The television and film industry can’t seem to leave well enough alone when it comes to remakes.
Some of the upcoming announcements regarding cinema have made it clear that it’s only the beginning of gratuitous remakes.
Revamping iconic movies is all the rage right now. I understand nostalgia pulls at the heart strings of viewers, but releasing a remake of a classic isn’t always the best idea; in fact, it’s usually the opposite.
As of last week, the 1992 romance thriller “The Bodyguard,” is the latest addition to the remake docket.
I wasn’t too pleased seeing this news on my Instagram timeline, and the comment section is with me. One commenter said, “No. This is absolutely out of hand. STOP REMAKES.” I agree with the thousands of users who have made their thoughts known about the situation at hand.
Nobody wants this, so why the green light from film studios?
These waters should remain uncharted; the original film starred the irreplaceable Whitney Houston as Rachel and Hollywood legend Kevin Costner as Frank, her new bodyguard.
While the movie was a hit at the box office, earning more than $410 million worldwide, the soundtrack has stood the test of time.
45 million copies sold, making it one of the best-selling soundtracks ever. If you haven’t heard every track, you’re definitely familiar with the most popular, Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” re-recorded by Houston. Houston’s rendition is not just beloved by the fans but also by Parton herself.
I’m curious as to who is bold enough to take on the role of Rachel and attempt Houston’s unmatched vocals in the film. I’ll wait. Rumor has it that a certain pop star is in the running, oh boy.
Will the film consist of the original soundtrack, or will a new catalog of songs be used? I’m hoping for the latter. I don’t want to live in a world where two versions of “I Have Nothing” and “Run to You” exist. There should only be Houston’s Version.
Overall, this remake is a sign of disrespect to both Costner and the late Houston. Not to mention Costner, who only wanted Houston for the role, “She was my choice,” the two-time Oscar winner said. “So I was the actor, I produced it, and I picked her.”
Some things are better left untouched. A remake runs the risk of ruining what made the original film great in the first place.
“The Bodyguard” embodied the 90s life with a certain appeal you can’t replicate. The chemistry between Houston and Costner is undeniable.
I also have to assume that the remake will be set during the current day, which leaves it susceptible to mentioning things like “TikTok,” which has no place in “The Bodyguard.”
Have you ever wondered why a film like “The Breakfast Club” is so loved by audiences worldwide? It’s the era it was made in.
“The Breakfast Club” wouldn’t have been the same if it didn’t have the style of the 80s all over it. The hair, wardrobe and “Simple Minds” iconic arrangement, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” made it one of the best closing shots in cinematic history. All perfectly good reasons why it should never be remade.
People usually watch old movies to be reminded of “simpler times.” The 80s and 90s may not have had iPhones, but at least people still talked to each other.
While some remakes haven’t been terrible, such as “Top Gun Maverick,” most miss the mark.
Last year, “Mean Girls” made its way back to theaters; this time with a musical twist. While I enjoyed seeing Gen Z faces such as singer and actress Reneé Rapp, I didn’t appreciate the remake as a whole. I was just fine with the 2004 original film, I grew up watching and quoting over and over again.
Instead of taking something that already exists and “modernizing” it, the incredible works of the past should be used as inspiration. If you want to make a love story about a regular girl and a mysterious guy with a secret, create something original instead of trying to replicate “Twilight.”
Remakes are a clear indicator that no one has original ideas anymore, or the studios just refuse to take risks. Either way, it’s unfortunate for viewers.
Remakes should at the very least include the original actors, or I don’t want them at all. For example, a series on Peacock titled “Clueless” is coming out with Alicia Silverstone returning as the fashion-forward Cher Horowitz. This is good, it shows this remake is headed in the right direction.
Nonetheless, cinema lovers everywhere can only take so much. Tell me where we can cast a collective vote to put a pause on the long lists of remakes, and I’m there.
Ava Francis is a 22-year-old journalism major from New Orleans residing in Texas.
