1. THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH-ORIGINAL-1935, REMAKE#1956
This is unique because these films were directed by the same person, Alfred Hitchcock and, I have to say both are good but I lean to the 2nd film which stars, my fav, James Stewart and Doris Day. Yes, Doris was in a Hitchcock film and her most famous song (arguably) debuted in this film, “Que Sera, Sera". They play a married couple vacationing in Europe, with their young son, when their young son is kidnapped. They had come across a man who whispered something to Stewart just before the man dies and this results in the terrified couple trying to find their son. The song becomes a huge focal point in the plot to the point that I wanted Day’s mouth duct-taped shut but I understood why this was important to the plot. The original film that stars Peter Lorre is also a great film that I thoroughly enjoy watching and, in both cases, the women were the reason their children lived. Check out both if you can.
2. A STAR IS BORN-ORIGINAL-1937 REMAKE-1954
OK, so 1937 is not the original (What Price, Hollywood from 1932 is) and it was remade with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson in 1976 and now the latest is with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga which I want to see. The plot is supposed to be somewhat based on the marriage of Barbara Stanwyck and Frank Fay but John Barrymore, John Bowers and John Gilbert all have been referenced as the inspiration for Norman Maine. I love both these versions but my heart belong to the great Judy Garland. She plays a singer(duh!) Who is found by a famous, alcoholic actor played by James Mason. With his help, she is groomed and becomes a great star while his star diminishes. Of course, she sings but I don’t classify it as the typical musical that was made at that time. You get snippets of her concerts that she was just starting to do and she gives on hell of a dramatic performance. That one scene, where she talks about her husband to their Hollywood mentor, is brutal, sad, realistic and mind numbing considering she had her issues with drugs and alcohol. The 1937 film is well acted and is about 2 actors, but my heart belongs to Judy who should have won the Oscar. Shady, even though it is classified as a musical, I hope you give this one a chance.
3. OCEAN’S 11-ORIGINAL-1960 REMAKE-2001
The original stars the RatPack, Frank, Dean, Sammy, Peter and Joey as World War 2 vets who come together after a life of small time crime to do a heist. It’s ok and they reek suaveness but I love the remake starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Carl Reiner, Elliott Gould, and the late, great Bernie Mac, who also all know each other, for the most part from previous jobs they did. George decides to steal a ton of money from a casino run by a real jerk who happens to be seeing George’s ex, played by Julia Roberts. It is fun, witty, and quite well written and you know they all seemed to have a lot of fun making this film. Of the 3 I have chosen, this is the first remake which is superior to the original. I love the coolness of the film and how nicely they brought in a couple of men from the 60’s era. A Fun movie and so are the sequels.
Which 3 would you choose?
Hi, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy Hitchcock's directing style and have seen his 1956 remake of The Man Who Knew Too Much. You and I agree on James Stewart and I also love any film with Doris Day because she lights up the screen. She is a national treasure. I love the trailer with Jimmy Stewart breaking the fourth wall.
I have not yet seen A Star Is Born (1954).
<< Shady, even though it is classified as a musical, I hope you give this one a chance. >>
Okay, Judy Garland is no Lady Gaga :)... but I agree to give this movie a try, but when are they gonna remake my favorite motion picture - Mars Needs Women? :) Seriously, those scenes with a messed up Judy Garland, art imitating life, are gripping, and this does look like my kind of film. Thanks for recommending it. (I HAVE seen All About Eve.) By the way, listen to the perfect diction of the narrators on the trailers for both the 1937 and 1954 versions of A Star is Born. That's what I'm talkin' about! Also listen for the words "the gay setting of Santa Anita Park" in the 1937 trailer. Love the comedic skills of Andy Devine.
I have not seen either of the Ocean's 11 films and I think it's about time I fix that.
Thank you, dear friend BB, and enjoy the rest of your week!
You’ll enjoy the Ocean’s 11 films and as for Mars Needs Women..I totally agree with you and would include Catwomen from the moon.
DeleteYes, the remake of Ocean's 11 was excellent.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite movie remake - John Carpenter's The Thing. The original is SO bad. Carpenter's version was perfect.
