe's acting career.
The brilliant comic timing of Monroe, Curtis, and Lemon - as well as the chemistry between them - is really what elevates this film and turns it into a classic. There is also something quite innocent about this comedy - I think that is part of the movie's charms.
We all remember when we see Monroe for the first time as she rushes to catch the train and the immortal line... "Look at that! Look how she moves! That's just like Jell-O on springs!" This is a comedy that has never been bettered and remains a real gem of this genre.
- Brief Encounter (1945)
If you want a movie that is packed with drama and romance, then you need go no further than Brief Encounter. The movie saw David Lean return to the director's chair, while Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard took on the roles of Laura Jesson and Alec Harvey - characters for which the duo will always be known.
The movie follows Laura and Alec, who meet at a railway station cafe. Although they are both married, they continue to meet - gradually falling in love. However, it is a love that could never be possible.
The word classic is banded round far too much for my liking these days, but Brief Encounter is a true film classic and is still one of the most romantic movies of all time. When it comes to movie making, this is nothing short of perfection and has gone on to influence other movies and directors over the years.
They really don't make romance movies like this anymore - it is all about lust and sex and a film like this would to be made in Hollywood today. Also, I think the forbidden element of this film would be lost if it was remade - thankfully, I don't think we are going to see a remake of this any time soon.
Johnson and Howard are terrific in the central roles of Laura and Alec - Johnson in particular gives a devastating and heartbreaking performance. She was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her work but lost out to Olivia de Havilland for To Each His Own.
Other movies that should NEVER be remade include The Wizard of Oz, Back to the Future, The Princess Bride, and while we have seen Ben Hur & Psycho remakes over the years, they are two films that should be left well alone.
Tagged in Dirty Dancing Jaws E.T.