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''Manchurian'' and more: What's your take on remakes? | 124435__manchurian_l
THE RIGHT 'CANDIDATE' Does the ''Manchurian'' remake starring Washington (center) live up to the original?
Manchurian Candidate: Ken Regan/Camera 5
By Liane Bonin
Liane Bonin
Liane Bonin is a senior writer for EW.com

If Denzel Washington's ''The Manchurian Candidate'' (opening July 30) seems familiar, it should -- it's a remake of a controversial 1962 film starring Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansbury. And while imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, don't tell that to Lansbury, who complained to Entertainment Weekly in June, '' I'm so sorry they had to mess with something that was so perfect.''

She'd better get used to it. Remakes of many other beloved films are in the works. A do-over of Burt Reynolds' 1974 gridiron comedy ''The Longest Yard,'' starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock, hits theaters May 27, 2005. The 1971 kids classic ''Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'' is getting a fresh candy coating from director Tim Burton; due in theaters July 15, 2005, the new version, titled ''Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,'' stars Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka, a role made famous by Gene Wilder. And Steve Martin is stepping into Peter Sellers' bumbling shoes in a remake of the 1963 spy comedy ''The Pink Panther,'' which will flail into theaters July 22, 2005.

Do you think these films or any other favorites need to be remade? Is there a film that should be considered off-limits for remaking? And is there any remake you've loved more than the original? Talk about it here.


Posted Jul 26, 2004 | Order Article Reprints
 

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