Dominic Corry defends 'bad' movie ideas, like the upcoming Point Break remake. Could these poorly-received film proposals turn out to be gems?
When the trailer for the upcoming Point Break remake was released online last week, Kiwis got fired up on social media to a degree that hadn't been seen since the halcyon days of the Double Down.
The trailer was met with general vitriol the world over, but here in New Zealand we claim a certain ownership of the original Point Break, and our outrage was especially pronounced.
It's every generation's right to be offended when the pop culture they relate to is inevitably recycled, but the hatred that flowed for the trailer and indeed the very idea of remaking Point Break at all was boringly negative. This kind of response is too easy, too predictable and it often seems like the default reaction to any movie that gets announced these days.
I fall prey to this thinking as much as the next film-head, but I'm endeavouring lately to try and be more positive about future movies. Also I felt a little guilty that a few weeks after I wrote a blog decrying the film's potential existence, Disney shelved Tron 3 indefinitely. I'm not saying my blog caused that, but I know for a fact that Mickey Mouse is a reader.
Every film deserves a chance to be met on its own terms, at least ahead of time. Broadly disseminated haterism plays too large a role in the collective culture, and it's a drag.
Like any true-hearted Kiwi, I worship at the altar of the original Keanu Reeves/Patrick Swayze Point Break. At the risk of potential deportation, I will admit that I am genuinely excited to see the remake.
Sure, I giggled when the new Johnny Utah said "I believe that, like me, the people behind these robberies are extreme athletes", but on the whole I am un-ironically amped about this movie. Remember, the original isn't without its own ridiculosity.
A scene from the original Point Break.
The set-pieces look awesome, especially the skydive-into-a-giant-hole-in-the-ground move. As cheesy as the idea is, there is great potential in bringing extreme sports into an action, and it remains pretty-much untapped. Especially in the hilariously awful Vin Diesel vehicle xXx.
Wingsuit flying and motocross riding are pursuits simply made for action cinema. Chuck a collapsing mountain behind the proponent and you've got yourself a movie I'd pay money to see.
A scene from the Point Break remake.
I understand the emotional connection to the original Point Break, I really do, but remakes are nothing new. Plus it's been twenty-five years. The original still exists, and will always be there with its climactic reference to New Zealand. The remake has a bit with a cable car - I'm on board.
Here are some other "bad" movie-related ideas that I brazenly contend may actually result in something good:
A scene from the 1986 movie Big Trouble in Little China.
Idea: A Big Trouble In Little China remake starring Dwayne Johnson. Hate Factor: Only just announced, but this is typical of the initial reception. Why It Could Be Good: The original is justifiably beloved, but extremely rough around the edges, and bursting with unfulfilled potential. Also: The Rock.
Ben Affleck as Batman.
Idea: Ben Affleck playing Batman. Hate Factor: This casting decision generated more online outrage than five Point Break remakes. Why It Could Be Good: He's got the chin. He's got the chops. Nuff said.
Charlize Theron in Prometheus.
Idea: A sequel to 2012's Prometheus. Hate Factor: Sometimes I feel like the only person in the world who liked Prometheus. As with Tomorrowland, I don't disagree with the many complaints, I just happened to really, really like the stuff that worked. Why It Could Be Good:Prometheus teased exciting story threads that were overshadowed by the wide derision that met the commercially successful film. There are many questions that need answering. I have no problem with a Prometheus follow-up existing alongside Neill Blomkamp's Sigourney Weaver Alien project. Do you?
Harrison Ford in a scene from the 1982 film Blade Runner.
Idea: A Blade Runner sequel. Hate Factor: Moderate. This seems to have generated more resigned indifference than outright hate. My mind swims with the possibilities. Freestyle. Why It Could Be Good: This will be interesting just to see what it might look like, considering the vast influence of the original's visuals. Plus we can easily rationalise this as simply another cut of Blade Runner, which director Ridley Scott with has been fiddling with for years.
Eddie Murphy stars in the Beverly Hills Cop movies.
Idea:Beverly Hills Cop 4 Hate Factor: Many are ready to write Eddie Murphy off these days, but I'm ready for him to re-assert his bad-assery. Why It Could Be Good: I have a weird soft spot for Beverly Hills Cop III. Murphy still has a lot to offer and is so ready to kick ass in an R-rated action movie again. Maybe they should combine Bad Boys III with Beverly Hills Cop IV. Seriously.
I should mention that I was partially inspired to write this blog entry by all the advance hate for the Entourage movie, which comes out in cinemas this week. I'm an unapologetic Entourage fan - I recently re-watched the whole series and at its best, it was freaking awesome, despite its douchey reputation.
So I was definitely looking forward to the movie. But I saw it last night and found it to be something of a victory lap which relies on existing goodwill instead of trying to generate any. So I couldn't exactly sit here and defend that. But I was looking forward to it. Just sayin'.
• Agree? Disagree? What 'bad' ideas are you excited for? Do you think we hate on movies too much as a culture? Comment below!