I didn’t mind the original with James Arness as a giant carrot. The newer Thing with Kurt Russell scared the hell out of me.
DeleteWow! I'm six for six! A first for sure. I'm a big Judy Garland fan, so even though I like Streisand a lot, my heart is with Judy, and I remember being disappointed when I saw the 1937 version. Love all those Hitchcock movies. Did he ever make a bad one? Oceans 11 not my favorite but agree that the remake is better.
ReplyDeleteYou saw all 6 and happy you did. I still have to see the Streisand version. Hitchcock never made a bad film but he made films that were just not up to par with his classics.
DeleteI’ve seen both the Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand versions of A Star is Born, and like you I prefer Judy.
ReplyDeleteJudy is amazing in the film and carries it
DeleteGranted I haven't seen Country Girl, but I can't believe Judy didn't win that Oscar just based on what I saw from that film alone. I hope they play it on TV again soon. I haven't seen it since I was a kid, I barely remember it.
ReplyDeleteGrace Kelly, known to be regal looking, beautiful and always wore gloves and a hat won, I think because she played a dowdy type of housewife to Bing Crosby. She plays the part so well but she doesn’t carry the film like Judy Garland. I think the powers that be made sure Judy didn’t win because she was fired a few years back by MGM and then blew the world with her stage performances. This film was done, in large part, because of her husband Sid Luft from what I have read.
DeleteI've enjoyed both versions of Ocean's 11. The original is a Rat Pack movie, which (like most Elvis Presley films) has to be judged as just that, a Rat Pack movie. That means the film is best appreciated by those who are into the whole Rat Pack "scene." The three films with Clooney, Pitt, Damon, Mac, and the others were well done, too. I loved the bit in Ocean's Twelve where Julia Roberts, in her character as Tess Ocean, has to pretend to be none other than the actress, Julia Roberts!
ReplyDeleteYea, that scene was funny especially with Bruce Willis in the cameo.
DeleteLove, love, LOVE your choices!!!! And we match on one.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the second Man Who Knew Too Much as well but both are good films. I tired of Que Sera, Sera by the end of the film too but it was key to the plot and needed that repeating. However Doris's recorded version is much easier to take.
Judy, Judy, Judy!! Yes hers is the ultimate, I love Babs but her version is trash which sadly seems to be the template Cooper has used for his new one but we'll see. Judy is a huge piece of the film's success but James Mason, Jack Carson, Charles Bickford and Tommy Noonan all add so much. The Janet Gaynor/Fredric March film is also a solid entertainment.
We match on Oceans 11! Yes the remake is far superior. The sequels have their moments but none like the first Soderbergh film.
This was fun since it reminded me that not all remakes are ill considered and I love the three I chose.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)-Freshly released from prison Danny Ocean (George Clooney) has a plan to pull off an elaborate heist of several Las Vegas casinos. He looks up his old pal Rusty (Brad Pitt) and together they gather a group of con men with various skill sets to pull it off. Excitement and merriment follow. The original Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin Rat Pack version has the germ of a very good idea and a very lackadaisical execution, the sequel improves on that idea in every aspect….well I wouldn’t say Julia Roberts is the equal of Angie Dickinson but otherwise it’s golden.
3:10 to Yuma (2007)-In the Old West impoverished farmer Dan Evans (Christian Bale) hires on with Pinkerton men to transport outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) through the hardscrabble trip to Contention to be put on the 3:10 train to Yuma and prison. Through the many hardships on the trail the two men form a grudging respect for each other which is sorely tested when Wade’s gang is waiting at the end of the journey. Hard, tough minded Western is based very closely on the excellent 50’s version of the same name that stars Van Heflin & Glenn Ford in Bale & Crowe’s roles. Both very entertaining films the ’07 version benefits from the flashy supporting turn of Ben Foster as unhinged henchman Charlie Prince.
