In an era where superhero movies and jump-scare horror rule the big screens, it is inevitable to miss the feel-good, nostalgia-inducing golden comedies that had the entire family rolling on the floor. Remember when we all held our breath as Marv (Daniel Stern), one of the Wet Bandits duo, finally broke into Kevin McCallister’s (Macaulay Culkin) parent’s home? Or when we almost snorted through our noses as the Wet Bandits fell through the slippery stairs, out of windows, onto the cold, unforgiving ground.
While Spiderman: Homecoming and Halloween are excellent reboots, packed with action and steamy bits of nostalgic goodness, there is still room for a sassy antagonist like Snowbell (Nathan Lane) or a determined conman filled with rage like Harry Lyme (Joe Pesci) from the Wet Bandits/Sticky Bandits. No dinosaurs or flying carpets can fill the gaping hole left behind by family comedy classics like Stuart Little or Home Alone. While the world doesn’t need an excuse to bring back these hits, here are three reasons filmmakers should explore the possibility of giving us a modern-day Kevin McCallister and an advanced CGI Stuart Little (Micheal J. Fox).
The Scarcity of Modern Comedy Films Can Begin To Fill Up
When was the last time a movie made you crack up so hard that your stomach hurt? It’s almost like we’re living in a comedic drought where no movie even comes close to the treasure trove of hilarity that was the 90s Hollywood scene. The closest Hollywood has come to a popcorn-spilling, belly-aching laugh is with the release of The Banshees of Inisherin.
But even the comedy-drama doesn’t hold a candle to classic family comedies like the Home Alone series. It is high time that Hollywood producers dig into the archives of vintage comedic gold and give life to them. Fans of family comedy deserve no less.
Revisiting Existing Franchises Has Become a Thing in Hollywood, so Why Not Childhood Comedy Classics?
Hollywood has been on a reboot bender — throwing back to everything from superhero sagas like Spider-Man (we still love Peter Parker) to the endless parade of Star Wars and even live-action spins on animated icons like Aladdin and The Lion King. And guess what? They’ve been raking in the big bucks and selling out shows one after the other. Revisiting proven hit films with a massive fanbase and a modern twist is a recipe for success.
So what’s stopping filmmakers from applying the same lucky formula to comedic gems from the 90s and early 00s? Imagine the shenanigans that would unfold in a modern-day Home Alone — with a tech-savvy kid in a smart home powered by Alexa taking on burglars with YouTube pranks. Or Stuart Little, the charming little mouse with a big heart as he navigates the wild ride of today’s bustling urban settings — possibly struggling with self-checkout at the grocery store for the first time. The potential for hilarity and heart is off the charts!
Watch Home Sweet Home Alone on Disney+
How Stuart Little Can Particularly Stand Out in Today’s Cinematic Landscape
The CGI game has changed heaps since the 90s. If Stuart Little was reimagined in today’s age, there is no question about the crazy special effects that would leave audiences wondering whether it was a real mouse in the film after all. Even Snowbell would have a range of playful expressions and a better audio sync with the voice actor. If the 90s cat-and-mouse duo were oozing with cuteness, can you imagine what a 2024 reboot would add to their charm?
Oscar-nominated Stuart Little wasn’t just about the laughs; it packed a serious emotional punch with themes of family, acceptance, and courage. With today’s diverse cinematic landscape, Stuart’s story about finding his place in the world could resonate on new levels with the young audience — dealing with identity issues while belonging to a complex social structure. It’s a rich plot waiting to be retold with a present-day twist that audiences will not only relate to but also root for.
Stuart Little and Home Alone aren’t just films; they are tickets to creating unforgettable memories and laughing like there’s no tomorrow. Hollywood sits on a gem that would instantly rock the box office and introduce an entirely new generation to the lives of the Little family and McCallisters. We can’t wait to see who will seize this opportunity first.
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