They're Back: 'Poltergeist' Remake Coming in 2010

MGM is embarking on retreads from the 1980s. Two of them look pretty good, at least at this stage. Red Dawn comes out in about a year and RoboCop still has Darren Aronofsky attached to direct (for now). The third film in this wave of nostalgia is Poltergeist, but we really haven't heard a blip out of that one until now. The remake will be in theaters on November 24, 2010, meaning it's going to have to get in front of cameras fairly soon. Shock Till You Drop says that Vadim Perelman (House of Sand and Fog) is the choice to direct, and since this is more of a psychological horror movie than a slasher film, Perelman might be a really good choice. I could think of guys I'd rather see do it, but I'll give him some leeway. I am once again bewildered by the placement of a movie that would be ideally served by opening in the weeks prior to November 1st, especially with a movie that hopes to reintroduce a famous series the way this one is. That is the name of the game for MGM, otherwise they wouldn't be remaking three classic 80s movies at once. There's no casting yet, but if Elle Fanning isn't rumored for the Heather O'Rourke role, I'd be really surprised. There will no doubt be people up in arms about this remake as well as the other two MGM is planning. My advice: Don't go see them. That's the only way the studios will stop this pattern.

Comments

[MRPigg]

I have a similar attitude towards remakes as yourself, Colin. But this one doesn't make any sense to me. Especially after having rewatched it recently, Poltergeist is not really dated and it holds up incredibly well structurally. There is simply nothing to tweak for a "remake."

For those of you who haven't seen the original or if it's been a while, do yourself a favor. I still can't beleive it was rated PG.

[Orinn]

IT WAS PG!

it has been a while since I saw it but you could clean up the film, some of the special effects are a little dated, though they look better then doing it in full CGI.

Really just need to clean the film up for HD and it's good to go.

[Chris]

I agree with MRPigg, the original is not very outdated. But if they are remaking this movie, why not release a month earlier in October to get the Halloween crowd?? Seems like a horror movie might get some extra business around that time.

[MRPigg]

While I agree that special effects techniques have improved considerably in 26 years, "cleaning up" the effects for HD would be a mistake. Modern computer technology dates itself. As it is, the movie is kind of timeless, much like the original theatrical versions of the Star Wars trilogy remain timeless, despite the old man's insistance on making them disappear. Fancy computers have done nothing for the new Star Wars but draw attention to themselves.

[Hally]

Elle Fanning is much too old for Heather's role. She's 11 at the moment and looks even older.