Friday, August 24, 2012

Ninja News, Video Feature, Movie Remakes, 2012 Movie Grosses, and Interesting People!

Teresa at Journaling Woman has a special feature called “Friday’s Interesting People.” And guess what? Today I’m the interesting person! (Hey, one day out of the year’s not bad.) So stop by her blog and check it out.

Ninja News!

Want to know what’s involved in setting up and running a writer’s retreat? Just ask author Jessica Bell. She’s also running a special Wednesday feature, so leave your question HERE.

Melynda’s Labor Day Blogfest and Bookfair – “This September, Wayman Publishing is honoring Melynda Fleury for her brave fight against diabetes by offering a 3 part giveaway to get everyone involved in reading and this giveaway!” See Siv Maria’s site for details.

Overused words! Want some alternatives? Bish Denham posts a great list of alternatives every Thursday as she makes her way through the alphabet. See the full list of overused words HERE.

Sean McLachlan at Civil War Horror is having a birthday sale until the end of August! Check out the details on his blog.

Video Feature!

I had issues with C. Lee McKenzie’s book trailer last week, so posting it for her today!


Movie Remakes Question

Hollywood has been pumping out the movie remakes lately. Some have worked well (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) some have failed (Total Recall.) Most of us would prefer they made some new films, even if they are based on books. (Hollywood, feel free to contact my publisher about movie rights to CassaStar and CassaFire.)

However, since they appear determined to continue remaking older films, here’s my question – what old film would you LIKE to see remade?

My selection – 1979’s Buck Rogers.
Yes, I had a huge teen crush on Erin Gray, but the film is as cheesy as hell.
Make one that is more serious, with great effects, and no Twiki noises, and it just might rock. (Maybe Erin can make a cameo appearance?)

Movies – the Money-Makers so Far

With two-thirds of the year gone (when did THAT happen?) here are the biggest money-making movies so far. All totals are world-wide because that’s what really matters.

1 – The Avengers - $1.48 billion

2 – The Dark Knight Rises - $900 million

3 – Ice Age: Continental Drift - $800 million

4 – The Amazing Spider-Man - $692 million

5 – The Hunger Games - $623 million

6 – Men in Black 3 - $623 million

7 – Madagascar 3 - $565 million

I’ve seen six of the seven! How many have you seen?

And quick movie trivia – one movie series has TWO films in the top ten of all time – name the series.

Lots of good news today! Did you like the book trailer for Alligators Overhead? What movie do you want to see remade? Surprised by the top movies so far? (Ice Age 4 – really???) And do you know the answer to my trivia question?

Don’t forget to visit Teresa at Journaling Woman!

139 comments:

Kyra Lennon said...

Thank you for introducing me to Bish Denham's blog - that list is going to be so helpful!

RaveAir said...

Unfortunatelly I just have seen the The Dark Knight Rises at cinema. But it the success of the MiB3 is greater mystery to me than the new Ice Age movie.

To your trivia question: Maybe The Godfather?

Jessica Bell said...

You're a darling for mentioning me on your blog. You always do that when I don't even ask! Legend! PS: This means I'm out of the Insecure Writer's Group, so you can take me off your list :(. I'm sad. So sad ... but I gotta do what I gotta do!

shelly said...

Alex:

I always wait for the movies to go to DVD and pay a 1 dollar something. Except for the Resident Evil ones.

I will check out your wonderfulness. Does it reveal you being Santa Claus of the blogosphere.


Hugs and Chocolate,
Shelly
http://secondhandshoesnovel.blogspot.com/
http://www.shellysnovicewritings.blogspot.com/

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kyra, Bish's lists are awesome.

Zoltan, sorry you didn't like it. And sorry, wrong series.

Jessica, you're welcome. And you can come back to the IWSG anytime.

Shelly, your movie habits amuse me! Don't think Santa came into it this time...

Natalie Aguirre said...

I loved hearing about Jessica's retreat. It was awesome that she got Chuck to come for it.

And I've only seen one movie on your list-Hunger Games.

Rick Daley said...

I'm guessing LOTR for the series. I've seen 4 of the top grossers. I didn't watch the trailer yet because my kids are still sleeping and their room is right above my office...

My pick for a re-make: Jaws. The original rocks so hard, but they had many issues with the shark. Just a little CGI to bring it up to speed without overdoing it could add to the realism. But part of what works so well is that the shark problems hid the beast until the end, so a remake would need to honor that formula.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I commented to Hubby the other day about the Total Recall remake - it doesn't make sense to me. He said it was because it was XX years old - but if that's the logic surely Casablanca, Gone with the Wind etc are well overdue...