Enchanted April (1992)-In 1920’s London upper middle class housewife Lottie Wilkins (Josie Lawrence) is neglected by her business minded husband and yearns to escape the constant rain and gloom of the city. Sensing her church acquaintance Rose Arbuthnot (Miranda Richardson) is in the same fix she proposes they rent an Italian villa for the month of April. Realizing they can’t quite afford it themselves they advertise for other ladies who might be interested. They receive only two replies, Caroline Dester (Polly Walker), a beautiful socialite seeking refuge from an endless string of facile admirers and Mrs. Fisher (Joan Plowright) a crusty, closed off lady who lives in her memories. After a hellious journey and a bumpy start the four women come under the spell of the beauty of the Italian villa (the cinematography is amazing) and surrounding grounds leading to a life changing experience. Based on a bestselling novel and originally filmed in a staid 30’s version (though with a good cast including Frank Morgan and Ann Harding) this adds a half an hour to the running time and vivid color to flesh out the story.
I’m so glad you love my Picks and that we match on Oceans 11. I have seen the new version of 3:10 to Yuma but not the original but I want to. Sadly I have not seen the last pick you give but it’s on my list. I always enjoy what you bring and what you say:)
DeleteHi Birgit - well all I can say is .. I'm so pleased you and your friends are so enamoured with these films - a great resource for me. I haven't seen any of them - though I'd love to see The Man Who Knew Too Much ... but also now of course the others too ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt just shows how little time we have for everything. When we have time, we will take it to enjoy what we like..like reading, writing or watching movies
DeleteI've only seen Garland's A Star Is Born and I thought it was okay. I loved the Ocean's Eleven remake but I did not see the original. I'm interested in seeing it though.
ReplyDeleteYikes!~ Just ok? Bummer:) There is only one scene that I think goes on too long and that is the scene where she jumps around on couches, mimics Edith Piaf(quite well actually), and sings a bit...that scene could be less. Oceans'11, the first one, is ok but nothing like the new one, hope you get to see it.
DeleteBirgit,
ReplyDeleteI forgot out Ocean's 11 being a remake. We saw both. I actually liked the remake a little better but the original was fun because of it has the Pack Rat gang. :) I don't believe I've seen either of your first two picks, though. Might have to look for them, especially the first one. Thanks for visiting!
I agree with you about Ocean's 11. I hope you do get to see the other films. I think you would enjoy them.
Delete🙂
DeleteGood picks. There are so many bad ones it's nice to remember that sometimes it actually works.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right and we always remember the bad
DeleteI've also been re-watching the Star Is Born remakes. I wonder how you'll like the new one???
DeleteI had no idea A Star Is Born was based on Barbara Stanwyck.
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling well and having a great day.
That is the rumour but there are others that they talk about. I am doing well and it is a new week!
DeleteI liked what I saw of Lady Gaga from the clip I saw. Who knows, maybe she may be the best to perform the role, though I don't know how anyone can run rings around Judy's vulnerability and insecurity.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you-- the remake of Ocean's 11 was a better performance. Clooney and gang didn't seem like they were play acting.
Judy, to me, is the best because she could show vulnerability which I don't think the others have because they are very strong women. Yeah, the Ratpack just liked being suave
DeleteI've only see the remake of O11
ReplyDeleteIt's a good remake
DeleteI love the 1976 remake of a Star is Born. With Barbra Streisand how can you go wrong? I didn't know there was a new remake. I would like to see it too especially if it has Lady Gaga. Hope all is well. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI still have to see the 1976 version. I do want to see the Ladt Gaga movie
DeleteOcean's 11 is a good remake indeed. The Mist and The Thing are two that I recall liking. I know the song Que Sera, Sera at least lol
ReplyDeleteI wonder who doesn't know that song and Doris sings it the best. I have not seen The Mist but I have seen both versions of The Thing. I don't mind the first one at all. The second is good but scared the hell out of me
DeleteFor the most part, I pretty much BOYCOTT remakes. Hollywood is SO OUT OF IDEAS that they keep making dumb superhero movies and remaking movies that needed no remaking -- and were, in some cases, genuine classics. I refuse to endorse that with my money.
ReplyDeleteThe only remake I can recall seeing that I thought was as good as the original (not better, but equally good), was 'FATHER OF THE BRIDE'.
Other than that one, I got nuttin'.
I suppose it's only a matter of time before some boob in Hollyweird remakes 'The Quiet Man'.
