Hollywood loves a good remake. In the summer of 2016 alone, we saw updated versions of Ghostbusters, Ben–Hur, The Magnificent Seven and Pete’s Dragon. These remakes have a tendency to be poorly received and/or just plain forgotten. Regardless, 2017 has brought about a whole new slate of remixed classic movies, and some of them actually look pretty good. Here’s a little preview of what we have coming in the next few months:
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The 1990 miniseries about the iconic killer clown terrified a whole generation of children, and if modern moviemaking tells us anything, the updated version is going to be exponentially more graphic and violent. (Ed. note: To be honest, I’m scared to even be writing about this movie when I’m alone in my room at night.) The cinematography and tone of the trailer are pitch perfect, and it certainly isn’t holding back on the scares. The final jump scare is enough to send someone into cardiac arrest. That being said, if you aren’t one for horror movies, you should probably steer clear of this one. If you’re ready to be terrified of clowns for the next three decades, though, this will likely be a must–see.
Release Date: Sept. 8
Murder on the Orient Express
This story, by Agatha Christie, is an amazing ensemble mystery that had me enthralled from start to finish. Admittedly, this plays to a bit of a more mature, sophisticated crowd, but as a classic whodunit, it doesn’t get better than a bunch of people and a dead body all stuck together on a train. The original came out in 1979, and nearly 40 years later Kenneth Branagh (the king of well–costumed period pieces) is tackling the story with an amazing ensemble cast, including Branagh himself, Penélope Cruz, Willem Defoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley. That cast is reason enough to pop a squat at a theater near you when it comes out this fall. Until then, I’m anxiously anticipating the tense, star–studded trailer that’s sure to come in the next few months.
Release Date: Nov. 22
Jumanji
Everyone remembers this 1995 classic adventure movie that taught kids everywhere not to play with mysterious board games unless they want their home overrun by lions, spiders and monkeys. Robin Williams’ timeless screen presence and the whimsical, thrilling plot made this movie an absolute joy to watch. (Ed. note: Does anyone remember Zathura, that movie that was basically Jumanji in space plus Kristen Stewart was there? That movie was like…so cool. I digress.) To resonate with the new digital world, the new version of Jumanji will feature a video game console, not a board game, that sucks its protagonists into a jungle world—and they have to beat the game to get out. The movie stars The Rock, Kevin Hart and Jack Black, which is an interesting lineup to say the least. It’s doubtful that this will stack up to the original film, but feel free to remain cautiously (and I mean cautiously) optimistic.
Release Date: December 22