That's NOT a suggestion though :-/

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Thanks for stopping by the JW.

Buck Rogers was cheesy, but I don't think I thought that then.

Gotta go now and check out your links and watch a trailer.

Ciara said...

I never saw the Buck Rogers movie, but I loved the series. I loved anything sci-fi growing up. Off to check out some of your links. C. Lee knows I LOVE her trailer! The band Infectious is working on music for a Neumarian Chronicles trailer. Now I just need how to figure out the video aspect. LOL Have a great weekend!!

Liza said...

I'm off to go read about Alex! Thanks for the links as always!

Bish Denham said...

Okay, now I feel like a real Ninja... all self-assured and everything. Thanks, Alex, for linking to my blog!

Dare I say it? I haven't seen any of the movies. (What kind of Ninja does that make me?)

Laura Eno said...

You're interesting every day, Alex!
I'd love to see your books made into movies. I hope they're listening!
Buck Rogers was a great show...when it first came out. You're right, it looks cheesy now, but the story is still fantastic. It'd be a great remake.

Theresa Milstein said...

I wish I could afford Jessica's retreat. Looks like it was a great time!

I can't believe I still haven't seen The Avengers!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the shout out Alex and as usual you have tons of great information and links for me to check out. I agree that Buck ROgers would make a great remake, and of course, Cassa Star should be made into a movie :)I would like to see them do a remake of Carrie (1976)...Oh wait, they are, and I can't wait! Have a great week-end!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I've never wanted to see a remake. I'd like to see the day when movies aren't remade and Hollywood goes hunting for talents like you. It'd be awesome to view your trilogy in the theatres.

xoRobyn

Tonja said...

I've seen 6 of 7. Haven't seen Hunger Games yet. I think LOTR was the best series...and probably came from the best writing.

Kittie Howard said...

I'm all for Rick's "Jaws" suggestion above. And since I'm a fraidy cat about violence, it was great seeing "Madagascar 3" on the list. Already had Jess's book but will get the download to push the numbers. Have a great weekend, Alex!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I've only seen The Avengers and Hunger Games.

Are there not enough new stories out there that we have to remake old ones? Sheesh. I watched Carpenter's The Thing and the new version. No comparison. Carpenter's is waaaaaaay better.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I've seen most of the movies. Loved Madagascar.

I'd like to see a remake of Watership Down. It's one of my favorite books and with computer animation, they could make a much better movie than the 70's cartoon.

Luanne G. Smith said...

Ooh, I met Erin Gray once when working as a security guard. She didn't have quite the same effect on me as she might have on you, though. :P

I don't mind when they remake classic novels into new movies. I like seeing new interpretations, but movies that were based on screenplays and are iconic should be left alone I think. I hate that they've remade Mad Max.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Thanks for posting all the wonderful links. Keeping my fingers crossed for the movie rights of your books.

Suze said...

I have seen one of the seven -- the top grosser. Congrats on being an interesting person, Al!

Have a great weekend.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I've seen 5 of the 7. Like Shelly, I waited for the DVD to see THE HUNGER GAMES. Like you, I want Hollywood to buy the movie rights to my novels! Hey, we can dream, right?

PK HREZO said...

Oh no no no, remaking Jaws would be sacrilege. THose actors could never be replaced. The shark, yes, but taking the setting out of the 70s would ruin it forever.
i can't believe Avengers has pulled on over a billion. That's insane.
Top 10... hmmm. do you mean from the list you have posted? Could be Batman.
Anyway, thanks for all the links! :)

farawayeyes said...

Remakes - Gah! I will admit there have been a few good ones, but with so many good books/stories out there, let's go for the NEW.

Love Bish and her lists - after all she's an 'island girl'.

Book Trailers make me cry. I'm having enough trouble with a query and synopsis, now I need a trailer too?

Movie $$$ makes for an interesting list. Thanks.

Trivia - Batman???

jaybird said...

Alex- I had the pleasure of seeing Erin Gray at a Comic Con and she looks just as beautiful as ever. Buck Rodgers was "the Man" for me back in the day. And I loved the character of Erin Gray. I would get behind a remake of that, for sure!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rick, not LOTR, although it should be. And maybe instead of a remake they just fix the special effects in Jaws.

