Wonderful Remakes of Classic Films

It seems that more and more Hollywood turns to classic movies to create the latest blockbuster. The films are reworked for modern audiences, sometimes compromising the integrity of the original film. But, once in a while, a remake is a true success — below are a few movie remakes that got it right.

The Departed
A few years back, Martin Scorsese won an Oscar for his remake of the thriller Infernal Affairs, now set, not in New York City, but Boston. The Departed's group of thieves, agents, and double-crossers was played by top-notch actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Sheen.

The Magnificent Seven
A wonderfully effective remake of the Japanese film, Seven Samurai, The Magnificent Seven takes the traditional samurai flick's plot and sets it in the old west for a new and interesting twist.

The Thing
Did you know that John Carpenter’s classic 1982 film The Thing was actually a remake of a not-so-well-done 1950s movie?  Situated in a remote arctic research base, this nail-biter is a masterpiece of suspense and paranoia.
    
Casino Royale
A more humanizing look at the debonair James Bond, Casino Royale recalls the agent’s start in the field as well as his early heartbreak. Events in the film are anchored by Daniel Craig’s rugged yet sensitive portrayal of Bond. This film is actually the second silver screen adaptation of Fleming's classic Bond book, the later Casino Royale dispenses with the earlier film's comedic elements for a more dramatic tale.
 
Ocean’s Eleven
Steven Soderbergh livens up the story of the original Vegas caper by packing the film full of Hollywood stars, dry wit, and stylish flourishes to create a funny look at a high-stakes heist.  In this version, we get to enjoy George Clooney and Brad Pitt instead of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
 
 

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