Fright Night – out Monday 20 February – ’80s Remakes Feature
In line with the release of Fright Night on 20th February, We are taking a look at five remakes of ‘80s titles. The 1980s were not Hollywood’s golden era, but the period certainly produced a decade of momentous cinema. Critics often claim that Hollywood’s hippy fascination in the ‘60s best defines the public’s fast-moving social consciousness, but have they forgotten the greats such as Mississippi Burning, Talk Radio and Platoon? It was in the ‘80s when Hollywood realised the financial horsepower behind ‘The Sequel’ and films such as Indiana Jones, Lethal Weapon and Die Hard lined the pockets of Tinseltown’s elite.
Today, with economic uncertainty a prominent theme, it is no surprise that Hollywood is remaking – or re-baking – popular movies like cupcakes. Now, some of these blockbusters reminisce a madness and nonsense that should simply be forgotten; on the other hand, some of these ‘80s productions had fantastic plots but lacked the technological mobility of today’s film industry.
With a number of ‘80s remakes having hit screens over the last few years, we will give you an insight to which remakes you should shun and the ones you should look out for...
 |
| Living in an era of scientific development, it is quite possible to argue that 1982’s Tron captured the imagination of today’s greatest minds. The original movie lit up cinema screens when the protagonist, Flynn, was absorbed into a computer game. Is it possible that you can trace the evolution of video gaming back to Flynn’s experience, which was idolised by kids in the ‘80s? Unfortunately, whilst the ’82 version wowed audiences with its futuristic cinematography, today the movie is simply outdated and in 2010 it was time to update. Hollywood’s brainwave was supported by the original cast, and aging duo Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner clambered on board for the remake. The remake is inventive and director Joseph Kosinski intelligently begins the 3D when Flynn is flung into the digital world. However, while the original stunned audiences with its captivating plot, the remake stutters and splutters with what is a rather dull onslaught of events. Notably, Kevin Flynn (Bridges), magnificent in the original, takes the bizarre form of a barefooted hippie. Ultimately, it was always going to be difficult to maintain plot engagement when the cinema screen is erupting in your face; Kosinki’s directorial experience is highlighted here. Nevertheless, Daft Punk’s explosive soundtrack provides enough to ensure an enjoyable viewing. |
 |
 |
| The Karate Kid: mention this movie and office colleagues will chant haikus and clench their fists. Karate Kid inspired a generation of misfits, transforming Miyagi and Daniel into cinematic icons. However, Hawald Zwart’s remake cast Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith (The Pursuit of Happiness) - and is distinctly unimpressive. The 1984 original conjures up nostalgia of a forgotten childhood,yet Zwart’s remake, in comparison, is a little offensive to the senses. If it wasn’t for the picturesque landscapes and Chan, who carries the film, the remake would be better off dropped in the dumpster truck. Instead, for a couple of hours, you’ll be contemplating the whereabouts of that dark hared Italian kid from the original blockbuster. |
 |
 |
| The film unveils an impeccable cast, and Hollywood greats Lawrence Olivier, Jack Gwillim and Maggie Smith are used in this 1981 title to reel in the Oscars and Academy Awards. Except it doesn’t. And while it flaunts a stellar cast, the actors are clearly uncomfortable in front of the camera. Make way for the remake! Louis Leterrier employs Ralph Fiennes, Liam Neelson and Sam Worthington to attempt justice to what is, essentially, an awful script. The remake does stick quite closely to the original, which is unfortunately what caused the demise of the first attempt. Check this space in twenty years – Justin Bieber will probably be playing Zeus. |
 |
 |
| In an adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s sword and sorcery novels, John Milius directed Conan, the 1982 movie that spawned a number of fantasy films. The 1982 release featured the Barbarian, Conan, who teamed up with a group of thieves to wreak revenge on the sorcerer responsible for his people’s genocide. And who better cast as the Aryan-esque male lead than Arnold Schwarzenegger? However, fast forward 30 years and you’ll find the remake is a splatter of cinematic puke. The makeshift remake and a substandard cast ensure that the 2011 version will enter the hall of fame for one of the worst remakes of all time. |
 |
 |
| 1985. Technology was advancing and all kinds of social and political changes were occurring - but was anyone keeping an eye on their neighbours? We thought not. Fright Night focuses on the young Charlie Brewster, convinced that his next-door neighbours drink blood and flee from the scent of garlic. Directed by Tom Holland and starring Chris Sarandon, young Charlie makes it his destiny to uncover the truth about his suspicious neighbour. 26 years onwards and Craig Gillespie has drastically improved Tom Holland’s ‘80s original. Casting debaucherous Collin Farrell and British heartthrob, David Tennant, Fright Night 3D is an enrichment of the original feature. Firstly, Farrell provides an intimidating performance as the neighbourhood vampire, Jerry, and his character is actually scary compared to Sarandon’s 1985 version. Furthermore, Tennant is captivating and enlightens a generation of cinemagoers to a script that would otherwise gather dust. An unusual arsenal of medieval weaponry and the film’s CJI will leave audiences feeling as though their fingers have been jammed into electric sockets. |
 |
| Fright Night Film Page | Win Fright Night on DVD Fright Night is released on 20th February
|