'Millions' & 'Dirty' Remakes

Unfortunately, today's post is yet another example of Hollywood dumpster diving for previous titles to rake in some quick cash. Alas, two more remakes have been green-lit. One of them being a hell of a lot more popular than the other, but the other having numerous incarnations throughout the years in film making. Scroll down to read the details on a "Brewster's Millions" and "Dirty Dancing" remakes...


First up, announced early this week via THR, is a remake of Brewster's Millions. The 1985 film starring Richard Pryor and John Candy is based off George Barr McCutcheon's novel and has had a total of 8 adaptions through the years including the newest version over at Warner Brothers. WB has tapped Michael Diliberti and Matthew Sullivan to hash out a update to the original story. No mention of any actors, timeline or exactly how the film would be targeted was mentioned in the report.

The original story follows: Montgomery Brewster, a young man who inherits a million dollars from his rich grandfather. Shortly after, a rich and eccentric uncle who hated his grandfather also passes away. The uncle's will leaves Brewster with seven million dollars, but only under the condition that he keeps none of the grandfather's money. To inherit the seven million dollars, Brewster is required to spend every penny of his grandfather's million within one year, and end up with no assets or goods gained by his grandfather's wealth at that time. Should he make the deadline, he will earn the full seven million; should he fail, he remains penniless.

Yawn...I never really enjoyed the 1985 Brewster's Millions nor I have seen any of the other various remakes over the years. Over the week, as I have mulled over this scoop, I realized if Richard Pryor and John Candy didn't get me excited in the story no one else would. At this point, as you have read my intrigue in a re-hash of McCutcheon's 1901 novel is slim to none. Regardless of my lack of interest, stay tuned for updates on a remake of "Brewster's Millions"...


The other remake announced this week via Production Weekly's Twitter account is the 1987 box office smash Dirty Dancing. [Heavy sigh] The reports stipulates that Uptown Girls writer Julia Dahl is developing an update to "Dirty Dancing" for Lionsgate. Given that Twitter only allows 140 characters not much else was detailed other than Dahl's script. There's no indicator if the update would be given a modern twist or remain a period piece like the original film. Clearly no mention of any actors was given either in the update.

Say what ever you want, but I love Dirty Dancing! That films is a joy to watch every time. Both Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey light up the screen giving proof there is no need to remake the film. Why not just re-release it? People would flock all over again to go see it in theaters one more time. I would hate to see the original tarnished with a young cast and a modern twist. I am sure Swayze has to be a tad disappointed yet another one of his films is being remade. Red Dawn, Dirty Dancing, I am sure there exec's right now working on the rights to Ghost, Road House and why not throw in Next of Kin just for laughs. Just a shame, a real shame. Despite my clear dissatisfaction in a "Dirty Dancing" remake, more news as it develops...

What say you? Do either of these remakes perk your interests? Strikeback...