Teresa, no we ate up Buck Rogers then. But yeah, it's cheesy now.

Bish, you're welcome! And you are a wise Ninja.

Thanks, Laura. And I think it would make an awesome remake.

Siv, my first pick was Judge Dredd, but yeah, they are already remaking that one. (And it looks awesome.)

Robyn, I second that!

Tonja, you've seen the same six movies then.

Kittie, Madagascar was fun.

Diane, that movie could use a remake.

LG, you met her? No, probably not the same for you. And it's a crime they are remaking Mad Max.

Roland, we can dream!

PK, you're right that the setting is so much of the charm.

Faraway, you land a big book deal, you won't need to worry about the trailer. And sorry, not Batman. Yet!

Suzanne Furness said...

Gosh I feel a bit out of it as I've only seen one of those movies! (Hunger Games)

Unknown said...

I'll have to hop on over to Teresa's, but I think you're interesting all the time. ;)

I have surprisingly seen 6 out of 7 of those films. Amazing. My guess for top series...Pirates of the Caribbean. For some reason I remember reading something about that. I could be wrong, though, I haven't had enough caffeine yet.

Great trailer!

Sean McLachlan said...

Thanks for the shout out! Yes, this grizzled old writer is 43. Once I turn into a grumpy old man I'll RAISE prices in honor of my birthday!

Unknown said...

I plan to check out JW's post. Congrats!

I have seen maybe two of those movies: Avengers and MIBIII but I don't get out to movies much. I do want to see Bourne though.

Amy Saia said...

I totally used to watch Buck Rogers and Battlestar Gallactica. Bee-dee-bee-dee. But you're right, they should stop remaking everything and seek out new stories. It's way more exciting.

Cassie Mae said...

They should so make movies out of your books! Hollywood better get on that :)

Summer Ross said...

One of seven- man I don't get out much. LOL

Thanks for all the links. Have a great day Alex!

Julie Dao said...

I fully expect to see CassaStar on the big screen, starring Kate Beckinsale, one day!

Gossip_Grl said...

Loved the book trailer! I'm not a big fan of the remake movies. :/ I did think the new karate kid movie was good, but prefer the older one. Ice Age is getting worn out. :/ Great posting, enjoyed reading!

StratPlayerCJF said...

Movie that needs to be remade? Many might cringe at this since they love the originals (as do I), but three come to me, all similar:

How about "The Princess Bride," "The Never ending Story," or "Labyrinth?" True, there are huge risks -- they could easily be turned into Hollywood schlock. But if the stories weren't messed with too much and modern special-effects were used to update some of the cheesiness of the originals? A high potential for awesomeness and a whole new generation of dedicated young fans, I think.

Movie trivia? Hmmm... There are several possibilities that spring to mind (Star Wars, LOTR, and Toy Story), but I'm going to guess the Lord of the Rings series.

Sangu Mandanna said...

I've seen two of the seven, which is a somewhat sad tally. Though I did go see Brave yesterday and LOVED it!

Liesel K. Hill said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog, Alex. I think I've seen all those films except MIB3. For the trivia, I'm guessing Chris Nolan's Batman film. Dark Knight and Dark Knight Rises? As for movie remakes, I have a lot I'd like to see: Casablanca, Bridge Over the River Kai, several John Wayne flicks (I know no one can replace him, but still...). I recently did some quotes from a beloved kiddie flick from my childhood called The Neverending Story. It's still a classic but it'd be cool if they could remake it without the 80s effects and acting. :D Happy Friday!

Arlee Bird said...

I was just thinking about that movie remake question the other night. I was watching the D.W.Griffith silent film epic Intolerance which was made nearly 100 years ago. What an amazing film! I was thinking how cool if it were remade in color using modern technology. Maybe it would never fly with modern audiences and CGI might not be as impressive as the actual giant sets and casts of thousands they used.

Thanks for letting me know about my comment problem this morning. It's now fixed.


Lee
Tossing It Out

Anonymous said...

Can't think of one they should remake, but I know they didn't need a remake of CARRIE.

Jemi Fraser said...

LotR (or Star Wars)???

