Post by MetalBlade on Jun 8, 2008 17:28:09 GMT -1
Remakes usually signifies that Hollywood has run out of ideas (again...), but there are some worthwhile ones out there.
Here's my top ten.
1- Last Of The Mohicans
One of my top ten films ever, Michael Mann's spectacular period epic is beautifully shot, and the tragic and heartbreaking script coupled with one of the finest soundtracks of the modern era, make this one awesome movie.
2- A Fistful Of Dollars
A remake of Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo, but a worthy masterpiece in it's own right, launching Clint and director Leone to legendary status.
3- Scarface
More a "re-imagining" than a remake, DePalma's masterpiece is as visceral as it is epic. Pacino eats up the splendid script and spits out his lines with pure venom and unhinged menace. And in one of the greatest final acts of modern times, burned the name of Tony Montana into the minds of a generation.
4- Heat
A remake of Mann's own To Live And Die In LA, this is obviously the film he'd intended to make in the first place.
Apart from the historic pairing of De Niro and Pacino sharing the screen, this multi-faceted tale of morality garnered career best performances from the fine supporting ensemble cast.
5- Dracula
This 1979 corker is possibly one of the most underrated films of all time, with Frank Langella as the lead, and Lawrence Olivier as Van Helsing. It's haunting, atmospheric design and music is as close to the story as you could imagine, and Langella is the most hypnotic Dracula ever as far as I'm concerned.
6- War Of The Worlds
Spielberg injected elements of the original story back into this classic tale, while keeping the contemporary setting, and succeeded in creating a truly terrifying vision of the apocalypse.
Tom Cruise may have been slightly miscast, but at least he was a twat and not some goody two-shoes superhero type.
7- King Kong
Peter Jackson's last feature has one or two hokey FX scenes and is a bit long, but Jack Black is inspired casting and the action is supremely choroegraphed. Being set in the thirties is another big plus over the Jessica Lange stinker from the seventies.
8- The Departed
A remake of the Hong Konger Infernal Affairs, Scorcese offers a less convoluted storyline with more linear storytelling. Without the distraction of subtitles, this is far more engrossing than the original.
9- Dawn Of The Dead
A remake of the 1979 Romero masterpiece, this is a very high-octane horror. Well written, superbly paced and directed with some top notch action and gore.
10- The Punisher
While the Dolph Lundgren original should be a classic in anyone's eyes, the Tom Jane starrer is a worthy introduction to Frank Castle. it's violence is well done and not as OTT as the Dolph one, and the leads are quality with Travolta shining as Castle's nemesis.
Here's my top ten.
1- Last Of The Mohicans
One of my top ten films ever, Michael Mann's spectacular period epic is beautifully shot, and the tragic and heartbreaking script coupled with one of the finest soundtracks of the modern era, make this one awesome movie.
2- A Fistful Of Dollars
A remake of Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo, but a worthy masterpiece in it's own right, launching Clint and director Leone to legendary status.
3- Scarface
More a "re-imagining" than a remake, DePalma's masterpiece is as visceral as it is epic. Pacino eats up the splendid script and spits out his lines with pure venom and unhinged menace. And in one of the greatest final acts of modern times, burned the name of Tony Montana into the minds of a generation.
4- Heat
A remake of Mann's own To Live And Die In LA, this is obviously the film he'd intended to make in the first place.
Apart from the historic pairing of De Niro and Pacino sharing the screen, this multi-faceted tale of morality garnered career best performances from the fine supporting ensemble cast.
5- Dracula
This 1979 corker is possibly one of the most underrated films of all time, with Frank Langella as the lead, and Lawrence Olivier as Van Helsing. It's haunting, atmospheric design and music is as close to the story as you could imagine, and Langella is the most hypnotic Dracula ever as far as I'm concerned.
6- War Of The Worlds
Spielberg injected elements of the original story back into this classic tale, while keeping the contemporary setting, and succeeded in creating a truly terrifying vision of the apocalypse.
Tom Cruise may have been slightly miscast, but at least he was a twat and not some goody two-shoes superhero type.
7- King Kong
Peter Jackson's last feature has one or two hokey FX scenes and is a bit long, but Jack Black is inspired casting and the action is supremely choroegraphed. Being set in the thirties is another big plus over the Jessica Lange stinker from the seventies.
8- The Departed
A remake of the Hong Konger Infernal Affairs, Scorcese offers a less convoluted storyline with more linear storytelling. Without the distraction of subtitles, this is far more engrossing than the original.
9- Dawn Of The Dead
A remake of the 1979 Romero masterpiece, this is a very high-octane horror. Well written, superbly paced and directed with some top notch action and gore.
10- The Punisher
While the Dolph Lundgren original should be a classic in anyone's eyes, the Tom Jane starrer is a worthy introduction to Frank Castle. it's violence is well done and not as OTT as the Dolph one, and the leads are quality with Travolta shining as Castle's nemesis.
