Coming soon to a theater near you: another remake of a movie from 20 years ago. Going to the movies used to be a thrilling experience for people once upon a time, but now, all Hollywood seems to do is put out remakes, reboots, or sequels. Why is that? Have writers and producers lost that creativity spark that they once had before social media became big? Hollywood is lacking in the creative process nowadays.
Anytime I hear about a new movie or show coming out, I immediately think, “Oh great, which classic are they about to ruin next?” Some remakes or sequels are good, like Jumanji or Hairspray, but why touch a movie like Roadhouse or She’s All That but flip the gender roles to make it He’s All That? Growing up exposed to classics like House Party, The Big Bang Theory, and 10 Things I Hate About You has created a high standard for me, so when I hear that Twisters got a remake, I groan.
Elizabeth McMurray, who teaches 11th-grade English, also teaches an elective called Literature to Film. The class teaches about films based on any type of literature. “It’s easy to play off nostalgia since people love the original movie, so seeing it come back to life is easier than taking a risk and showing something new,” McMurray said. McMurray explained how she believes that Hollywood is lacking in the creative department because it’s an easy cash grab to make remakes or sequels.
“If something has already been done where it’s been critically acclaimed, won awards, and done so well, then why rock the boat?” McMurray questioned. “What comes to mind when I think of remakes and reboots is Disney movies. Almost every single animation is brought to life, which is great for the new generation of audiences; it almost feels unnecessary for someone of my generation.”
McMurray hopes Hollywood will change their ways soon, and London Daniels (11th) agrees. “Some spin-offs or sequels don’t need to happen, like Vampire Diaries or The Originals, because they were horrible remakes.” Daniels continued, “Hollywood lacks creativity in movies more than TV shows. They’re all bland, and some movies don’t have a point.” Daniels spoke about how some movies do great with sequels, like the Fast and Furious franchise, but even that franchise is dragging on now, and I couldn’t agree more.
Hollywood seems to make easy cash grab movies, and it’s quite tiring, along with casting the same actors repeatedly. I love people like Zendaya and Timothee Chalamet as the next person, but why not take a risk and bring out new actors and actresses? Hollywood, from me to you, stop making cash-grab entertainment and bring back the creativity because you all are seriously lacking, and some of us are sick of seeing the same thing told repeatedly!
P.S. Please don’t remake the Star Wars originals or prequels because if you do, I will riot!
