*headdesk*

[snapdragon76]

Now, I have something I need to get off of my chest, and I hope I don’t hurt anyone’s feelings or sensibilities, and if I do, I’m sorry but this is how I feel.

I found out recently that there is going to be a remake of the series ‘Thundercats’ which was one of the many cartoons I grew up watching and loving as a kid. There are also remakes of ‘My Little Pony’ and one of ‘Voltron’ in the works.

DEAR GOD WHY?!?!?!?!

Well, I’ll tell you why.

Merchandising.

All of these shows had massive amounts of toys and tie in merch when they originally aired. I should know, I’ve had a few of the toys myself. I have no issue with having merchandise with popular series. However, too many studios are making shows purely for the merchandising factor.

It makes sense because it’s a major money maker. Look at the shit tons of merchandise you can find for the Star Wars series. It’s made Lucasfilm a huuuuge chunk of change in the ensuing years. Sure, there have been some cool and rare collectables over the years. I am not opposed to merchandising. I am opposed to making a show for the sole purpose of cashing in on the merchandising.

And let’s face it, that’s why the majority of these remakes are being done. I mean, why else? There is nothing wrong with the original series as they stand. Sure, some of them have aged a bit… some more than others… but that’s what adds to the charm.
Granted, I may be a little biased since we’re talking about shows I loved (and still love) as a child. Growing up as an only child in a single parent household, I had to entertain myself somehow and the cartoons I watched after school and on Saturdays was a big part of that for me.

Plus, I am someone who hates remakes. Especially unnecessary ones (which, TBH, a majority of remakes are). I think the originals should stand on their own.

Start thinking out of the box, people. What happened to originality?

If they decide to remake ‘Jem’ as a Hannah Montana clone, I will officially give up on humanity as a whole…

Comments

[shoujo22.livejournal.com]

I might be able to stomach the Voltron remake, but TC and MLP? Really? Seriously?

Um, no. Just...just no.

[snapdragon76.livejournal.com]

I did watch the MLP episodes (well, the first two anyway) and while it was kinda cute, it was pretty predictable. I mean, the show is aimed at kids, so a little predictability and all is expected.

I just wish they'd leave some things ALONE!

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

I have nothing against remakes that are good. Like many other people, i'm really impressed by My little pony. If thundercats is good, then yay. If not, then boo. Remakes can also be motivated by truly passionate fans. Not just money.

[snapdragon76.livejournal.com]

I suppose that's true. I guess I'm just biased by the sheer mass amounts of remakes of varying quality being cranked out recently. Plus, I have my strong affinity for the originals that I just don't want to see the remakes because I think it takes something away from what's been done.

Then again, these are my opinions and I realize they are going to go against what a lot of other people think. I understand that.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

I just judge things on quality. I don't go "yay" or "boo" at a remake until i've seen it, or seen something that allows me to define if it's good or bad. After all, technically, movie adaptations are remakes, and Disney movies are fairy tale remakes. *laughs*

Everything deserves a chance. I always hope there's someone like you working behind the remake. Someone who truly cares about the source material.

But, I get what you mean. Completely. There's a LOT of shitty remakes out there. I understand that you probably feel burned by them.

I'm just an optimist when it comes to art and creation. Because sometimes, all it takes is the right person behind the project.

[snapdragon76.livejournal.com]

I think quality is important too. If it's well done, then it might not be a bad thing necessarily. I guess I'm a little jaded and stuff. I kinda feel that the stuff I loved in my childhood is being told it's not good enough when it was perfectly good enough for my era and generation....

It's good to be an optimist. I think there needs to be more of them out there.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Well, it was good enough (and still is) for our generation, but people evolve, and things too, and animation styles...

[snapdragon76.livejournal.com]

Yes, I suppose that's true...

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

The point of remakes, good ones anyways, is to allow characters to keep existing and inspiring future generations. And for that, designs need to evolve and characters too. Female characters, for instance, have gained a lot during the last 20 years. It doesn't mean that the original is bad. I see it as evolution, and the sharing of beloved characters and the conservation of stories. After all ,fairy tales would have gone nowhere if people weren't re-telling and re-making them all the time, amiright?

however, I really get what you mean about the phenomenon being unecessary and a cheap way to cash in an existing brand. Because yes, it is. But, with the right person on the project, it can turn into something really, really good. Adaptations and remakes have a lot of potential. It just takes the right people.

Sorry. I'm gonna step off my soap box now.

My general point is, I guess, to not judge something before it's been seen, but that I totally get your point too.

[snapdragon76.livejournal.com]

Yes, I see your point.

We both have our opinions and they are both valid.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Indeed. Both opinions are valid. It really comes down to personal preferences at this point.

Thoguh, I would still hope for a remake to be good, even if I didn't support it. I mean, if they are really going to harass my childhood, it better be well-written harassment.

[snapdragon76.livejournal.com]

LOL, yes! that is very important!

[dqbunny.livejournal.com]

I've seen the My Little Pony remake and it is GOOD. I mean, seriously awesome and on par with the one from the 80s.

[snapdragon76.livejournal.com]

That's what earthstar_moon was saying. I haven't had the change to watch it myself to be honest.

I just find the phenomenon as a whole to be unnecessary.