Hollywood Recycles Ideas: Is That a Bad Thing?
Last night, I came across a movie called "Role Play" on Amazon Prime, starring Kaley Cuoco and David Oyelowo. As I read the synopsis, it felt oddly familiar, almost like deja vu. Turns out, it closely resembled "True Lies," the 1994 classic. Let's break it down:
Two-Word Titles: Both movies have two word titles.
Spy Missions: Yep, both start with a spy on a mission.
Dull Home Life: The spies return home to mundane lives.
Marriage Spice-Up: Both couples want to add some zest to their relationships.
Things Go Wrong: Oh yes, they do!
Spy Power Couple: In the end, they kick bad-guy butt together.
So, "Role Play" is basically a 30 years later remix. But wait, Kaley and David don't quite match Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis in star power. And their budget? A modest 20-50 million, nothing compared to the whopping 120 million for "True Lies."
Is it worth watching, or just a rehash?
Tough call. While "Role Play" falls short of its predecessor, it's still a fun ride. Kaley Cuoco makes a more believable spy than Arnold, she blends in better. The family dynamics add charm, especially the line: "You kill people?" (Though the original's response wins the humor award.)
But here's where "Role Play" falters:
Protecting the family. The Berlin trip feels odd, and the showdown with the "evil bad guys" leaves you wondering like seriously, that's all they've got? Grandma-level villains?
What do I have to say about Hollywood recycling movies?
I say go for it! A good story remains a good story. Imagine discovering your spouse's moonlights as an assassin while flipping pancakes for the kids. Hilarious! And that scene where the super spy dons a "naughty nurse" outfit? Priceless.
Sure, "Role Play" lacks F16s demolishing buildings like "True Lies." The bad guys? Just six at a summer retreat, no epic terrorist camps. But hey, it's free on Amazon Prime. Grab popcorn, ignore the flaws, and enjoy a couple of hours. Or revisit "True Lies" if you haven't already.
My rating? A solid 6.5/10. Now, feel free to leave comments. I'm all ears!
Enjoy the movie!
Well, I haven't watched either of the two,I cannot say specifically anything about the two movies. Nevertheless, I believe remixes are different from each other. The actor in the character, the dialogues and monologues, the punch lines and the way they are presented, the scenes and the scenery everything adds to the difference. So watching one is different than watching the other.
But still, remixes save a lot of time for the team working on the film. If they publicly admit and obtain all the necessary permissions, then it might be fine. However, if they are stealing concepts and ideas without permission and without giving credit, that’s another matter.
I agree
@tipu curate
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You are absolutely right, some of these movies are just repetition of previous movies people have most likely forgotten about with slight changes here and there and totally different casts and surroundings. Is it a bad thing ? Well I think that is up to the viewers
It still begs that question about ethical issues, copyright issues, and other concerns.
Recycling and remaking films is completely legitimate, and can, like in the case of The Maltese Falcon (third Hollywood adaptation of the same novel within a decade) result in classics. As for True Lies itself, it was a remake of 1991 French film La Totale!.
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