Off to Teresa's :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks for announcing the list of alternative words - I so need that!
I would like to see Forbidden Planet remade - not because I love the original, but because it's based on Shakespeare's Tempest, and I think it would be fun with new special effects and better acting . .. the original is good for a lot of laughter. Scifi and Shakespeare . . .it has a lot to offer . . . well, for nerds like me.
Totally surprised that Ice Age 4 is on that list . . .sad. I've only seen two on that list, and the guess I have for your trivia section - Star Wars . . . or Lord of the Rings . . .or Toy Story

Heather M. Gardner said...

Great updates, Alex! Thank you for the links.

Movie remakes? I would love to see them redo all the Michael Crichton books they screwed up.

Trivia: Either Star Wars or Harry Potter.

I only saw 1 out of 6 movies. But, I saw the best one!

HMG

Anonymous said...

The writers retreat sounds interesting.

I've only seen MIB3 in that list.

My guess for the trivia question would be either from the Harry Potter series or the Twilight Series?

Leovi said...

Being true to yourself is great advice. And so is to face life.

Cherie Reich said...

I've seen two out of those seven, but I really want to see 1, 4, and 6 too.

Jeff Beesler said...

I've seen none of the seven movies. I'm waiting until they come out on Netflix! It was well worth the wait for Captain America and Thor!

Matthew MacNish said...

You're almost like an aggregate now. Like a list of everything that's the best in the blogosphere.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Melissa, very good guess!!

Sean, you're still young.

Amy, you know the Twiki noise!

Cassie, feel free to send them a letter.

Julie, that would be awesome!

Gossip, agree about Ice Age.

Chris, guess again. And no one can remake The Princess Bride. Only Faulkner can read that story.

Liesel, I'm sure Batman will eventually be in there, but not the right answer. And they remade True Grit successfully, so why not more John Wayne films?

Lee, you never know. And glad the comments are fixed.

Jemi, George has been remaking Star Wars for years...

Tyrean, none of those. And that might be a good remake.

Heather, neither of those series. And the only one they can't remake is Jurassic Park.

Madeleine, neither!

Leovi, thanks!

Jeffrey, you need to get out more.

Budd said...

I am not sure why they haven't attempted to remake the Never Ending Story. Not that I want it remade or that they could do it better, but it seems like it would be ripe for the picking.

Carol Kilgore said...

Lots of goodies packed into this post. I just discovered Bish Denham's overused words, so I'm going to be looking more into that. I'm hoping she includes some of my overused words on her list!

Now I'm going to Teresa's :)

Happy Weekend!

Gwen Gardner said...

Hey, I'm #53 to comment - moving up the list:)

Once again, lots of good 411. And I've only seen one of the movies - the Hunger Games. I just don't want to drive over an hour to see anything, lol! I do really want to see the Avengers now - it must be really good.

Carrie-Anne said...

I'm guessing the series with two films in the Top 10 is Star Wars. I haven't seen any of the films that were this years biggest grossers, since I don't go to the movies very often and prefer to stick to silents and early sound films.

There are some classic films it would be interesting to see remade, but a lot of them probably wouldn't make it in the modern era. Take a silent classic like Way Down East or Tess of the Storm Country. They'd never work in the 21st century, because it's no longer a scandal to have a child out of wedlock, or to be "suspected" of that "crime." Perhaps it would be interesting to see some of the earliest full-length features remade, now that cameras no longer have to be so static.

Nancy Thompson said...

Another great interview, Alex. And I've only seen one of those flicks so far. There are soapy movies that could use a do over but I'm more in favor of originality. There are so many books that should be adapted.

Empty Nest Insider said...

I remember your Erin Gray from Silver Spoons. I'll have to check out Bish's list! Love Lee's trailer! Julie

Belle Wong said...

I'd like to see a remake of Buck Rogers, too, Alex. So which is the one movie from the list you haven't seen? I don't go to the movies very often, so will likely be watching some of these on DVD.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Matthew, I have lists for the lists if you like!

Budd, they should. Never was a fan. Of course, I was much too old for the film when it came out.

Carol, her list is great.

Gwen, best movie of the year!

Carrie-Anne, not Star Wars. And some of those earlier movies they'd really have to update to work.

Bella, the one I haven't seen is Hunger Games. And a Buck Rogers remake would be perfect. The character has been around forever.

Karen Baldwin said...

I'd like to see a remake of the Ten Commandments.

N. R. Williams said...

Hi Alex
My guess on the movies is a cartoon genre series like Batman or Spiderman, but I don't know for sure.

I don't know which movie should be re-made. Some classics should stay classic.
Nancy

Juliana Haygert said...

