In our most recent episode, we introduced a new ongoing segment—SEQUEL, REMAKE OR LEAVE IT ALONE?—in which we debate the need for further installments of that week’s film.
Since the feature is a late addition, we thought we’d retroactively apply the question to the movies discussed in our first six episodes…
GOOD BURGER
Cam: So, Eric, what do you think? Over fifteen years later, do we finally deserve that adaptation of little-known sequel novel, Good Burger 2 Go?
Eric: Hmm…a sequel would undoubtedly be more about Ed’s shenanigans than a plucky little fast food restaurant. Kel Mitchell is fantastic in the role, but I’m not sure how much more the character has to offer. Like the Good Burger itself, I think the movie should be LEFT ALONE.
C: Well, a Kenan and Kel reunion should happen no matter what, but why stop at Good Burger? Now, this might be a little ambitious, but how about an All That reunion film, with a narrative incorporating all the characters from the sketches? Now that’s a shared universe I can get behind. Consider this a vote for a SEQUEL of sorts.
SPAWN
E: Ok, this was one where we saw a lot of room for improvement - in the story, the cast, and especially the visual effects. I think we even brought up the idea of a remake, right?
C: Yeah, we touched on that a little bit, but I actually think a STANDALONE SEQUEL could work pretty well (a la The Wolverine). As I mentioned in the podcast, Michael Jai White could still do the role justice, and with today’s technology, they could really make it visually awesome. Add it to the list of projects Guillermo del Toro is perfect for but will probably never get to.
E: I’m all for a REMAKE, or perhaps more accurately, a REBOOT. There is so much cool stuff in the Spawn universe that the audiences flocking to Marvel and DC’s films would (finally) appreciate. If a talking mercenary raccoon can become a beloved icon overnight, why can’t we do the same for Spawn? (Personally, I would rather see del Toro’s third Hellboy movie, but that’s just me.)
C: I think we both can agree Hellboy 3 needs to be made.
FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST
C: And no, Avatar doesn’t count as a remake. And actually, there was a direct-to-video sequel that I never saw, but the question still stands: do we need more FernGully?
E: So much has changed since FernGully indoctrinated an entire generation of little environmentalists, but “Save the planet” tends to be a common message in animated children’s films. It would have to be a pretty special script to surpass something like, say, Wall-E - and it could easily become something deathly bland like Epic. Plus I just love the way that FernGully is so of its time, strident themes and all. LEAVE IT ALONE.
C: Agreed. A remake, which would undoubtedly be CGI, would also ironically risk looking like a knockoff of the much more popular Avatar anyways. FernGully has a perfectly nice ending. It’s self-contained enough to be LEFT ALONE.
E: Damn you, James Cameron!
THE MASK
C: I mean, where do you go after Son of the Mask? I’m gonna go with REBOOT on this one, simply because I’d be curious to see a more source-accurate adaptation of the darker comics, where the “Big Head” character is more of a deranged sociopath. If I had to cast off the top of my head, I’d go with Keegan-Michael Key of “Key and Peele,” who could totally bring the necessary combination of disturbing mania and rubber-faced physical comedy.
E: How about a retconned SEQUEL? I love the idea of Key in the Mask, but it might be interesting to see how Stanley Ipkiss’ life turned out after resisting its powers. Maybe the edgier “Big Head” is the antagonist at the end of the second act, and Stanley is the only person who truly understands what is going on. But I’ll be honest - I’d also be satisfied with a brief Jim Carrey cameo.
C: You know I’m a Carrey fanboy, but I’ll wait to see how Dumb and Dumber To fares before asking for another decades-later sequel to a beloved Jim Carrey classic.
NOW AND THEN
E: So many recasting possibilities, but do they even make this type of movie anymore? It’s similar to The Sandlot in its meandering pace and high volume of scenes that simply color in the details of its characters. It’s all about hanging out in a specific place and time, which also applies to the commercial climate in which it was created. It’s not a perfect film, but I’m fine LEAVING IT ALONE.
C: I don’t feel the need to revisit the same characters, but Now and Then: The Next Generation? If the “Then” portion of the film was set in the 90’s and featured an equally nostalgia-inducing soundtrack of awesome tunes from my own childhood, I’m there. SPIRITUAL SEQUEL? Sure.
E: Kids these days just ain’t into seances and Tony Orlando songs, Cam; all they care about are their magical traveling pants.
LITTLE GIANTS
C: Like Now and Then, this one already has a cross-generational thread built into the story with the O’Shea brothers’ childhood feud playing out as adults, but I’m not so sure I have much interest in seeing what Icebox’s kids are up to these days. And I don’t know what a remake could bring to the table to match let alone improve upon the original. I say LEAVE IT BE.
E: I’m kind of surprised that Little Giants doesn’t already have a direct-to-video sequel. I’ll gladly drive the SEQUEL bandwagon, though - you just know that Icebox and Devon Sawa’s character would have produced a gaggle of photogenic kids. In fact, make Icebox the new coach. It could actually be a timely commentary on gender in youth sports. If a teenage girl can make the cover of Sports Illustrated after baffling batters in the Little League World Series, then we’re ready for a lady to give us an insider’s view of a traditionally masculine pursuit.
C: Alright, you’ve convinced me. SEQUEL. The world needs a Lady Giants movie!
Have we convinced YOU, the readers/listeners? Do you agree or disagree with our suggestions? Leave us your thoughts in the comments. And don’t forget to tune in next Friday for our latest episode!
