remakes

John Scalzi has an another list of science fiction movies that he offers up to directors looking for recognizable titles to remake for modern audiences. The last time he did, he listed 80s movies. This time around he's taking a look at films from the 70s. Don't be surprised when he pulls out lists of 60s and 50s movies soon.

I do like that he doesn't automatically go for the most successful movies, but rattles off some pretty awful titles that weren't successful, but had the potential to be good. That follows my remake rule to take something bad and make it better.

And speaking of movies by the decade, Den of Geek compiles a list of science fiction movies by decade to illustrate what styles defined each decade. There are also books and TV series in the mix. You may just find something there that you have never seen before.

Before Scalzi gets to his list of movies from the 50s, how about a book from that decade that has yet to be made into a movie? I'm speaking of Have Spacesuit, Will Travel which is an OK book, but probably doesn't live up to its great title. An indie producer is taking a stab at adapting that Robert Heinlein classic into a movie some time soon.

The 1970s saw lots of good science fiction movies so don't be surprised if Hollywood starts churning out some remakes soon. Here's a list of suggestions.

The list contains some good films, but, as I always like to point out, why not remake a bad movie and make it better. There's certainly a long list to choose from. Unfortunately, that's not accepted wisdom among studio heads because they want to make something with name recognition.

One 70s film which on the remake track again is Logan's Run. Apparently, the project has a new director.

This writer offers up some rules on how to approach a science fiction remake. It's aimed at TV shows that are making a comeback, but I think the rules apply just as well to movie-makers.

How come no one has gone way back to the silent era to plunder science fiction ideas? What about Metropolis? Is it untouchable? It's lasting effect on the genre is impressive.

Not only does Hollywood like to steal old movies for their recognizable titles, they have been doing the same for books forever. One book that science fiction fans had hoped for long time would be adapted as a movie was William Gibson's Neuromancer. There have long been rumours of an impending movie, but it's never happened. Cyberpunk's day may be past, but someone has recently written a screenplay, so we may end up seeing it come to light finally.

With the successful reboots of Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek, V and, to a lesser extent, The Prisoner, you can safely assume that you will see an entire slate of familiar sci-fi shows being remade for a new generation. Cinemetical ponders seven shows that would be decent contenders for an overhaul, while Buzzfeed offers a sillier six for your consideration.

One show that was mentioned that I felt should have been more successful was Earth 2. I'm only disappointed that the show never had a resolution for the marooned characters.

Even Ray Bradbury is eyeing a return to television. Remember his Bradbury Theater series? He's pitching the networks on the idea of a miniseries that would showcase his most famous stories.

For shows that will never even see the light of day, let alone be remade, Sci-Fi Wire recently offered some reviews of some of this year's failed science fiction pilots. It doesn't sound like we missed much.

The thing is, even with the threat of more remakes, there is already a glut of science fiction shows on TV and don't forget about the nascent industry of serial shows on the web. Here is a selection of the best that Canada has to offer.

Which sci-fi show do you think should be rebooted? Vote in our poll.