Congrats on being this Friday’s Interesting People!
Oh, a writer's retreat, that would be awesome!

StratPlayerCJF said...

@Alex: LOL! Only a writer would slip and say 'Faulkner' for Peter Falk.

Now I've got the sound of "A Fable" being read by Detective Columbo in my head...

;^)

Andrew Leon said...

That would be Harry Potter, although I'm forgetting which two, at the moment.

Hmm... they're doing The Lone Ranger, already, so I don't need to mention that one.
You know what I'd actually like to see become a movie, and they did try this once, so, technically, it would be a re-boot: Marvel's Dr. Strange. There could be such a great movie with that character if it was done right.

Does this count as a reminder about part 3?

Carrie Butler said...

Hmm...

I want to see them remake Batteries Not Included as a Pixar film. ;) Have a great weekend, Alex!

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Saw three: Hunger Games, Avengers and Batman. All three were great but HG was my favourite, probably because I'm a girl (!)
Seriously, though, the BEST movie I saw this summer was Hope Springs with Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones. Me and hubby laughed our BUTTS off. So hilarious.
And yeah, why hasn't Cassa been on the big screen yet? What's WITH those Hollywood hobos?

Miranda Hardy said...

Buck Rogers would be awesome. I'm thinking it's time for an updated Tarzan. Lol

TS Hendrik said...

Something tells me it's not Grease and Grease II in the top grossing...

I'd love to see Forbidden Planet remade. I love the original dearly, but part of me wonders what it would be like with better effects. I still want the campiness though, oh my yes.

And I second a theatrical treatment for your books. Goes right along with what I was saying today.

M Pax said...

I haven't seen any of those movies. Sad, huh? They should have just titled Total Recall something else. The remakes are annoying. Although I wouldn't mind seeing a remake of Emma or Persausion. There can never be enough Jane Austen.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Leigh, now that's an old one!

Nancy, you would think, but no.

Chris, it was early...

Andrew, believe it or not, no!
And yes, it counts.

Carrie, now that might actually be cute.

Cathy, we need to get on those hobos!

Miranda - Tarzan! Good selections.

TS, that something telling you was right. And thanks. Would be so awesome to see my books as films.

Ink in the Book said...

Call me crazy or boring, but I loved Heidi as a kid and I collected old Heidi books and have too many to count on my bookshelves. For Sci-fi remakes? Lost in Space!!

Lovely book trailer!

It's astounding at how much money movies bring in. Yea, I guess I could handle my book turned into a movie...

Lauren said...

I've seen two of the top-grossing movies this year. The rest I'm not so interested in (Ice Age 4?? How is that franchise still going?)

Sometime in the next 30-40 years I'd like to see a retelling of the Star Wars movies. Not a reboot exactly, but a retelling. Maybe after George Lucas dies, so he can't be involved. ;)

The Angry Lurker said...

I've only seen the top two of that list and is it Star Wars!

Maurice Mitchell said...

I've seen six and forgot about Ice Age. Oddly enough I put them in about the same order. Visited both Bish and Teresa!
I know their working on a Logan's Run remake. It could be good.

VikLit said...

Great links, thanks.

My guess would be Pirates or Star Wars.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely loved Buck Rogers and would definitely watch a remake!

I did really enjoy the Star Trek remake and am pleased they are making a second one. I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Angela Brown said...

I'm not too surprised about Ice Age 4's ranking. It's a kid movie and kids can drive parents to the theater. I've seen two of the movies on that list. My daughter's seen 4 of them, two with me and two with her father.

I'm not really interested in a remake. I'd really like for Hollywood to recognize some of the writing talent out there and go for it. I saw the movie poster for Life of Pi. Haven't read the book but it will be interesting to see what the movie adaptation is like.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ink, Lost in Space is a good candidate.

Lauren, your selection made me laugh! Yes, keep Lucas out of it.

Maurice, that one could be good.

VikLit, the first one is correct!

Rebecca, same here.

Angela, the trailer is sure unique.

Christine Rains said...

Buck Rogers is a good choice. And I can't believe Ice Age 4 made that much. And Madagascar 3? There needs to be some better children's movies out there.

DMS said...

I have see 2 out of the 7 movies! Not that many I guess. I would like to see Watcher in the Woods remade- although the reamke may not be as good and creepy as the original.

I love the trailer for Lee's book! It is awesome. Loved all the good news and congrats to you! :)
~Jess

Huntress said...

