Re-boots

“Star Trek” and “Terminator: Salvation” have proven that older franchises are still viable in today’s market and it looks like we have more new versions of classic sci-fi in store. “Predator” and “Alien” both are having re-boots made. I have read that Robert Rodriguez will be helming the “Predator” project and feel like he’s the right kind of talent to have on board. With Tony Scott rumored as producer of the “Alien” project, and another no-name director attached, I grow worried for its success.

I think it’s a good move to give these projects fresh starts as long as the filmmakers don’t start messing with the iconic characters like Ripley and Dutch from the original movies. We need some really fresh new ideas for these franchises.

I personally think they should take a page from the nineties’ Dark Horse comics spin-off series. There were some really cool and original ideas in those books that I think would translate well onto the big screen. Check those graphic novels out if you can find them. They are well worth reading.

In today’s cinema you have to have something new and exciting to bring to the table, and I think both of these projects still have a lot of potential for success. The problem comes in trying to balance the elements involved in re-creating what these films did so well. You need to stay true to the source material, but rev up the action and effects ( Both “Terminator: Salvation” and “Star Trek” accomplished this). You want to retain the original tone but add something spicy in the way of plot or theme.

I’m hoping both movies end up getting made. But for Pete’s sake, let’s really sit down and think it through first.