Following a recent trend of superhero movies being released, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Pictures are
releasing a film this summer called Man of Steel, which will reboot the Superman film franchise.
A quick look at the synopsis of Man of Steel shows that the film will contain most elements from the first
two movies of the original Superman franchise, Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980).
This comes as a disappointment to many fans of the comic-book series, including myself. I’m sure many
of us were hoping for something new instead of a rehash. Although it’ll be exciting to see the Last Son
of Krypton in 3-D with updated graphics and optimum viewing quality, it won’t be as exhilarating seeing
General Zod for a second time. I love the original films but probably won’t love the reboot because of
the lack of non-original material.
Remaking films has always been a part of the motion picture industry, and in some cases, the remake
is even better than the original. Recent remakes such as 3:10 To Yuma and True Grit earned positive
reviews and received many accolades, including Academy Awards. But successful films, especially
successful blockbusters, should remain untouched.
Although remaking a successful film may seem like a tempting option for a film producer, one couldn’t
possibly recreate the same buzz for the film because of the standards already set by the original.
Could you imagine trying to find an actor to reprise the role of Don Vito Corleone for a remake of The
Godfather? I don’t know about you, but I’d find it hard to see anyone try to fill Marlon Brando’s shoes
and do it successfully.
Remakes seem to lack a creative touch, probably because we’ve seen it before. It’d be impossible
for one to generate the same type of excitement, wonder and enjoyment for something they’ve
experienced many times. The remake could even receive positive reviews, win awards, and be accepted
as a good movie. But it will most likely not even compare to the original film. Maybe I’m being crass, but
I find reboots and remakes of great films significantly less enjoyable, if not completely sacrilegious.
As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I’d be on the verge of rioting if they decided to remake the original films.
Although they will be releasing new sequels, it’s not as if they would be poor copies of the iconic trilogy.
Not only will it be enjoyable to see new material in a lovable film franchise, it’d be quite refreshing.
Some of the original cast members will be reprising their own roles from decades ago as well.
It’s disappointing that Warner Bros. is not taking the same approach with the Superman franchise. Great
things shouldn’t be fiddled with or attempted to be made better, because it cannot be done. All it can
cause is suffering for the audience.
Let’s hope for the future that we can see new things in film, and not rehashes attempting to recreate
the hype that surrounds the original franchise. That’s what makes the original films so great. They’re
original.
Chris Losey can be reached by email at losey.record@live.com.