I'll skip the trivia questions (my mind is mush today) but can't let the 'cheesy as hell' comment go.

I loved Star Wars. Everything about it and the sequels were a marvel. But now? *shiver*

I blame all the knock offs. And Spaceballs. Well especially Spaceballs, LOL. That show ruined Star Wars for me. I'm always looking for the Swartz to make an entrance.

Brinda said...

I thought Buck Rogers was a tv series. That tells you how bad my memory has gotten!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'd love to see CassaFire as a movie!! That would be awesome. Well, both books as movies would be awesome, but I loved the romance in Fire (I'm such a girl! hehehe).

And, cough, I've only seen The Avengers so far... oops. I'm a bit behind on my movie watching.

Andrew Leon said...

Oh, it's Pirates! I was looking at a list not all that long ago that had 2 Harry Potters on it, but I may have been looking at a domestic list rather than an international list. Still, HP has 5 of the top 20 slots, and Dark Knight Rises did not make the top 20.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

If your stories get filmed that would be amazing, and I would be so happy for you. I'm a believer and I think that someday we'll all witness your break into the film industry. :)

The Avengers certainly deserves to be the blockbuster of all blockbusters!

Susan Oloier said...

I've only seen Madagascar 3.
I think Hollywood needs to seek more creative and original screenwriters instead of remaking movies. There are plenty of those writers out there who need work.

Morgan said...

You definitely fit the category of "interesting" !!!

Golden Eagle said...

I've seen zero. It surprises me Madagascar 3 and Ice Age are on the list, though!

That's a great trailer.

klahanie said...

Hey Alex,
So much information on here. All good and informative. And today, I'm leaving a short comment. Sorry about that.
Of course you're an interesting person. Even if it's only one day of the year, that's one day more than me.
Gary

Karen Elizabeth Brown said...

I've seen Hunger Games and am reading the books to see what else happens. So far, I've read into the second book. No spoilers!

Since you inspire me, I decided to tag you in a post today. Stop over and check it out when you have time!

Sherry Ellis said...

Congratulations on being an interesting person! I'll stop by to visit Teresa. And yes, they should make a movie from your books. That'll give them something new to remake in 20 years!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I've watched that cheesey Buck Rogers film too. I'd be good with that remake.
I'm guessing the Batman series has two of the highest earning movies.

Unknown said...

A lot of good movies in that list Alex. I have seen most of them. Still haven't watched the Hunger Games yet, but will soon.
Would the series be Lord of the Rings?

Lisa Regan said...

I am generally against remakes which is ironic cause apparently some of my favorite movies are remakes of older movies that I never saw. But how fun would a Buck Rogers remake be?! great choice!

SC Author said...

You DID blog about remakes too! :) and I'm guessing..... Harry Potter? Just because I love it :)

Anonymous said...

Not surprised The Avengers is number one, but you're right... Ice Age 4 is still bringing it ... wow.

LD Masterson said...

Hey, I'm doing pretty good - I've seen 5 of the 7. And thanks for the link to Bish's blog.

I never like re-makes. If I liked the movie the first time, I don't want to see different actors in the roles. If I didn't like it the first time...well, why would I care.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks for the Ninja news, Alex... a lot is certainly happening this coming week.

I have an opinion about remakes. Over 90 percent of the time the ORIGINALS are SO much better. SO why do a remake?

There are millions of story written that are fresh and NEW ... why not make one of those into a film?

Of course there are a very few exceptions where the remake is awesome... but in these rare cases it's usually a remake from a much earlier film like from the thirties or forties.

Old Kitty said...

Hooorah!! I'm you 100th comment-er after the spammy one above! LOL!!!

Erin Grey is a Goddess!!!

What film would I like remade!?! None! I totally detest remakes!! I do not see the point!! Grrrr! Note to self: stay away from the coffee..!

LOL! Take care
x

Misha Gerrick said...

Hmmm.... I think the answer to your trivia question is Lord of the Rings.

Seen three of the big earners. Not doing Ice Age, since the one before was already a stretch to my patience. MiB3 I still want to watch and Madagascar 3 I will wait for the dvd.

O_O I have to watch The Dark Knight Rises this weekend before my cinema stops showing it.

mooderino said...

I'd like to see a remake of Godfather 3.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Christine, Madagascar was good, Ice Age not so good.

Jess, I remember that movie.

Huntress, I liked Spaceballs.

