NEW FRANCHISE, OR FAN-DESPISE?

 

 With the latest incarnation of Frank Herbert's Space Opera 'Dune' being released to the Big Screen (FINALLY!) opinions vary as to how well this most recent edition of Hollywood's Reboot Mania will stand the test of time! 'We've danced this Waltz a thousand time!' stated Mr. Bombstien, perennial fan-boy & self appointed expert on everything. 'The Money Men take some timeless classic which they somehow convince themselves they can do better, then make a high-budget flic with virtually no connection to the source material! Have we learned NOTHING from 'I Am Legend'???"

 Now many Sci/Fi Buffs feel that in this case (opinions on 'Dune' 84 being what they are) the stakes are not high. That being said, with Hollywood's almost intentional talent for flubbing Vintage Sci/Fi, you can't really blame folks for being cautious. 'I remember YEARS ago when I heard they were doing a remake of 'War of the Worlds' I was euphoric' stated a self titled Long Term Sci/Fi Expert who wished to remain anonymous 'afterwards, not so much! Likewise with 'The Time Machine', 'Journey To The Center of the Earth', 'Land of the Lost' & the American 'Godzilla'! (98, of course!)'

 Yet there are many factors in the case of this Franchise-to-be which do give many film goers a sense of optimism! A stellar cast, highly capable production team & a more than generous budget... it would stand to reason that the flic has enough going for it to be a major success! But then, countless over films had all of these advantages, and flopped! And the one question still remains, 'What is up with Feyd Rautha???'.

by Thrashpondo Pons

Gamilon Staff Writer