Daniel Cann

Since the remake of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' and its totally pointless prequel a few years ago we seem to have remakes in abundance. I don't have a problem with them, but can't understand why these films are being remade only a few years after the original.

Even 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' is getting the treatment with 'Watchmen's' Rorschach, Jackie Earle Haley stepping into Robert Englund's considerable shoes as child killer Freddy Krueger. Why? The original was only made in 1984 and I can't see how it can be improved on apart from special effects perhaps. But is this all really necessary?

Some Hollywood execs may argue that they are bringing old favourites to a new generation, but that is not exactly hard to do with DVDs and blue ray as well as re-runs on television. Another horror favourite 'Friday the 13th' was remade and released earlier this year but that film like the 'Nightmare' films has spawned numerous sequels and arguably (no pun intended) been 'done to death.' So why a glossy remake or 're-imagining' as studios like to put it?

The underlying problem is a straightforward lack of original ideas or a reluctance on the part of major studios to try new ideas. It is a disturbing and depressing scenario. Its not just horror, there have been films made about defunct television shows in recent years, just to name a few: 'The Dukes of Hazzard', 'Starsky and Hutch', 'Get Smart', 'The Mission Impossible' movies and a forthcoming 'A Team' movie. When does it end?

Another thing they like to do is to 'reboot' a series like 'Batman' and 'James Bond.' All very well, but its all getting a little too familiar. Why not try something brand new?

I enjoy all the comic book adaptations the same as the next person, but Hollywood has been churning these out soulessly for years now and with no let-up in sight. It seems its much easier to release a film adaptation of a popular comic character which spawns several sequels rather than come up with something fresh and original. This is the major problem facing the film industry today, the studios are running everything like a business and anything with artistic merit is being stifled or overlooked in favour of big dumb glossy remakes or blockbusters.

There are some great independent films out there but why can't Hollywood think a little left of centre and promote originality for a change? Think of 'District 9' a great little independent film from South Africa that did not need a huge budget and had a deeper message than just 'aliens are coming' surely Hollywood can match that or better still, back that?

For viewers sakes I hope so!