Re: [MOPO] Oceanliner Remake sinks in hell -- film at eleven.

[J R]

I never thought I'd say this... because I've been a special effects freak since adolescence and I got into computers over 20 years ago precisely because I wanted to do CGI work, and I love it, and I'm totally blown away by how far it has come... but I'm getting sick of it. Or, more accurately, I'm getting sick of so many films that rely on it so extensively.   These filmmakers need to take a lesson from the gourmet kitchens where so much of their food comes from -- Too much spice is not good. Too much sauce is not good. Small portions taste better and are easier to digest. Subtle is better than overpowering. More attention to preparation and less emphasis on sheer flamboyance is usually the best way to go.   As for the remakes... aside from the fact that Hollywood is notoriously lazy and remakes are notoriously easy, there's the fact that the studios already own the properties. No need for expensive negotiation of rights of new properties, and heck, since everyone knows what the movie is mostly about, the script is easy to do (badly, that is). The actors already know their parts. The director can phone it in. And they figure there's a built-in audience no matter how bad it is.   I'm not sure which is worse, mindless remakes or mindless sequels.... I just saw my first TV ad for MISS CONGENIALITY 2 and my jaw still hurts from hitting the floor. Why wasn't I warned ahead of time? You don't spring stuff like that on someone without sufficient preparation, it can lead to a stroke.   On the other hand, there have been a few truly fine remakes over the years (like 1978's INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS) and there's every reason to believe Peter Jackson will do a great job on KING KONG. Thank god it's him and no one else doing it. I originally had high hopes for Spielberg's WAR OF THE WORLDS, but since he backed off on his plan to set it in the original Victorian time-frame and now has it taking place it modern times with Tom Cruise behind the wheel, I'm beginning to have doubts. Heck, he could have at least gone with the 1950's again.   It's an old Hollywood game, though... been going on since before most of us were born. And they still haven't learned to play it right in most cases.   -- JR   ----- Original Message ----- From: Tom A. Pennock To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Saturday, April 02, 2005 0:08 Subject: [MOPO] Oceanliner Remake? I was surprised to read recently that a remake of "The Poseidon Adventure" was currently in production. Oh great more CGI. I prefer Irwin Allen and L.B. Abbott A.S.C. anyday!!!   --Tom Pennock Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___________________________________________________________________ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___________________________________________________________________ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.