Every film student has dreams of becoming the next big thing. While some will make it there are others who will choose a different path. However, there are exceptions to the rule. John Hughes is that exception. For 20+ years, Hughes provided the cinematic world with gems. From making movies about kids to adding humor to a road trip film to raising the bar so high in terms of teen comedies and family vacations, no one did it better in the '80s and '90s.
While Hollywood is stuck in a creative freeze and remakes have been the way to go, why hasn't anyone attempted to recreate some of the classics that John Hughes put his thoughts into? Here are 10 John Hughes Movies We Would Love To See Remade and Who Should Star In Them
Curly Sue (1991)
Who doesn't love a story about a cute little girl who just happens to sweet talk her way into our hearts with her smile and innocent hustle? Well, by most accounts, the critics. Curly Sue is viewed as one of John Hughes' worst films ever. But why? What did this adorable child do to adults that they decided to bash it? A mulligan is in order.
A remake would require a face that's so adorable and a mouth that pushes the limit. Only one name that comes to mind is Abby Ryder Fortson (Forever My Girl) to take on the lead role as Sue. As for Bill, let's go with a heartthrob for the ladies in Chris Hemsworth (Thor).
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Too many classics to name when it comes to Jonh Hughes but trying to describe what Ferris Bueller's Day Off meant to the masses is not easy. Directors have maneuvered around a remake of this classic hit for good reason. Some are scared to mess with perfection. However, if it is to be done, it has to be the right cast, relevant jokes and hopefully, just hopefully, this generation will get the meaning behind the original story.
In a remake, the cast should include Tom Holland (Spider-Man) as Ferris, Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man) as Mr. Rooney, Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) as Cameron Frye. As for Sloan, let's throw a wild card in there, Kylie Jenner (Keeping Up With The Kardashians).
Home Alone (1990)
"Kevin". Although there have been numerous Home Alone sequels, who says there can't be a reboot of sorts? Isn't that the era that Hollywood is in now? The original was flawless and captivated the world by introducing a young Macaulay Culkin. As adorable as the movie was for kids, adults gravitated to it as well. It was just something magical about the timing of the jokes, the one-liners, and how Macaulay stole the movie.
But is there anyone out today who can come in and give a similar performance? What has to be done is to grab an unknown or a young actor who may have a small TV or movie role to their credit but their breakout performance is still to be determined. For the main role, that should go to Jackson Robert Scott (IT).
The Breakfast Club
This is the one that should have been remade years ago. No matter your age, who doesn't remember The Breakfast Club? As popular as Ferris Bueller's Day Off was, The Breakfast Club was in in a class of its own. This was done in the era of good spirited comedy with a real story attracted to it. We no longer have those types of movies.
Casting for this remake would not be hard. The options in which a casting director has at their disposal could do the original proud. John can be played by Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver), Claire by Beth Berhs (2 Broke Girls), Andrew by Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther), Allison by Kat Dennings (2 Broke Girls), Mr. Vernon by Seth Rogan, and Brain by Joe Keery (Stranger Things).
Sixteen Candles (1984)
Sixteen Candles was a coming of age story of teenagers just trying to figure out their place in the world. All each teenager wanted to do was be normal, accepted by their peers, and respected by their families. Sixteen Candles is in the same boat as Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Breakfast Club as films by Hughes that defined a generation.
The cast was huge in the original so we will break down the main players. The role of Jake Ryan would go to Nicholas Hoult (X-Men), Samantha would be played by Ashley Benson (Pretty Little Liars), Caroline by Chole Bennet (Agent's Of SHIELD), and The Geek by Asa Butterfield (Ender's Game).
Uncle Buck (1989)
John Candy took a single role and made his stones with Uncle Buck. No matter how critics felt about John Hughes, they can never say he didn't put his all into his movies. Every family has a Buck. The one brother, cousin, uncle, or whoever, who just can't seem to get his life right but when called upon, he's there. Although you may not like his methods, his tactics are a breath of fresh air for some.
Who can take on the role in which Candy made so famous? A top choice for this iconic lead would have to go to Kevin James (King of Queens). Despite their similar stature, both actors have the comedic chops to pull this off. James has been around the adult heavyweights onscreen and pairing him with kids, would not be considered a reach.
Mr. Mom (1983)
Mr. Mom was ahead of its time. With today's society geared more towards women's rights and equal partnership in the workforce and marriage, a remake of Mr. Mom would be perfect. The original was not about a lazy man sitting on the couch because he didn't want to work, he was knocked down and his wife told him she got this.
Casting for this movie would require a bit of a change. Let's switch up the dynamic and place Kevin Hart (Night School) into the role of Michael Keaton and pair him with Taraji P. Henson (Empire). The laughs will still be the same as many didn't think Keaton had it in him to deliver. With Hart, he's easily America's No. 1 comic. Henson has been known to get her share of laughs when called upon.
Weird Science (1985)
Talk about nerds winning. Weird Science is a computer nerds' Holy Grail. Two friends, too shy to date, decided to create the perfect woman. The issue with that was, it was just ONE woman. While a fight for attention would ensue, Hughes showed nerds across the world, that dreams are never shattered.
To make this work, we need two believable nerds. Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith were phenomenal in their breakout roles and that same edge is needed. Graham Phillips (The Good Wife) and Miles Heizer (Parenthood) would both be perfect for the leading roles. As for their virtual eye candy, Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars) would reprise the role made famous by Kelly LeBrock.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
The ultimate buddy film of the '80s needs a redo. But can any pair match the comedic genius of Steve Martin and John Candy? From starting out on a plane, then a train, they find themselves on a road trip by car. What ensues is loads of laughter, forgiveness, fights, arguments, and everything else you expect from a Hughes film.
Casting for Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is another film in which the studios should go in another direction. For the role of Neal, they will need someone who can portray the uptight role. This is where casting John Cusack (Better Off Dead) would be great. his counterpart, Del, has Tracy Morgan (The Last OG) written all over it.
Career Opportunities (1991)
Labeled as one of the worst John Hughes films ever, Career Opportunities still sits as a personal favorite for some. Set in a department store, a loner and loser skated past the girl of his dreams and had a fantasy-filled night. Hughes went out on a limb with this approach but he never shied away from his initial goal. Make the audience happy and make them laugh.
Although not well received, a mulligan should be in order. Casting has to be right since a vast of this new generation may not have even heard of the original. For the role of Jim Dodge a phone call should go out to Freddie Highmore (Bates Motel) and as for Josie, why not Sofia Carson (The Perfectionists)?