No film in the history of cinema is safe from the dreaded implications of a remake and now that time has come for the John Hughes 80s classic, Weird Science. Under the watchful guise of Universal and original producer Joel Silver, this new spin on Hughes’ teen-frankenhotty comedy is now in development.
This updated take will carry on the success that screenwriter Michael Bacall started with the 21 Jump Street reboot last year starring Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. That flick, which raked in $200 million at the box office and earned much critical approval, reinvigorated Hollywood’s desire for more 80s remakes and is now set for its own sequel in 2014.
Hughes’ original outing brought much joy to many a lonely teenager back in the 80s without internet to rely upon for vicarious “experiences.” His Weird Science cast two social misfits Gary and Wyatt, (Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell Smith) desperate to win the admiration of the opposite sex into a fantasy-cum-true scenario wherein they manage to engineer their dream woman. After a brief montage, Kelly LeBrock appears and sets about teaching them about life and love in the way that only a John Hughes movie can.
The charm with Hughes’ teenage kick flicks lies in their ability to steer away from obvious sex gags and amp up the cheese just enough to not make you wince. Â The original also boasted a couple of early cameo appearances by Bill Paxton as Wyatt’s army brat older brother Chet and Robert Downey Jr. as school bully, Ian.
This latest news will no doubt upset fans of the original, as is always the case with cult favourites lined up for a do-over. New writer Bacall has a respectable writing resume so far with Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Project X and 21 Jump Street under his belt, in addition to having starred in several Tarantino films.
Regardless, the studio have insinuated that this updated version will be more in line with recent R-rated comedies like The Hangover, 21 and Over, et al. which it seems like Bacall will have no trouble tackling. If he can still retain Hughes’ life-affirming slant, it hopefully won’t be a lost cause because, Weird Science really is one of those classics which should remain always in the decadence of the 80s.
What do you make of Weird Science being scheduled for a makeover? The worst idea since crimplene trouser suits? Make your thoughts known below.