Brinda, it was! The movie came out in the theaters and then was the pilot for the series.

Lynda, I'll take either!

Andrew, it's Pirates. And Dark Knight Rises is still making money...

George, thank you!

Golden, I guess because they are kid's movies and a series.

Gary, you are interesting!!

Thanks, Karen.

Sherry, that's funny!

Susan, not yet!

CM, it SHOULD be!

Thanks, Lisa!

SC, nope.

LD, excellent point!

Michael, so many fresh ideas waiting...

Kitty, you always make me laugh. And yes, Erin is awesome.

Misha, skip the Ice Age. Trust me.

Moody, yeah the third one wasn't very good, was it?

Mina Burrows said...

Buck Rogers would be a good one.

What about the good the bad and the ugly? They haven't done that one, have they?

Love the overused word list. Thx.

Tara Tyler said...

buck rogers could be an awesome remake!

i saw four of the seven, agree, ice age? really?

star wars? harry potter? pirates of the caribbean? i'm sure there are more...

but i dont think its fair to say "of all time" when ticket prices have doubled or tripled lately...they should do a count of tickets sold...

Author A.O. Peart said...

Lots and lots goodness here today, as always.
I love c.Lew's book trailer. I'm getting Alligators Iverhead for my son (BTW his name is also Alex).

I'm not into movie remakes. Thank god nobody came up with the idea of "remaking" old books :-)

I just saw Hunger Games on DVD and loved it. I was afraid it won't follow the book closely, as many movies do. But it did, most likely because Suzanne Collins wrote the script and was one of the executive producers.

Author A.O. Peart said...

Argh! Sorry, C. Lee. Typing on iPhone is not a good idea.

Andrew Leon said...

Not enough to matter at this point. Just like Avengers is highly unlikely to cross the 1.5b mark. Unless... it may not have opened in Japan yet. I know there was going to be a huge delay there. I'll have to check on that. If Avengers hasn't opened in Japan, it could still have a huge surge.

RaveAir said...

I was wondering about your question about the movie remaking. My choice is The league of extraordinary gentlemen.

Leovi said...

Yes, you're right, I'm looking forward to seeing your film saga.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mina, who would replace Clint?

Tara, when they adjust for inflation, the top movies really change. And yes, Pirates is the answer.

Angela, your son's name rocks!

Andrew, no idea about Japan. Don't think it will make much more though.

Zoltan, that one could work!

cleemckenzie said...

So you're the interesting person! I'll have to go and read about you at Teresa's.

Have to make a stop at Bish's, too to find out about those words.

Based on the figures about movie money-makers, I'm going to start filming and stop writing. If Ice Age can make $800 million I'm onto film making.

Thanks for putting the trailer up for Alligators Overhead. Really appreciated that a lot.

See you at Journaling Woman

Anonymous said...

Hi, Alex! Lots of interesting news to share.

Don't go to the movies, so won't see any of them until they come out on DVD or TV.

Yolanda Renée said...

Loved the trailer!

Have not seen any of these movies, I'll wait for the video.

Ice Age movies are successful because they draw in all ages. Sometimes you just want to be calmly entertained! No shooting, no screaming, no monsters, no political commentary -- pure make-believe.

RaShelle Workman said...

Alex, my friend, you are interesting every day. Also I think your books would make for some amazing movie action. They should call your publisher.

As for the biggest movie moneymakers, I've seen three. But at some point I will see them all.

Have a great weekend. =)

Charmaine Clancy said...

I love the sound of Alligators Overhead, can't wait to read it! Awesome trailer.

Helen Ginger said...

Madagascar and Ice Age both surprised me. 'Course that could be because my kids are well past the target audience of both movies.

Maryannwrites said...

I've seen three of the movies, and I really liked the Ice Age movies. Maybe because they reminded me so much of the Saturday morning cartoons when I was a kid. I grew up long before Speed Racer. LOL

Thanks for the link to those overused words. I just got a ms back from an editor who pointed out one or two of my favorite words. Thanks God for editors.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Alligators Overhead trailer floored me. It was extremely good and had me enthralled. With your movie list I saw Hunger Games and Avengers.

The movie I want remade is Darkman. Liam Neeson did an excellent job in the 1990's version. I'd love to see how it would be done in the new millenium.

Martin Willoughby said...

I'd love to see a Buck Rogers remake. How about Daniel Craig in the lead role?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, that's how I feel about it - I'm in the wring business! And you're welcome. Sorry I didn't have it up last week.

