Due to the recent release of Mean Girls (2024), there has been major discussion on how to remake movies successfully, or whether it’s even necessary to remake them at all. Original movies hold a nostalgic, sentimental value, while remakes have the chance to be modernized and fresh. As most people would agree, a remake holding its own to the original is not an easy feat.
A more recent example of a remake is in the new version of Mean Girls. The Mean Girls remake has the characters dressed in cheap, SheIn-looking outfits, whereas the original had The Plastics decked out in designer clothes and Louis Vuitton handbags.
The public’s current complaints about the film are about the cast’s increased diversity (as it should be!) and about Reneé Rapp not being as skinny as the original Regina George actress. It also doesn’t help that the movie wasn’t advertised as a musical, which led to even more judgment from people who didn’t realize that inspiration stemmed from the Broadway production.
While it’s true that this version is more realistic for teens today, many people watch movies to escape the real world or be transported elsewhere. Producing realistic films can defeat the interest of watching a movie.
Besides Mean Girls, movie theaters this past year alone have seen multiple remakes including The Little Mermaid, Wonka, and The Color Purple. If it’s not a remake, it’s a prequel, a reboot, or a TV adaptation. It seems remakes are common because producers understand the initial popularity, and the remake doesn’t have to be amazing to attract viewers (and make good money).
But the question is: can remakes be better than the original, or should a perfectly good film be left alone?
People watch movies to follow a story and enter a different world, and remakes certainly provide a nostalgic escape into the past. However, is a cameo from your favorite character, or a couple of iconic one-liners enough to create a successful remake? In most cases, my answer is no. Remakes and reboots will usually fail to live up to the originals. If a piece of work is good to begin with, why touch it? Take television reboots, for example. I can’t think of anyone who prefers the Gossip Girl reboot or That ’90s Show to the originals.
On the other hand, if done correctly, movie remakes can be beneficial in today’s society. For example, I think the 2023 version of The Little Mermaid is superior to the 1989 film. Due to decades of technological advancement, the remarkable Halle Bailey, and advanced visual details, this movie fostered a magical moment for viewers. Not to mention the intricate costumes and stacked cast. Yes, the original is a classic, but it falls short compared to the live-action version in my opinion.
Overall, it’s difficult to recreate a movie. The balance between staying true to the plot and adding creativity is tricky. More times than not, in my opinion, remakes fail to bring the same energy as the originals. But don’t get me wrong, it’s still enjoyable to take a trip down memory lane! There are many more remakes to come in 2024!
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