Is it a sequel? No. A prequel? No. Its the same movie, just made over.
On July 20, 2007, Hairspray will make yet another comeback, this time with John Travolta playing the part of Tracy Turnblad's mom, Edna. That's right... John Travolta plays Edna.
But that's not the point of this post. The upcoming July release is a remake of the 1988 flick, also by the same name and just as Hollywood seems fascinated by turning old TV series into full-featured films, they also seem to have a hard time letting go films they've already done.
Wings of Desire (1987) became City of Angels (1998) and although Damiel was transformed into Seth and Marion the circus star evolved into Maggie the doctor, the storyline was still pretty much the same. And who could forget Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)? Apparently not Hollywood since they partnered up with Johnny Depp to make Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2005.
Cape Fear in 1991? Also Cape Fear in 1962. The Fly in 1986? The same Fly in 1958. And do I even need to mention how many times Dracula has been redone? Yes, the names may have changed, the stars may be new but the movie... been there, done that, bought the popcorn.
Not to say that there haven't been some really good remakes over the years. City of Angels in fact, was one of my favorites and James Cameron's Titanic (1997) even made it to my top all-time list. But still... isn't it great when someone pulls out something completely new? Remember the first time you saw The Matrix? Not 2 or 3... I mean the first Matrix.. the original. Didn't you walk out of the theater in complete awe? The concept was fresh, the perspective was unheard of, and we were left with that whole "now why didn't I think of that" elation.
So, no... I don't mind a few remakes here and there... especially when they're even better than the first. But I'd still like to be blown away by something that hasn't been done yet. I know its hard... we seemed to have tapped out our idea box. But II still have hope. And patiently I'll wait. While I watch John Travolta dance around in a dress.
