Feeling nostalgic? Go see a movie!

Why Hollywood sees old television favorites as the next big blockbuster.

Jul 28, 2006 Kate Luther

It used to be that filmmakers turned to sequels when they were running short on new movie ideas. But nowadays, it's the reruns that are catching their eye.

Those of you longing for "the days of yore" can likely find some comfort at your local movie theater.

With the upcoming release of Miami Vice, I think its safe to say that Hollywood has a fascination with prime-time television of yesteryear.

The original Miami Vice series featured Don Johnson and Phillip Michael Thomas as tough-as-nails but oh, so well-dressed vice detectives of the Miami-Dade Police Department. Detectives James "Sonny" Crockett and Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs (respectively) faced danger each and every episode as they tried to protect Miami's streets from drugs, prostitution and firearms trafficking. The movie version picks up where television left off, with Collin Farrell and Jamie Foxx stepping into the roles of Crockett and Tubbs.

The 80's may have come and gone but the crime hasn't - if anything, its just gotten more sophisticated. The two are pulled into a high-profile and deadly case after an internal leak results in the deaths of undercover federal agents and the family of an informant friend. In true Miami Vice fashion, Crockett and Tubbs go undercover themselves but find they're no longer sure where reality ends and fabrication begins or, to quote the official movie site "where cop and player are one". But unlike the old television series, these new criminals have high security and global connections.

So why has Hollywood gone ga-ga over TV from days gone by?

Maybe its because they too are looking for something other than reality television. Perhaps their inner child wants to take a walk down memory lane. Or maybe, like the rest of us, they're looking for a few heroes to hang on to. Goodness knows they don't make 'em like they used to.

So maybe the question isn't why but rather, why not?

After all, there's been some flops, but there's been a few hits in there as well. Star Trek for example, did exceptionally well on the big screen, with not one, not two but ten - count 'em - TEN full-length movies thus far with number 11 expected to hit the big screen sometime in 2008. And whether you're a Star Trek fan or not, you have to agree that the chemistry between Capt. James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) in Star Trek 7: Generations was well... theatrically priceless.

Then there's Starsky and Hutch (Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson - 2004) - a bit goofy perhaps but still an overall fun watch and *gasp*, my all-time favorite, Charlie's Angels (both 1 & 2). Silly? Yes, but that's what made them great and as an aspiring Angel myself during those awkward pre-teen years, I'll defend them as classic until the day I die. I was such a fan in fact, that I wore masking tape around my fingers for weeks after watch Jill Munroe (Farrah Fawcett) use it to prevent a door from locking so she could sneak back in later. One never knows when she might be called from recess early to investigate a crime. An angel has to be prepared you know. Even if she was only nine.

Lost in Space, The Addams Family and of course, the Mission Impossible trilogy, which by the way has grossed over $1.3 billion collectively so far during its 10 year stint.

Call me shallow, but I think $1.3 billion is a pretty good reason to consider using old prime-time favorites as a springboard for making movies, don't you?

So, what about Miami Vice? Will the movie be a hit?

I suppose it all depends. Beauty is in the eye of the moviegoer and ultimately, it will be the box office that will tell the tale. Personally, I'd like to see it succeed. Is it because I'm sentimental about my childhood crush on Don? Or maybe its more of my present-day infatuation with Collin. Who's to say? But out of respect for both I'll be there, greasy popcorn in hand, shoes stuck securely to the sticky theater floor.

And this Angel is betting she enjoys every minute.

The copyright of the article Feeling nostalgic? Go see a movie! in Celebrities/Pop Culture is owned by Kate Luther. Permission to republish Feeling nostalgic? Go see a movie! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Crockett & Tubbs.. on the move