Robert Zemeckis/Back To The Future
Yes, just saying the word “remake” and Back to the Future within the same 24-hour period is considered sacrilege amongst movie fans, and in doing so, one can promptly expect a torch-equipped angry mob to carry them off to the nearest available guillotine. But we all know it’s coming eventually, so why not get it done with Zemeckis attached while he’s still around. In fact, I’d rather a remake than a sequel, as bringing back Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd would run the risk of self-parody.
Back in 1985, Back to the Future was seen as a 1950s period-piece; however, seen through modern eyes, the film has become an ’80s period piece, as well – the life-jacket outfit, the Huey Lewis soundtrack. So, perhaps the remake can revolve around a 2016 Marty McFly going back in time to the 1980s, where he gets himself into all sorts of time-traveling hi-jinks.
[zergpaid]It would be a way of following the recipe of the original, but with a new flavor. As 2015’s Creed taught us, which was essentially a sequel wrapped up in a remake inside a reboot, there are more creative ways to approach these existing franchises.
In light of Zemeckis’ recent forays into animation – The Polar Express, Beowulf, A Christmas Carol -maybe he could apply that fascination to a Back to the Future remake. That way, you could bring back Fox and Lloyd to do the voices, giving the characters eternal youth and saving the actors from that embarrassing “trying to fit into my old letterman’s jacket” effect—think Dumb and Dumber To.
What’s more, Back to the Future is an inherently colorful, fast-paced film full of loud characters; it was born to be animated.