So I read that Disney plans to remake the 1987 film Adventures in Babysitting, with Raven Symone (of the Disney Channel's "That's So Raven") filling Elisabeth Shue's shoes.
Look, I think most remakes are unnecessary, and contribute heavily to the glut of movie releases. But the way fellow members of my generation have overreacted, you'd think Kevin Costner was remaking Casablanca and playing up the homoeroticism.
The way I see it, things could be much worse. At least we have a teenage actress playing a teenager. And because the producer is not named George Lucas, the original film will still exist. (Though it may soon be locked up in the Disney vault.)
Anyway, I thought this would be a good time to praise the 1987 cast. Elisabeth Shue got an Oscar nomination only 8 years later, for Leaving Las Vegas. Her character's cheating boyfriend -- who had the license plate "SO COOL," grew up to be Bradley Whitford of The West Wing. Her new love interest was George Newbern, from those Father of the Bride, ahem, remakes. Her friend stuck at the bus station was Penelope Ann Miller. And let's not forget the Thor-like mechanic who fixes her car, Vincent D'Onofrio.
Of the kids in the film, Anthony Rapp is best known now, as a cast member of Rent (the original stage production and 2005 movie). I know far less about Keith Coogan and Maia Brewton.
55 Fiction Friday reminds you that this is the second half of my 110-word story. The first half can be found here.
In the meantime, Marc was making the best of the situation. Whether athlete or actor, he’d been a second banana, watching Tim Duncan or Sarah Michelle Gellar get the attention. Even now, he was dating Lauren, but only as her alternative. On a first name basis, he was only two-thirds of who she really wanted.
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5 comments:
That Kevin Costner idea actually sounds pretty good. Marginally better than Nicholas Cage in The Wicker Man remake.
Isn't it cheating to do a multi-part 55 fiction? I'm thinking Anna Karenina could be divided into 55 work blocks.
No more remakes!
The cast of Adventures in Babysitting reminds me of The Outsiders cast -- most of the actors in both films went on to have very successful careers. Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Diane Lane and Emilio Estevez were in the latter film. Leif Garrett too.
Rob: Please tell me you're kidding about the Casablanca remake being a good idea. I almost threw in Demi Moore as Ilsa but thought it would be overkill.
APL: George Newbern? Really? I always assumed that the women, like the men, would be attracted to Elisabeth Shue. That may just be wishful thinking.
Oscar: I think the 55-word halves can stand alone. And there's no rule against connected stories. Some writers make a living that way.
Mystic: Generally, not a big fan of remakes, either. But Disney did a pretty good job with The Parent Trap and Freaky Friday, improving upon the originals, in my opinion.
Tonya: I'm disappointed in you. Leaving out the great C. Thomas Howell! Also, I think the success of the Babysitting cast kinda sneaks up on you, because most have had sustained careers, but none are really movie stars.
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