JR: You’re welcome. Thank thank u for reading it. I’m glad you gave it a second chance! That’s the same way I felt about The Killer…. the first time, I was like “what’s the big deal?” The 2nd time, it blew my mind.

Other than being a great remake (or even great stand alone film), I believe The Thing is John Carpenter’s most critically acclaimed movie. I think Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack has a lot to do with that. Not that Carpenter’s other movies suck (I love the majority of his work), but all of them come off a little cooky, due to the synth soundtracks, which he composes himself. Imagine The Thing with that same synth-type soundtrack? I think it would lose some of its atmospheric depth with Ennio’s score.

Again, colorizing b&w film is a no brainer. It’s just wrong. That’s just like adding auto-tune to Beatles albums.

I also like the remake, or I should say one of the remakes of “A Christmas Carol” . The first movies, in 1908, 1910 and 1914 were silent. There were numerous movies made but the one I connected with and enjoyed the most was the 1951 film with Alastair Sim as “Scrooge”. Something about the whole tone seems different and I largely contribute that directly to Sim’s performance.

I’m sure there are a couple more but in general I am not fond of re-makes. Movies should be presented and maintained in the original film. In other words don’t chop it up, change scenes, add anything “creative” and do not colorize a black and white film!

I agree with you, especially when it comes to the classics. Take for instance a Godfather remake… the only reason I’d be up for it is because I know they wouldn’t succeed; to me, the curiosity alone would make it interesting… It’s like watching a live video of someone claiming they can fly right before they jump off a building! I’m so there. =D

It is a tough subject. Sorta like a Yojimbo/A Fistful of Dollars. I love Akira’s, but that’s one remake (I don’t know if it’s technically one) that’s just as legendary as the original. Of course, not every remake is done by a master like Leone!

Any remakes you’re proud of?

There are films that are so close to perfection it strikes me as an act of supreme arrogance to simply announce it’s going to be – re-done. As if there was something wrong with the first one or they could make a superior film. So when it becomes an issue of re – doing a film I am not persuaded re-makes are not evil. Damn how did that slip in there? Honestly there are certain films I do not think should be messed with!

Recently I reviewed the 1933 King Kong! A fantastic classic gem about the big guy himself. Yes the one with Fay Wray. Read the review and get the film! I do not recommend the “colorized” “sanitized”(censored) versions. You want to see what that the director and crew was working to create. But if it can be re – packaged and there is money to be made it shall be redone!

Even films I have never seen I would say leave them in their original form.

I also recently went through this same subject with “Night of the Living Dead” how it would have looked radically different full of added color. B&W both forced the directors to use everything they had to show literal clarity and memorable scenes. And it was also a gift. B&W can do some incredible things with light! Add clarity at times that is not possible with painted versions. When you “paint’ a movie it literally changes everything visual! Gone are the carefully crafted scenes using light and shadow only to create the ambiance.

What would really be tragic is if those originals are junked in favor of brighter and prettier.

A Better Tomorrow does not require a remake in my strong opinion, even if it is the Koreans. I would watch it and maybe they could pull off a decent remake since their films often have a twist.
The ABT series, especially the first was in it’s own way a perfect film.

There are certainly other films that don’t need to be re – anything. Drunken Master II; Eight Diagram Pole Fighter; Deer Hunter, Star Wars(the real 3 episodes); The Lost World; The Road.
Many Korean films I would not try and redo – Bittersweet Life, Tale of Two Sisters, Thirst. Musa.
Once again I find myself thinking why will no one do something original?

I will reserve my judgement on this version of “A Better Tomorrow” until I have watched it.