~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
Aaaahh-They better not touch The Quiet Man! That gave me shivers. I prefer the original Father of the Bride. I love Steve Martin but I didn't think it was that great. Yes, I can't keep up with all the Superhero movies
DeletePOSTSCRIPT CORRECTION:
ReplyDeletePat mentioned 'THE THING'. That didn't come to my mind immediately but it should have. John Carpenter's 'THE THING' is one of the few Horror movies I really dig, and it is far, far superior to the original.
But, of course, bereft-of-ideas Hollyweird has since even remade the remake of 'THE THING'. Losers!
~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
I didn't mind the original film but, I know, I am in the minority. I know they remade the film and I haven't seen it. How many times have they remade Spiderman?
DeleteI wouldn't be surprised if the topic came up due to the A Star is Born remake. I'm quite fond of a couple of the versions, but I don't think I've seen the original.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably pick Heaven Can Wait, although I've never seen the 1943 original (and I'm talking the 1978 version, not the one they remade not too long ago).
I don't know if that was the reason but it made me think. I still have to see "What Price, Hollywood" but I will. I would have chosen Heaven Can Wait but I already chose that film just a while back but excellent choice!The 1943 version is excellent but the newest one sucks.
DeleteI've only seen Ocean's 11 and that's a fantastic movie. Had no idea the '54 version of A Star is Born was a remake. Looking forward to the new one.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it was the 3rd remake but the most well known one believing it was the original is the one from 1937. I am really looking forward to the one with Lady Gaga
DeleteYou will NOT believe this. I have seen Ocean's 11. The remake, not the original of course. I loved it, and you are right, it is great.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if anyone mentioned it, but one remake I saw, but didn't see the original. It was The Fly with Jeff Goldblum and Genna Davis. The original, I've been told was much better. Although I enjoyed it, my friends thought it sucked, preferring the original over the remake.
As usual, I have never seen the others.
The Fly is excellent and I have seen the original but not the remake. Funny, many prefer the new one. The original is the one for me thouigh
DeleteI loved the J. Stewart, D. Day version of MAN. Saw it MANY years ago.
ReplyDeleteGood movie.
So far so good here. Rain and wind.
I love that movie. I hope you are aok in your neck of the woods.
DeleteArggh! So many remakes to choose from and I can't think of any right now that I'd say were better than the original. I think the remake of True Grit was better than the first which is still pretty good. I would rather watch the more recent version of King Kong with Jack Black than the original which is definitely a classic.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there are some standouts that are not coming to mind at the present.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
See, I love the original True Grit but I dislike the remake even though I love the actors. I thought Jeff Bridges was a bit over the top with his rough voice. I love both versions of King Kong but the remake with Jack Black is excellent.
DeleteI LOVE A Star is Born with Judy Garland. And I'm looking forward to the remake with Lady Gaga. I think they chose the write actress/singer for that icnoic role.
ReplyDeleteOh Goodie! This time some films I have seen and enjoyed (aside from Oceans 11... for some reason I didn't care for any of those rat pack movies). Loved Stewart & Day in that version, don't think I've ever seen the 1st one. And I've seen 3 of the Star is Born movies, liked the first 2 better than the Streisand one. Usually I prefer the original to any remake of ANY movie. And I didn't know this story was based loosely on Stanwyck's first marriage. TFS that tidbit! Hugs and always enjoy your choices, even if some of them are ones I've not seen, or genres I don't care for. It's good to get a perspective from another viewpoint!!! (I love the oldie movies much better than anything made these days!). Watched The Last Movie Star with B. Reynolds last night. Just finished reading his autobiography, so it was quite interesting to see him in the movie - once I got over how he had aged so badly, I could enjoy his performance...which was great. He may have lost his handsome young looks, but he didn't lose his talent! TFS
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the New Star is Born will be like.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with you and yours.
Hugs
Tough category. I've seen all of yours and enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteHow about A Fistful of Dollars?
The remake of Oceans 11 is cool cos' its got great lets rip off the establishment vibes and who doesn't love that stuff.
ReplyDeleteAwesome picks! I totally agree about A Star Is Born and Ocean's 11. Judy's performance is one of my all-time favorites. As much as I understand why the classics are beloved, the remakes are just a tad bit more interesting and entertaining for me.
ReplyDelete