As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours watching classics and modern masterpieces alike, I must say that the prospect of remaking “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is akin to rearranging the Mona Lisa’s smile or trying to improve upon Shakespeare’s sonnets.
In many households today, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is a cherished tradition for Thanksgiving viewing. The film tells the tale of Steve Martin as Neal Page, who yearns to reunite with his family before the holiday. However, his plans are disrupted when he encounters John Candy’s character, Del Griffith, a good-natured but bothersome individual. Together, they embark on a series of various transportation methods – planes, trains, and automobiles – forming a genuine, though complex, friendship along the way.
For quite some time now, numerous movies have attempted to replicate the charm of this unusual buddy comedy, but they’ve fallen short. As of now, multiple directors and actors are contemplating a remake. However, rekindling the film’s enchantment won’t be straightforward, and those who dare to attempt it are in for an exciting challenge.
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Chemistry Will Be Hard to Recapture
Initially, Steve Martin and John Candy appear as unacquainted individuals in the movie, but by the finale, they transform into something more profound – family. Throughout their journey, they experience being enemies, companions on a trip, and an unforgettable moment where they share a bed. It’s challenging for another pair to recreate their unique charm and intricate relationship without causing viewers to hope for their rivalry rather than friendship.
An Off-Screen Friendship
In the film “STEVE! (Martin)”, Steve Martin revealed that he and John Candy were close friends behind the scenes. As he read a deleted line from the script, he showed clear signs of emotion, stating that their affection for one another was genuine. This bond is evident in the movie, and it would be challenging for even skilled actors to convincingly portray it if they didn’t genuinely feel it (or even if they did).
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John Hughes’ Directorial Vision Is Hard to Beat
John Hughes, renowned for classic films like “The Breakfast Club,” “Sixteen Candles,” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” was an unstoppable force in filmmaking. His heartfelt yet straightforward directorial approach made “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” a unique blend of humor, annoyance, and genuine emotion.
Even Hughes Almost Got it Wrong
The essence of “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” was finely tuned, and even a minor adjustment in the storyline or character development could have resulted in an entirely distinct viewing experience for audiences. This near miss occurred with Hughes’s original ending, which was intended to be humorous rather than heartfelt. Given that a director as proficient and talented as Hughes came close to mishandling the formula, it’s concerning to ponder what other potential oversights might occur.
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Too Much Interest From Actors
Previously mentioned, several actors appear eager for a remake, with Kevin Hart reportedly negotiating terms for its development. At first glance, this might seem positive – after all, aren’t performers supposed to be enthusiastic about their characters? Indeed, but there’s apprehension due to an excess of interested parties. This could result in questionable casting choices or simultaneous remakes, leading to confusion. Moreover, the project may find itself in a state of uncertainty as directors weigh different options, potentially selecting an unsuitable direction.
A Unique Problem
It might seem surprising to discuss this problem, but in the past month alone, other performers have shown interest. If this trend persists, the roles could effortlessly be given to more well-known actors who may not deliver as convincingly. While star power can enhance a movie, in the film Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Martin and Candy blend seamlessly into their characters, almost losing themselves in the roles. Not every actor is capable of achieving this, and larger-than-life stars risk leaving audiences more distracted than captivated by their performance.
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Too Little Interest From Fans
Although actors seem eager about the idea of a remake, it doesn’t appear that most fans share the same sentiment. While some express enthusiasm, many are left puzzled as to why a remake is being proposed in the first place. If a new movie does release, fans will likely set very high expectations for it – expectations that the remake might struggle to fulfill.
When Nostalgia Turns Sour
One aspect that filmmakers may rely on when producing a remake is the influence of nostalgia. Yet, this nostalgia could pose a challenge for them if it leads viewers to adore the original so much that they refuse to consider the remake. Furthermore, even if the remake is well-received, fans might resist it as it may overshadow and potentially eclipse the original’s esteemed reputation.
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Already Great, What Could They Add?
The classic film “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is simply outstanding as it stands. It’s hard to fathom why a remake is necessary in the first place. Any potential remake would need to introduce unique elements to differentiate itself from the original masterpiece. However, making too many changes could potentially diminish the essence of what made the original so special.
More to Explore, but Should They?
A unique twist on the classic film “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” might involve delving deeper into the characters’ backstories. For example, we could uncover details about Del’s life before his wife passed away or gain insights into Neal’s marriage. However, it’s important to note that these additional aspects aren’t essential and could potentially complicate the original narrative.
I was contemplating extending the reimagining past the initial conclusion to unveil what transpires next, yet I find the dangers outweigh the possible benefits, given the multitude of ways things might take a turn for the worse rather than the better.
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Situation Doesn’t Fit Modern Period
In case a remake occurs, it would need to determine whether to advance the story into the future or remain faithful to the original’s timeline. Maintaining the past could raise questions about the necessity of a remake. On the other hand, altering the setting might render many plot points incomprehensible, as numerous challenges faced by characters are rooted in their era’s lack of technology and contemporary amenities.
The Gift of Technology
One factor causing Martin’s character Neal to nearly miss his flight is that Del mistakenly hails his taxi. In today’s world, simply booking a ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft would prevent such a mishap. Likewise, after Neal furiously tears apart his rental car receipt, the clerk indicates he’s out of options. In current times, a Neal with access to his emails would have kept a digital copy of that receipt. Furthermore, if Neal’s wife had a cellphone, she wouldn’t have missed his calls initially.
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More General Issues with Remakes
More contemporary adaptations often struggle to recreate the charm of their predecessors, even when there is significant anticipation for these remakes. This pattern implies that viewers may not always embrace remakes. Given this trend, a reboot of “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” might not be enough to sway skeptical audiences.
Cash Grabs
In many cases, remakes are perceived as mere money-making schemes or simple repetition by critics. However, it’s important to note that some remakes have been successful. These successes often stem from technological improvements or significant alterations in the storyline. Regarding our current situation, modifying the plot isn’t advisable. While technology could enhance visual and auditory quality, it wouldn’t add much value if the content itself lacks quality. Improved sound and visuals aren’t beneficial if the scenes or dialogue themselves aren’t compelling.
Essentially, the original “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” is almost flawless in terms of acting, direction, and plotline. A remake would need a significant alteration to its narrative or characters to justify the effort. However, updating “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” seems illogical, as replacing the actors might not measure up, and rewriting the script could backfire.
It’s worth noting that some films might be suitable for a reboot, but “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” has reached such great heights that proposing a remake is more like trying to recapture lightning in a bottle. Instead, it would be wiser to put the brakes on any ideas about re-making this classic film.
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2024-12-16 00:35