The student-run online newspaper for Starr's Mill High School

The Prowler

The student-run online newspaper for Starr's Mill High School

The Prowler

The student-run online newspaper for Starr's Mill High School

The Prowler

Opinion: Movie remakes do not deserve the hype

The movie industry is a place where creativity thrives…at least it once did.

The film industry is constantly putting out movies. Almost half of those movies are just remakes of an original.

Movie remakes are just ways for big corporations to make a quick buck.

— Editor Ella Bissonnette

Movie remakes are just ways for big corporations to make a quick buck. One could argue that there is no new effort or thought put into them, other than simply replacing the cast with newer, more modern actors to appeal to a new demographic. This is lazy.

Like the 2023 “The Little Mermaid” remake. The live-action scored a 67% on Rotten Tomatoes, while the animated classic scored a 91%. The movie remake is literally the same storyline, and they found a way to make it worse.

Although some movie remakes can be a good way to spend your time, the overabundance of them needs to stop.

Filmmakers should be able to come up with new original content. That is literally their job. But instead we credit them by going to see the remade classic. 

For example, “Peter Pan.” This movie has been remade at least five times, along with the spin-offs like “Tinkerbell.” How many times can you tell the same story? The lack of creativity in the film industry is just sad.

Some movie remakes are good, like “Mulan” and “Cinderella,” but if the storyline was great already why not just turn on the classic version? 

Movie remakes are the same story with new special effects. Usually when you watch the remake it just ruins the classic for you. Turning on the animated classic takes you back to your childhood. They bring up special memories. Why replace something like that?

Film industries are taking advantage of our nostalgia.

— Editor Ella Bissonnette

From the glass slipper in “Cinderella” to the magic carpet in “Aladdin,” the old classics bring dreams to life in a way that live actions cannot.

Film industries are taking advantage of our nostalgia. 

Sequels are a different story. Although they are still based off of the original storyline, they are a new idea. This is a step in the right direction.

The film business needs to come up with new ideas fast before the industry really takes a turn. What happens when there are no more movies to remake? What happens when there are no other franchises to awaken again?

Whether it is remaking classic movies without any of the appeal or effort that was put into the original, or trying to bring back a dead franchise for cash, movie industries are robbing us and it is time to call them out.

Opinions expressed in editorials are those of the writer(s).  These views may not represent the adviser, The Prowler, advertisers/sponsors, the Starr’s Mill High School administration or staff , or Fayette County Public Schools as a whole.  Please see our FAQs for more information pertaining to the rights of The Prowler’s staff members.

Leave a Comment

Comments (0)

We welcome your comments, but only those comments that are appropriate for a high school publication will be posted. Comments that are derogatory or use inappropriate or vulgar language will not be posted.
All The Prowler Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *