Is nothing sacred in Hollywood? Absolutely not, and as tinsel town continues to mine and pillage every conceivable source material for the 'next big thing', seems that they're more comfortable in remaking the past than plotting the future. Next up on the revisionist chopping block is a certain early-80s television classic that may hold a bit more meaning for some of you than any amount of Charlie's Angels or Starsky and Hutch ever would. That's right friends, believe it or not, we're about to walk on air all over again!
You bet we're talking about the certified classic gem Greatest American Hero! The show that spawned one of the most memorable and beloved television theme songs of all time (admit it, you're humming it right now) is about to undergo a revival of sorts thanks to a creatively bankrupt industry destined to relive past glories. The original show's premise followed the exploits of dopy schoolteacher Ralph Hankey who's soon visited by strange space aliens who, as any proper space alien is known to do, bestow our soon-to-be hero a suit that endows its wearer with incredible powers. It isn't long before Ralph dons his 'red jammies' and, along with the help of FBI agent Bill Maxwell, is off fighting crime. Oh, and he gets a girlfriend along the way...hilarity ensues.
No word yet on on release date, but behind-the-scenes things have certainly started heating up. Directing the remake is geek favorite Stephen Herek (Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, Critters), with a script from longtime partner Chris Matheson and Ryan Rowe. Between the three of them magic has certainly been made (Bill and Ted), but so has remake mud (Charlie's Angels). Perhaps we'll have the proper balance such a project requires, but it'd be a shame to send another remake down the drain.
I'm absolutely convinced that while the original was indeed a treat, most are probably more familiar with its outstanding, inspirational theme song than the show itself. That's not a slam whatsoever, but considering how embedded the classic tune has become in popular culture (originally reaching # 2 on the charts, by the way) thanks to appearances everywhere from Seinfeld (George's answering machine...classic) to snippets on Family Guy (various...not so classic). I can't possibly see them not using it for the new film, but stranger and more boneheaded things have happened.
What a great, great show the original was and let's all hope the remake can capture even 1/10 of its charm. That's the word I was really looking for: charm. Although the original may seem a bit hokey to some of today's more 'sophisticated' audiences, there's just something about its undeniable sense of innate goodness and willingness to let its guard down that made it so darn endearing to just about everyone. Of course it was a one-trick pony, and like other genre shows it wasn't long before the trick ran out of steam...but talk about your wholesome steam!
Credit Popza.com for this story
You bet we're talking about the certified classic gem Greatest American Hero! The show that spawned one of the most memorable and beloved television theme songs of all time (admit it, you're humming it right now) is about to undergo a revival of sorts thanks to a creatively bankrupt industry destined to relive past glories. The original show's premise followed the exploits of dopy schoolteacher Ralph Hankey who's soon visited by strange space aliens who, as any proper space alien is known to do, bestow our soon-to-be hero a suit that endows its wearer with incredible powers. It isn't long before Ralph dons his 'red jammies' and, along with the help of FBI agent Bill Maxwell, is off fighting crime. Oh, and he gets a girlfriend along the way...hilarity ensues.
No word yet on on release date, but behind-the-scenes things have certainly started heating up. Directing the remake is geek favorite Stephen Herek (Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, Critters), with a script from longtime partner Chris Matheson and Ryan Rowe. Between the three of them magic has certainly been made (Bill and Ted), but so has remake mud (Charlie's Angels). Perhaps we'll have the proper balance such a project requires, but it'd be a shame to send another remake down the drain.
I'm absolutely convinced that while the original was indeed a treat, most are probably more familiar with its outstanding, inspirational theme song than the show itself. That's not a slam whatsoever, but considering how embedded the classic tune has become in popular culture (originally reaching # 2 on the charts, by the way) thanks to appearances everywhere from Seinfeld (George's answering machine...classic) to snippets on Family Guy (various...not so classic). I can't possibly see them not using it for the new film, but stranger and more boneheaded things have happened.
What a great, great show the original was and let's all hope the remake can capture even 1/10 of its charm. That's the word I was really looking for: charm. Although the original may seem a bit hokey to some of today's more 'sophisticated' audiences, there's just something about its undeniable sense of innate goodness and willingness to let its guard down that made it so darn endearing to just about everyone. Of course it was a one-trick pony, and like other genre shows it wasn't long before the trick ran out of steam...but talk about your wholesome steam!
Credit Popza.com for this story
1 comment:
Wow man, wow man, all I can say is, wow man.....What the fuck? Really, I want to know who needs this. A rule with re-makes: If it sucked the first time around, it will most likely suck the second time. Example? American Gladiators. Ok, I dont watch much tv anyway and I am aware of a writers strike, but another reality show would make more sense than remaking a horrible show that showcases the devolution of humanity. So with the impending debacle of the Greatest American Hero, I can confidently say, we are all doomed.
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