Remakes can either enhance yesteryear cinematic classics or ruin their legacy. In recent years, several remakes have been made that have mostly opened to negative reviews (especially in the horror genre).
Some, like Total Recall and Robocop, have even fallen under scrutiny for changing significant plot points or toning down the darker tones in favor of a PG-13 rating. However, despite the negative reviews from both audiences and critics, such films deserve another viewing, as they might not even be as bad as they are perceived to be.
Robocop (2014)
Brimming with social satire and over-the-top violence, Paul Verhoeven's original is definitely a classic in its own right. The 2014 remake of Robocop tells the same story of police Detective Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) being brought back from the dead as a humanoid robot.
The satirical humor of the original is replaced with a more serious tone, and the remake takes a deeper dive into the psyche of its protagonist, as he transitions from a morally sound human to an almost-emotionless being. Michael Keaton's villainous turn as the CEO of Omni Corp is another added bonus.
Aladdin (2019)
Guy Ritchie has had a good track record when it comes to mature gangster comedy-dramas. Hence, Aladdin might not be his finest work, but it still makes for a highly entertaining watch. The premise needs no introduction, but rising stars like Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott pull off a decent job in playing the leads.
And then there is Will Smith playing Genie. His portrayal cannot be compared to that of Robin Williams' voice role in the original but Smith makes the role his own with his comedic timing. Furthermore, the songs give him an opportunity to get back to his hip-hop roots.
Death Race (2008)
Much like the aforementioned Robocop, Death Race 2050 is a cult classic that emulates dystopian satire and has a hyperviolent tone.
The new version of Death Race plays out as a formulaic action thriller, but it still benefits from impressive racing scenes and brutal violence that might impress genre fans. Jason Statham features in the lead role, while Paul WS Anderson serves as director. Like many of Anderson's other films, Death Race is an impressive guilty pleasure.
Clash Of The Titans (2010)
Fresh off the success of Avatar, Sam Worthington starred as the demigod Perseus in this retelling of Clash of the Titans. With impressive set pieces and VFX, the new update takes a familiar swords-and-sandal story and gives it a slightly more serious tone. There are a few moments that might come off as cheesy, but the narrative still works as an action-filled update on Greek myths that's suited for modern audiences.
The additional cast also adds to the dramatic nature of the film, including the likes of Liam Neeson as Zeus and Ralph Fiennes as Hades.
Piranha 3D (2010)
Piranha 3D is not a cinematic masterpiece and it is not supposed to be one. An adaptation of the 1978 indie classic, the remake relies on goofy humor and unrealistic gore to capture the original's B-movie thrills.
Some might feel that the 3D aspect might be useless, it stands up against other great but underrated aquatic horror movies and the CGI Piranha fish make for amusingly grotesque creatures who wreak havoc in hilariously brutal ways. The self-aware tone of the film's "cheapness" is what makes Piranha 3D a modern horror-comedy classic.
The Tourist (2010)
The Tourist is a remake of the French romantic thriller Anthony Zimmer, which had only been released five years before. Despite starring high-profile actors, like Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, the film failed to fare well critically. In comparison to the original, The Tourist might seem weak, but for those who watch the film with a fresh mind, it still proves to be a highly engaging ride.
Offering one plot twist after the other, the movie plays out elegantly and definitely deserves a second chance at redemption. If not for the story, the chemistry between Depp and Jolie might serve as enough reason to check it out.
Vanilla Sky (2001)
An adaptation of the Spanish sci-fi thriller Open Your Eyes, Vanilla Sky is the tale of a publishing magnate (Tom Cruise) who begins to question the purpose of his life after a major accident. The film's absurd mixture of themes and psychological subtexts made it difficult for some audiences to interpret.
But over the years, the film is worth revisiting for its nuanced take on complex issues from the perspective of a narcissistic, self-obsessed character. While Cruise offers a memorable performance in the lead role, it's Cameron Diaz who steals the show.
The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
A remake of the Wes Craven classic, The Hills Have Eyes follows the pursuit of a family seeking to survive the onslaught of mutated cannibals in the middle of nowhere. With enough thrills and scares, the film is as disturbing and bizarre as it sounds.
In fact, some might even prefer the 2006 release over the original, given how the former picks up at a faster pace. While the gruesome violence will definitely be heavy for some viewers, genre fans might still be willing to revisit this remake.
The Mechanic (2011)
Yet again starring Jason Statham, The Mechanic is a remake of the 1972 film starring Charles Bronson. The premise is that of a straightforward revenge drama and is heavy in adrenaline-fueled action. Statham's character, Arthur Bishop, is a merciless hitman who wages an all-out war of his own after a friend's death jeopardizes his entire profession.
Despite the cliches, The Mechanic is worth watching for Statham's action and Ben Foster's performance as the protagonist's protege. Statham proves to be a worthy successor to Bronson, who was a similarly iconic action star of his time.
Total Recall (2012)
Total Recall is another classic by Paul Verhoeven that is noted for its blend of satire and sci-fi. The 2012 update, however, totally abandons the satire and takes a more existential and introspective approach.
Colin Farrell delivers an earnest performance as Douglas Quaid, a factory worker who discovers that he is an assassin with an alternate identity. Quaid's quest for the truth finds him exploring a detailed world with cyberpunk influences and indulging in some top-notch action sequences.