Reimagining Parents' Least Favorite Films Into Masterpieces

For many of us, the idea of remaking the worst movies ever made into acceptable masterpieces is quite appealing. This article will explore three such films and the changes I would suggest to transform them into more enjoyable and coherent stories. Let's dive into the details of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, The Box (2009), and The Last Airbender.

Refining Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

The film Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, which was based on Ransom Riggs' book, is often criticized for straying from the source material. To improve the film, I would focus on staying truer to the book while making the story more coherent. For instance, I would change the name of the main character Jacob to 'Jake,' keeping it consistent with only certain characters. This would make the character's identity more relatable and authentic. Additionally, I would avoid mixing peculiarities and characters, which often led to confusion and disjointed storytelling. Focusing on Olive, the character who becomes 8 years old for an unspecified reason, would be age inappropriate. Rather than having her suddenly become a love interest to Enoch, I would ensure her character's development aligns with the story's themes and timelines. Enoch should not scare the younger children; instead, he should be portrayed as more of a mentor figure to guide the younger children like Olive and Claire.

Revitalizing The Box (2009)

The film The Box was a twisted thriller, but it went off the rails towards the end. The original concept, much like a The Twilight Zone episode, was intriguing. However, the twist ending, which was a great cliffhanger, was ruined by the film's overzealous desire for a Hollywood-style resolution. To enhance the story, I would create a new ending that stretches the narrative, making the original twist a satisfactory conclusion. A solution that could be used is to introduce a rule where the couple can save one life by pressing a button but another life must be sacrificed. They could choose to put a name into the box, leading to death; otherwise, a stranger would die. Adding drama to the plot, such as the couple visiting a sick mother and discovering their stepfather is poisoning her, would increase the tension. The climax could see the stepfather trying to kill them, leading them to put his name in the box and pressing the button. This would save the mother and lead to the stepfather's demise. The twist would then come with the delivery of the box, potentially leading to even more suspenseful revelations.

Rescuing The Last Airbender

The Last Airbender film adaptation, based on the beloved animated series The Legend of Aang, was a disaster. The movie faced criticism for its wooden acting, 2-dimensional characters, and lack of humor. To improve The Last Airbender, I would emphasize a more fluid and dynamic storytelling approach. The characters' development should align with the original series, preserving the sense of humor and moral lessons. Additionally, focusing on specific areas such as action sequences and character interactions could enhance the overall experience. Unlike the animation, the film could benefit from more engaging character interactions and storytelling that delves into the cultural and historical aspects of the world. A more interactive and immersive narrative could bring the story to life, much like the animated series, making the film a true masterpiece.

These suggestions are just the beginning of what could be done to transform these films. Whether it's staying true to the source material or creating new narratives, the potential for improvement is immense. These changes could make these films more enjoyable and coherent for both original fans and new audiences alike.

Let's keep the conversation going; feel free to share your thoughts on these films or suggest other movies that could be improved. The world of film is ever-evolving, and with every remake, there's always room for improvement.

Stay tuned for more insights into the art of film and storytelling.