Christine Champ
Not too long ago Christine traded in her "real job" for an "imaginary" job (as in I imagine I have health insurance), that let her do what she did best full-time: write. Film.com lets her write about ... more
Seven Sci-Fi Films We’d Like to Resurrect
Christine Champ March 24, 2009
The Day The Earth Stood Still, Planet of the Apes — there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical (and sore at Hollywood) about rehashing beloved sci-fi film favorites. So as I muse about space sagas I’d like to see reborn, I list them off with one stipulation and a few suggestions that might help avert box office blunders.
Stipulation: I hereby ban George Lucas and Shia LaBeouf from involvement in any of the proposed resurrections. I have my reasons …
Why: Eagle Eye was a poor substitute for the self-aware, passive-aggressive circuitry of HAL. His well-mannered mutiny chills us even now …
“Open the pod bay doors, HAL.”
“I’m sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
In an age when humanity is in dire need of an evolutionary jolt, the time’s ripe for a redo.
Suggested star power: Keanu Reeves as Hal (after Klaatu, I’m sold on his robotic charisma).
Why: I’m in the mood for cosmically-crossed love.
Suggested star power: Is Jeff Bridges too geriatric to revisit his role? How about a Ferrell/Gyllenhaal (Starman/Jenny) romance rematch? (I’m among those that adored their awkward Stranger Than Fiction amour.)
Why: It’s been way too long since we’ve been back — to the future …
Suggested star power: Christopher Walken as the Einstein-haired Dr. Brown (his comic talents are under-tapped). Superbad‘s Michael Cera, or even better, Jonah Hill as Marty McFly. Kevin Smith writes/directs.
Why: The world needs more cuddly aliens. We’ve seen enough mucus-dripping, human-hunting species. And a cute new catch phrase preferably involving hand gestures. Something like: “Oww-chh … ” or “E.T. phone hooome.”
Suggested star power: The Fall’s pinch-ably precious Catinca Untaru to replace Drew Barrymore. Peter Jackson and his Lord of the Rings artists (experts at breathing life into creepy creatures).
5. The Invisible Man
Why: An ode to the 1930s H.G. Wells thriller in a golden age of supernatural movie misfits. More clever and meaningful than the 2001 TV series about an ex-con with quicksilver in his veins or Chevy Chase‘s Memoirs. With a dose of Downey wit or Nolan darkness.
Suggested star power: Why not both? Robert Downey Jr. as the Invisible Man + Christopher Nolan directing = macabre comedy magic? Or … perhaps it’s best to stick with Iron Man‘s Favreau, Fergus, and Ostby formula.
Why: Over two decades later, it’s still every sci-fi and fantasy geek’s dream come true: to translate their gaming greatness into galactic, world-saving skills — and not wet their pants their first day on the job.
Suggested star power: Again, I’m thinking Christopher Walken — as Centauri. Chuck‘s Zachary Levi as lone starfighter Alex Rogan.
7. Flash Gordon
Why: The Rock’s ready.
Suggested star power: Who else could pull off Gordon’s beefy bravado and all-American impudence? In fact, I’m sure Dwayne could comically one- or two-up Sam J. Jones’ ’80s performance. Especially with Elizabeth Banks as Dale. Dare I propose Tarantino drive? Timberlake could grind out a love-sexy theme — “Flash … aahh … FutureSex savior of the universe!”
Tags: 2001: a space odyssey, back to the future, sci-fi remakes
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