TOTO, I HAVE A FEELING WE’RE GOING

BACK TO KANSAS!!

On Thursday, September 23, in conjunction with the 70th Anniversary of the MGM’s Wizard of Oz, theaters across the country presented a gorgeously restored print of the now iconic film, with DVD’s of it to hit store shelves on Tuesday, September 29th. The film actually premiered on August 15th, 1939 so I ask myself why it wasn’t done then, but that’s just me I guess. It would have meant more, I suppose is all.

Anyway, the real big news to come out of all this is the fact that MGM, in its infinite wisdom (or lack of new ideas, I’m not sure which) has decided a remake is in order.  Of course, no details of the plot for this remake have been officially released by the studio, only that MGM has reported the story line would be updated to reflect a modern philosophy, eliminating the hope and wonder that the classic film embodied. “We live in a different time than they did then. We live in economic uncertainty and war, which were something they did not have to deal with back then.” “The new film will reflect our times while still speaking with the voice the original sang so beautifully with.” So, MY question is, why do we need a classic film to remind us of all this?

Rumors have already begun as to who will play Dorothy, with names like Natalie Portman, Zooey Deschanel, Selma Blair and Ellen Page topping the list.  I’m more interested to whom they will fill the supporting cast with.  I’m also interested to see just how much of a mockery this retooled adaptation is going to be to the original.  I guess only time will tell.  I’m just hoping this is all just a bad dream, but the film is scheduled for a Summer 2010 release.

What is YOUR take on all this?  Do you think it’s a good idea?  Do you care?

Let me know!

And, Until Next Time…

I AM…

Michael Queenstown

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