Commentary: Significantly Better Remakes

Two weeks ago, Clash of the Titans was released to cinemas. From the looks of most of the reviews, it seems I was in a very select minority that actually liked the film. More than likely, an even more select minority I belong to is probably thinking that the remake was better than the original film. This got me thinking about other remakes that I think are better than their originals. There aren't many out there, but these are five I admire far above their original films.

Casino Royale (2006)

I know that this isn't technically a remake, but considering that there's not one, but two previously produced films based on the exact same source material, I'd say it qualifies enough. Most people remember the 1967 farce, and with a gigantic and convoluted story, five directors (including John Huston) and a bloated cast that included David Niven, Peter Sellers, Orson Welles, Ursula Andress and Woody Allen, the whole film is a mess. Bond's reinvention into the franchise was a welcomed breath of fresh air, grounding the character in a real piece of humanity and giving gravity to the heavy action spectacle. I know there's no real connection between the original film and the remake, but when you're faced with two movies with the same title and both are taken from the same source, one is bound to be superior. It's no surprise that it's this one.

The Fly (1986)

I have affection for the original film, but in all honesty, I admire it only for its dicey '50s science and cheesy melodrama. And the real shame is that most of the film is actually not about the mad scientist but his suffering wife. Not so much the case when David Cronenberg gets involved. In his twisted hands, he turns what was a throwaway B-movie into a deeply prodded, psychological horror story. Cronenberg twists the suspense while giving some great food for thought on the human psyche. Not to mention there's also great performances from Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum, in a career best performance from here. You can admire this film on the mere greater attention to scientific detail. From the moment that Howard Shore's operatic score pierces the credit sequence to when downtrodden final moments bleeding with disturbing sadness, this film makes its mark as not only one of the best Cronenberg films, but one of the best sci-fi movies made. Sadly, I can't say so much about the original film, despite having Vincent Price.

Cape Fear (1991)

Like most of the films on this list, this is yet another case where I do like the original film. After all, the 1962 version still carries an air of suspense, and having two great actors like Robert Mitchum and Gregory Peck go against each other is cinematic treasure. In the end, however, all that is there is a basic suspense film that is limited on character and depth. However, Martin Scorsese's take is one that dives into the personal turmoil of these characters, fleshing out richer and more complex people to follow. It's a stylized remake, but everything is done in service to create a superior film. A major reason I prefer this version is that the Nick Nolte character (Peck's role in the original) is no longer a straight laced protagonist; there's skeletons in his closet that keep him from being totally sympathetic. Another change is that the daughter, played by Juliette Lewis, is older, making the predatory seduction between her and Robert De Niro's villain feel much more dangerous. The film gets a little heavy handed in the end, but the great performances and controlled direction make this a must see, even over the original.

The Thing (1982)

I almost hesitated putting this one the list, not only because I admire the original as a nostalgic classic, but also because I know that even John Carpenter respects the film this is based on, even providing some nods and homages to that film. But in the end, you simply can't compare a more thoroughly executed, smartly developed, multi-character study against an admittedly tacky monster movie. Carpenter lets the drama wind up tight and never lets it go. The story's a continuation from the first chapter, but the nature of the beast is totally different, which allows for a guessing game that still manages to pull me in, surprisingly even after multiple viewings. The film is chilling, moody, frightening and a helluva good time. You can't say that about many films, and certainly not the one this is based on.

Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Saying that there's a better film out there than Roger Corman's cheaply produced cult classic certainly isn't saying much. Despite a cheap thrill at seeing a very young Jack Nicholson, the original film doesn't have that much to offer. On the other hand, the musical remake offers a much better time: the songs are catchy, the actors feel more accomplished, and the belting tunes of the plant by the dearly departed Levi Stubbs bring a personality to Audrey II that is unforgettable. It seems like the '80s was all about remaking classic horror movies of the past. The other thread in common is almost all of these films managed to take the good parts of those films and turn them into something better (excluding The Blob, which pretty much stayed on the same level). A singing plant, a demented dentist, and an Oscar-nominated song that uses a great double entendre helps to seal the deal.

Did I miss anything? I'm sure I did, or I might be insane for even thinking these films come anywhere close to their original counterparts. Who knows.