Post #48269 by AquaZombie on Mon, Aug 18, 2003 12:23 PM

Never thought of "Evil Dead 2" as a remake - I guess because it was the same cast, director and crew - but you're right, it is basically a more hysterical re-do of the first one, so if that qualifies it as a remake even though it was marketed as a sequel, it's one of the best of all time (it's also one of the funniest movies ever, in any genre). "Night of the Living Dead" was remade in 1990 by special effects guru Tom Savini (who did the zombie makeup for "Dawn" and "Day") and while it was competent, it was still pointless, especially compared to the groundbreaking impact of the original. The upcoming remake of "Dawn" - which Romero has nothing to do with - will likewise be a waste of undead flesh.

"Mutiny on the Bounty" with Brando - that's a good flick, too, I forgot about that one. So is "High Society," with Sinatra and Crosby, it just played the Paramount here in Oakland but I missed it. I kinda liked the fact they changed the title, too - gives it its own identity that way. If you're gonna remake something, a new title at least gives the new version some distinction apart from the original, and reduces the rip-off factor. Of course, most remakes are remakes in name only, like "Mission: Impossible," cynically designed to cash in on the reputation and popularity of the tried and true original.