Film Reboots

Film Reboots is the first edited collection to explore the new millennial phenomenon of rebooting, focusing on remakes, sequels, and series that seek to remake an entire film series or franchise with respectful and revisionary ambitions. It examines notable examples such as Batman, Ghostbusters, and Star Trek and addresses important features of contemporary film and media culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Film Reboots: The New Millennial Phenomenon of Remaking and Remaking
Film reboots have become a significant phenomenon in the new millennium, with a growing number of films and television series being remade or rebooted. This edited collection explores the latest developments in the study of serial formatting practices, remakes, sequels, and series reboots, focusing on the new millennial phenomenon of rebooting. Through a set of vibrant case studies, the collection investigates rebooting as a practice that seeks to remake an entire film series or franchise, with ambitions that are at once respectful and revisionary.

One of the key features of contemporary film and media culture is the prevalence of reboots. Reboots can take many different forms, from a simple retelling of a story to a complete overhaul of a franchise. They can be driven by a variety of factors, including the desire to appeal to a new audience, the need to update the story for modern audiences, or the desire to explore new creative directions.

One of the most notable examples of a film reboot is Batman. The Batman franchise has been rebooted multiple times, with each new iteration bringing a fresh take on the character and his world. The first Batman reboot, directed by Tim Burton, was released in 1989 and was a critical and commercial success. It introduced a new version of Batman, played by Michael Keaton, and a new interpretation of the Batman mythos. The sequel, Batman Returns, was released in 1992 and was also a critical and commercial success.

However, the Batman franchise has also faced criticism for its reboots. Some critics argue that the reboots have been too formulaic and have failed to capture the essence of the original series. Others argue that the reboots have been too dark and violent, and have not been appropriate for younger audiences.

Another notable example of a film reboot is Ghostbusters. The Ghostbusters franchise was rebooted in 2016 with a new cast of actors, including Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, and Kate McKinnon. The reboot was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide. It was praised for its humor, action, and feminist themes.

However, the Ghostbusters reboot has also faced criticism for its portrayal of women. Some critics argue that the film perpetuates stereotypes and that the female characters are not given enough screen time or development. Others argue that the film is too reliant on nostalgia and that it does not offer anything new to the franchise.

Series reboots have also become a popular phenomenon in recent years. Series reboots can take many different forms, from a complete overhaul of a series to a continuation of a series with a new cast of characters. One of the most notable examples of a series reboot is Star Trek. The Star Trek franchise has been rebooted multiple times, with each new iteration bringing a fresh take on the story and the characters. The first Star Trek reboot, directed by J.J. Abrams, was released in 2009 and was a critical and commercial success. It introduced a new version of the Star Trek universe, with a new cast of characters and a new interpretation of the Star Trek mythos.

However, the Star Trek franchise has also faced criticism for its reboots. Some critics argue that the reboots have been too formulaic and have failed to capture the essence of the original series. Others argue that the reboots have been too dark and violent, and have not been appropriate for younger audiences.

In addition to the critical and commercial success of reboots, they have also had a significant impact on the film and media industry. Reboots have helped to revitalize franchises that were struggling to find new audiences, and have also created new opportunities for filmmakers and writers. Reboots have also been used to explore new creative directions and to challenge traditional storytelling conventions.

However, reboots have also been criticized for their negative impact on the film and media industry. Some critics argue that reboots can be a waste of time and resources, and that they can undermine the legacy of the original series. Others argue that reboots can be a form of cultural appropriation, and that they can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and attitudes.

To address these criticisms, filmmakers and writers have been working to create reboots that are respectful and revisionary. Filmmakers have been experimenting with different storytelling techniques and have been working to create characters that are more diverse and complex. Writers have been working to create stories that are more relevant to modern audiences and that explore new creative directions.

One of the challenges that filmmakers and writers face when creating reboots is the need to balance respect for the original series with the need to create a new and exciting story. Filmmakers and writers must be careful not to simply retell the same story or to make changes that are too drastic. Instead, they must find a way to create a new story that is respectful of the original series while also being fresh and exciting.

Another challenge that filmmakers and writers face when creating reboots is the need to appeal to a new audience. Reboots must be able to appeal to a wide range of audiences, including younger audiences, who may not have been familiar with the original series. Filmmakers and writers must be careful not to make changes that are too jarring or that will alienate older audiences.

In conclusion, film reboots have become a significant phenomenon in the new millennium, with a growing number of films and television series being remade or rebooted. This edited collection explores the latest developments in the study of serial formatting practices, remakes, sequels, and series reboots, focusing on the new millennial phenomenon of rebooting. Through a set of vibrant case studies, the collection investigates rebooting as a practice that seeks to remake an entire film series or franchise, with ambitions that are at once respectful and revisionary. While reboots have been criticized for their negative impact on the film and media industry, filmmakers and writers have been working to create reboots that are respectful and revisionary. By experimenting with different storytelling techniques and by finding a way to create a new story that is respectful of the original series while also being fresh and exciting, filmmakers and writers can help to revitalize franchises and create new opportunities for filmmakers and writers.

Weight: 532g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474451369