Everything Old Is New Again

Everything Old Is New Again

Some movie mistakes can be made simply by remaking a film. While some remakes offer a fresh, new take on an old favorite movie, others leave us shaking our heads, wondering which Hollywood exec should be blamed for unleashing the monstrosity on the innocent audience. Whether you love remakes or hate them, here are some that are currently on the big screen or will soon be found in a theater near you.

Amityville Horror

The infamous story of the haunted house where married couple George and Kathy Lutz and their children lived for only 28 days before leaving was first released in 1979 and starred James Brolin and Margot Kidder as George and Kathy and Rod Steiger as Father Delaney. The current version stars Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George as the couple who fled from their home after being tormented.

The Longest Yard

The 1974 version of the “Longest Yard” starred Burt Reynolds and Eddie Albert. The updated version still has the same premise of inmates in prison playing football against the prison guards. However, this time around Adam Sandler stars along with Chris Rock, Nelly and Michael Irvin. Don’t worry though. Burt Reynolds will make an appearance in the movie.

House of Wax

Nobody could play a horror movie villain better than Vincent Price who portrayed Professor Henry Jarrod in the 1953 version of “House of Wax”. The movie was also the first role for another up and coming star, Charles Bronson. Look for more special effects in the latest version of the movie, starring Chad Michael Murray and Paris Hilton.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Who didn’t want to find the golden ticket? 1971’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” starred Gene Wilder as the eccentric candy factory owner. In the updated “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, look for Johnny Depp to add his unique spin to the role.

The Bad News Bears

Walter Matthau and Tatum O’Neal starred in the 1976 version of “The Bad News Bears” about a grizzled coach trying to turn a losing team to a winning one. This time around Coach Buttermaker will be portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton. Also look for Oscar nominee, Greg Kinnear.

King Kong

You only have to hear the name to know what this movie’s about! When people think of “King Kong” they remember the black and white 1933 version with Fay Wray playing Ann Darrow or the 1976 version with Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange. Peter Jackson’s version will aim to please moviegoers with effects galore and an all-star cast that includes Naomi Watts as Ann, Jack Black and Adrien Brody.

The Poseidon Adventure

It was a race against time for survivors trapped in a capsized luxury liner in 1972’s “Poseidon Adventure”. The casting for the original movie read like a “Who’s Who” of Hollywood and starred Gene Hackman and Ernest Borgnine, just to name a few. Although casting is not underway for the 2006 remake, the movie will be directed by Wolfgang Peterson whose film credits include “Troy”, “The Perfect Storm” and “Air Force One”.