I got into an argument of sorts on Twitter with a friend from college. The topic of the debate was remakes, specifically the announcement that Hollywood is planning a remake of Gremlins. I am of the opinion that it doesn’t matter what movies get remade or what sequels to classics get pushed out of the studios. Hollywood is going to keep making these movies because they make money. It’s a fact. What I don’t understand are the reactions from people that seem personally offended that one of their favorite films is being remade. Why is this? Why do you care?

The fact of the matter is that despite a film being remade, it won’t in any way shape or form change your opinion of the original. It’s not as if when a remake comes out they destroy all copies of the original and erase the memories of the original from the minds of everyone that’s seen it. It still exists as its own movie just as the remake will exist. That doesn’t change the slew of anger-filled tweets and Facebook statuses that pop up whenever a new remake is announced though. Let’s remake everything. If it ever turned a profit, it should be remade now. Let’s remake Casablanca starring Zac Efron and Miley Cyrus directed by Brett Ratner. Make a sequel to Citizen Kane featuring his long lost son played by Andy Samberg. Who cares? The originals will still be held in such high regard. Plus when people find out it’s a remake or a sequel, they might be interested in seeing the original, thus opening them up to these classics that you love.

While on the topic of remakes, I’ve also heard people spout off about how there’s never been a good remake. That’s bullshit. John Carpenter’s The Thing? Remake. The Maltese Falcon starring Humphrey Bogart? That was the 4th time they made that movie. Ocean’s Eleven? The original starred Frank Sinatra!

Bottom line is, does anyone really care? Hollywood is going to keep pumping these movies out because they make money. The moment a remake doesn’t make money, they’ll rethink their current strategy. If it’s a remake of a film that you cherish and you’re offended at the very idea that Hollywood would reimagine it, then don’t see it. You have that power. Use it.