Thanks RaShelle.

Helen, I've seen both and I don't have kids - what does that say about me?

Maryann, hope I can catch most of mine before my critique partners see it.

Sheena, only if Raimi still directs.

Martin, throw in Kate Beckinsale as Wilma and we'll have a winner!

Anonymous said...

Forget the remakes -- let's have some new material: CASSASTAR!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. I haven't made any Hollywood person a cent richer .. as I 'ain't' seen none of 'dem fillums ... but I will be a-popping over to say hi to Teresa and your goodself .. and congratulations to the others ...

Enjoy the week ahead .. cheers Hilary

Kristin Rae said...

Wow, looks like The Avengers is quite popular! I've seen four of those. I wanted to see MIB3 but I totally forgot about it! Looks like I'll have to rent it!

Birgit said...

I am lacking in seeing movies in the theatre which I use to do regularly. In answer to your question. I believe it is the original Star Wars and the Empire Strikes Back. I recall that if one would place the dollar prices of today to the films from years gone by, Gone With the Wind still would top the list. It was in one movie theatre for over 3 yrs. What was surprising was The Jungle Book was in the top five along with The Sound Of Music. Star Wars was in the top 5. Now this list i saw was way before silly Titanic of Avatar (ick-Special Effects-Brilliant-plot-any B Western will do):)

Nicole said...

I'm in the camp of "let's make some new movies, please!" My guess for the top series would be Star Wars, too.

Southpaw said...

So Alex, who would you cast in your movie?

Melissa said...

I used to watch Buck, too. But my crush wasn't on Erin. LOL :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Milo, I'm all for that!

Kristin, it's better than the second one.

Birgit, the adjusted list is very different...

Southpaw, I don't know! I've never nailed down an actor who could play Byron.

Anonymous said...

The alligator book trailer is adorable. Well done!

I agree with you: Hollywood needs to get its Creative on and stop remaking every film. Is it just me but watching a movie when I know the plot is just kind of boring, regardless of the quality of the remake.

Leovi said...

I have not seen any of the 7 million dollar movies, I'm not going to the movies lately. Greetings.

Julie Musil said...

I totally agree about movies. Why not come up with something original? Oy. I notice that most of the top ten money makers appealed to the younger crowd. Parents like movies we can take our kids to!

Saumya said...

Going over to check out Teresa's post!! I'd love to see your books as movies :) Who would you cast? Why do I feel like Kate Beckinsale is an option? ;)

Unknown said...

I've seen only two of the movies in the top seven. I thought there were a couple of Toy Story movies up there, but I'm pretty sure to be wrong. Movie trivia is not my strong point.

The trailer for Alligators Overhead was so cool! I'm glad I stopped and watched it.

Ella said...

Congrats on being interesting! We already knew that, lol

Great trailer, so glad it finally worked~

I sure wish they would stop remaking everything. They better not ruin Blade Runner...
What about 2001: A Space Odyssey
except we call it 3001 ;D

Jeremy Bates said...

Hey, Alex. I have seen 5 of those flicks thus far. I saw "Total Recall" the other day and gave it 2.5 stars. Just not that good. The action (and there was plenty of it) overshadowed the story.

As for movies, I'd love to see remade, have you ever heard of "Panic in the Year Zero?" It was a 60's or late 50s film which portrayed the typical teenage hoodlums versus a nuclear family. Done right, it could be a smash hit.

Cheers!

Cally Jackson said...

That book trailer is awesome. One of the best I've seen!

Of the top movies for this year, I've only seen one - The Hunger Games - which I really enjoyed.

As for the trivia question, I'm going to guess Star Wars. Or Harry Potter. One of those. :-)

ediFanoB said...

I'm a bit behind with my comment.

I must say I'm not a fan of movie remakes.

Instead I would like to see new movies starring actors who died many years ago like the unforgettable Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple.

I think that should be technically possible.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Julie, and us grown kids like seeing them as well!

Saumya, she would be. A little too old for the role of Athee though. Bummer.

Imogen, I think Toy Story III is one of the top movies.

Ella, how can they not ruin Blade Runner?

Jeremy, I haven't seen it, but I have heard of the film.

Cally, neither!

Jai Joshi said...

I've seen three of the films in your list. The others I have no intention of seeing. As if the original films weren't enough!

Thanks for all the good news and Lee's book trailer. I love book trailers!

Jai