Remake, Adaptation or Sequel

Ever get the feeling that every single movie that comes out these days is completely unoriginal? It's because people aren't willing to go see something new! I once spoke to a guy who edits theatrical trailers and he said that focus groups respond better to previews that show every major plot point of the movie. He also said people won't go to see a movie if they don't know that it has a happy ending before hand. This is why a movie trailer is generally 5 minutes less than its corresponding theatrical release.

Where's the originality? I'm someone who is very proud of my individuality and what I consider to be originality... But the entertainment industry is teeming with lemmings who are incapable of recognizing unique genius when they see it. Hollywood is always hedging its bets.

Let's take a look at some of the major movies that are coming out this summer...

1. Wolverine (Sequel to a Comic Book Adaptation)


2. Star Trek (Remake and Sequel)


3. Angels and Demons (Adaptation and Sequel)


4. Terminator Salvation (Sequel)


5. Night at the Museum 2 (Sequel)


6. Land of the Lost (Adaptation of a TV show)


7. Transformers 2 (Sequel to an Adaptation of a Cartoon based on a Toy)


8. Ice Age 3 (Sequel)


9. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (Adaptation of a Book and a Sequel)


10. G.I. Joe (Adaptation of a Cartoon)

If an original movie is able to make it, expect there to be umpteen sequels. You can also expect to see other movies with the exact same premise. For example, last year Adam Sandler came out with Bedtime Stories - (A family comedy about a hotel handyman whose life changes when the lavish bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew start to magically come true.) Not to be outdone this summer we have to endure Eddie Murphy's "Imagine That."