Movies: Classic Movies That Could Use A Modern Reboot Approach
Most people have an apathetic approach to reboots in movies and remakes. Some people love the nostalgia and some just want to be able to enjoy movies they loved as a kid with kids of their own. Hollywood may be running out of ideas, but they’re not running out of films that could be given a fresh facelift. Whether they’re at the box office, on streaming, or recreate as a television series, here goes our list of movies that can be brought back to life:
Problem Child
This one would more than likely have to be a series. It doesn’t exactly have the draw at the box office something with a low budget used to. Something like this would have most audiences waiting for streaming. Originally Problem Child ended up having two sequels but with limited success. Having a modern comedic approach with heart could make it perfect for streaming. A 10-episode streamer would keep it short and sweet. There’d be plenty of backstories to create as many story arcs as the writers can think of.
Dennis The Menace
Much like Problem Child, Dennis the Menace would be a low-budget production that easily can be spun into modern times. Imagine an older neighbor stuck in his ways, teaching a young Dennis to appreciate things in life outside of the technology and screen time people over-consume these days. Casting is important as movies or series like this are character-driven so you have to make the audience connect to them. It can’t just be thrown together sloppily with average actors. You have to make the characters the selling point.
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Dick Tracy
Here’s a movie that is beyond challenging to recreate. Comic book movies are hot right now but this isn’t a larger-than-life superhero. The days of detective movies might be long gone, or they just need a creatively clever team. There won’t be an immediate audience for this but it does have the old-school vibe and breaks away from traditional viewing. Why not shake things up and bring an older character to modern storytelling. It could be one hell of a challenge for the right creative team in movie or television series instead of trying to recreate Batman in shows like Gotham to tell a story in this fashion.
Batteries Not Included
This is a fun one that should transition the easiest. With all the modern technology it wouldn’t be hard for something like these alien spaceships to blend into the background. An apartment building evicting most of their tenants and sabotaging them might not fit today’s climate, however there is an endless supply of stories to explain how these creatures arrived on our planet and what they are doing to help out.
Short Circuit
This is easily one of the more creative movies of its time. The fact that we’re so close to actual AI robots these days ought to make this the easiest of transitions to today’s landscape. Technology is a big part of our lives and movies like this share a place in people’s hearts. Studios need to explore making movies like this to bolster their content lineup as the majority of exclusive streamers like Paramount+ and Peacock don’t have the content turnover to contribute to long-term success. Not everything from our childhood needs a modern approach, but Short Circuit fits right in.
The 80s and 90s were full of silly little movies that still have their place in viewing history. With all the means of distribution these days, its hard to believe that more of these fun movies can’t be worked into modern storytelling with better special and practical effects. Low budget comedies ought and small productions would be perfect for streamers or reluctant audiences at the box office.
Rick ODonnell aka Caveman Rick has many years covering the Miami Dolphins, Sports, and all sorts of movies and television.