5 MGM Films Amazon Should Remake

 

Amazon/MGM Studios just released a remake of the 1980's classic film that starred Patrick Swayze Roadhouse. The updated version stars Jake Gyllenhaal and UFC star Connor McGregor. I plan to watch the film this weekend, but it has already got me wondering about remakes.

Amazon bought MGM Studios for $8 billion back in 2021, with the deal completing in 2022. That's alot of coins that still hasn't been fully utilized yet. I previously wrote about how I would like to see The American Ninja series rebooted. Amazon is sitting on alot of intellectual properties right now, so here are five films from the MGM library that could be good material for a reboot.

5. MadHouse

MadHouse released in 1990 stars Kristie Alley and John Larroquette as Mark and Jessie, a yuppie couple who live a perfect life that works for them. That is until their lives are turned upside down when relatives come to visit at different intervals, and one by one for whatever reason they end up having extended stays. 

Until the couple loses their shit and can't take it any longer. If you ask the average person if they have heard of this movie, I guarantee the overwhelming answer will be no. That's what makes it perfect for a reboot, most people wouldn't have anything to compare it to. And getting rid of unwanted house guests is a story that stands the test of time.

4. Delirious 

This 1991 film starred John Candy as a soap opera writer who takes a bump on the head. He wakes up in the world of his soap opera where everyone assumes he is a new main character he created. He has to stop a nefarious plot while keeping his cover and realizing he can still write his story as he goes along.

I love a good meta movie that works like Pleasantville The movie is often overlooked among Candy's films. I'll admit it's not one of his best, while the humor in the movie is kind of dry, and the villains are typical scheming rich men. The plot of a writer waking up in a world he created is always ripe for good material and opportunity.

3. Cutthroat Island

One of the biggest box office bombs in movie history, Cutthroat Island is infamous for the film's budget bankrupting it's production company. The film was released in 1995 and starred Geena Davis and Matthew Modine as swashbuckling pirates.

Ok, so the scripts dialogue is very stiff and campy (not sure if that was by design), the plot gets wonky. However the movie fits the bill of a roller coaster ride, and if you turn your brain off you may like it. Pirate movies aren't the top of the heap right now but the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise proved there is a market for it, if done right. With such a bad stench on it, a remake could be given a fair chance.

2. The Beastmaster

A film losely based on a 1959 novel and made  in the mold of Conan The Barbarian. This 1982 film starred Marc Singer as Dar a warrior during an ancient time who is very skillful with a sword, and can communicate with animals. 

The film spawned two sequels Beastmaster: Through The Portal Of Time which was a limit theater release and Beastmaster III: Eye of Braxus (made for TV movie) and a syndicated television series. The potential is there to revive this property and maybe bring sorcery themed properties back into pop culture.

1.Hackers

Out of all the film's mentioned Hackers is the one most ripe for the picking. Especially with the digital world we live in now and technical geniuses with the potential to change the world getting younger and younger. Released in 1995, the film is best known for being Angelina Jolie's breakout film.

It involves a group of teen hackers who get themselves caught up in something way bigger than they anticipated. We now live in a world of ethical hackers, cyber security analysts, and breaches left and right. A updated film touching on digital concerns and social media playing a part in our everyday lives. Could really spark a new cult favorite or potential franchise.