What were they thinking?! (Syfy reboot discussion)

[CrazyGirl17]

So, how many people are familiar with "The Banana Splits"? You know, that cheesy kid's show from the late 70s? Well, apparently there's going to be a Tv movie coming out... one done by the Syfy channel as a gory horror flick. Don't believe me? Here's the trailer:


All I can say is: who thought this was a good idea?! Apparently, they're taking ideas for a "Five Nights at Freddy's" movie, which wouldn't be too bad... if they didn't use something like the Banana Splits!

Now, I have no real attachment to this show, to be honest I don't care for much of Hanna-Barbera's output. I'm not opposed to somewhat darker takes on their series... but this feels like going a step too far...

 

[Abomination]

I mean, a kids show in the 70s would mean people who were about 4-8 then, so they'd be in their... 50s now?

Methinks they've forgotten most of their childhood by then. As always, reserving judgement until release and reviews. Then again its SyFy so I doubt they'll be able to complete the 3rd act of the film and will release as is, ending on a cliffhanger.

 

[Fieldy409_v1legacy]

I don't know why they can't they just invent a new IP instead of doing this. I guess a few people will pay attention because of this but a lot of those old people will probably be offended instead of fans. I suppose they get attention.

 

[Worgen]

Well, its really weird that this looks like its a thing.

 

[Agema]

All I can say is: who thought this was a good idea?!

Someone's who's observed the success of the dark reboots of Archie Comics and Sabrina the Teeange Witch.

As one leads, so others follow.

Presumably someone thinks there's enough of a residual interest in the Banana Splits (I have no idea who or what they are, personally) that it'll be an easier sell than fresh IP. Of course, likely part of the selling point is the deliberate subversion of the previously child-friendly material.

 

[Thaluikhain]

I don't know why they can't they just invent a new IP instead of doing this.

I'm led to believe that if it's an IP you've already heard of, even vaguely, that's like free marketing right there.

 

[Squilookle]

I don't know why they can't they just invent a new IP instead of doing this.

I'm led to believe that if it's an IP you've already heard of, even vaguely, that's like free marketing right there.

Yeah but existing IPs bring their own baggage and expectations too. A lot of shitty sequels/reboots would have been just fine if they were just new stories. The recent Robin Hood movies certainly come to mind.

 

[Silentpony_v1legacy]

well they did cancel the FNAF movie, so I guess this is as good as it gets? And isn't that a depressing statement

 

[Agema]

Yeah but existing IPs bring their own baggage and expectations too. A lot of shitty sequels/reboots would have been just fine if they were just new stories. The recent Robin Hood movies certainly come to mind.

I think in many ways a radical change in direction for a reboot is safer than a new version of the same old. Viewers don't tune into Riverdale expecting the cosy 50's vibe of Archie Comics, so a comparison is essentially null and void due to the completely different ethos behind the show... and yet still allowing some play off the original IP.

The fundamental problem with things like the new Robin Hood movies is just that they are shite: bargain basement cash-ins on an established style that managed to put bums on seats in the past.

 

[Squilookle]

The fundamental problem with things like the new Robin Hood movies is just that they are shite: bargain basement cash-ins on an established style that managed to put bums on seats in the past.

I'd say it's completely the opposite. They completely ditch the established style in favour of a completely new format- whether repelling an invasion of England in the Russel Crowe one or a lightning fast almost Steampunk version with Taron Egerton. Either of these movies could have done fine if they were just marketed as the different stories they were. Instead they tried to get some cheap sales by slapping a label on it people would recognise, not realising that label also comes with expectations they had no concept of fulfilling.

Also correct me if I'm wrong but I thought this thread was about movie reboots. With TV it's totally different, and fresh takes tend to do extremely well, like adapting Treasure Island into Black Sails, or Battlestar Galactica for example.

 

[CrazyGirl17]

As always, reserving judgement until release and reviews. Then again its SyFy so I doubt they'll be able to complete the 3rd act of the film and will release as is, ending on a cliffhanger.

Honestly, I don't care for the Syfy channel's output anymore. Especially their reliance on cheap monster movies. I know the phrase "so bad it's good" is a thing, but is a little quality over quality too much to ask for?

Someone's who's observed the success of the dark reboots of Archie Comics and Sabrina the Teeange Witch.

As one leads, so others follow.

Presumably someone thinks there's enough of a residual interest in the Banana Splits (I have no idea who or what they are, personally) that it'll be an easier sell than fresh IP. Of course, likely part of the selling point is the deliberate subversion of the previously child-friendly material.

I admit that I'm not opposed to darker takes on kid's media, though my tastes tend to operate on a case-by-case basis. And this case in particular baffles me. Especially since I don't know how many people remember this show...

Also correct me if I'm wrong but I thought this thread was about movie reboots. With TV it's totally different, and fresh takes tend to do extremely well, like adapting Treasure Island into Black Sails, or Battlestar Galactica for example.

The original intention of the thread was to talk about the upcoming Banana Splits movie... but if you want to discuss other reboots than have at it, I don't mind.

 

[Fieldy409_v1legacy]

I don't know why they can't they just invent a new IP instead of doing this.

I'm led to believe that if it's an IP you've already heard of, even vaguely, that's like free marketing right there.

Yeah but existing IPs bring their own baggage and expectations too. A lot of shitty sequels/reboots would have been just fine if they were just new stories. The recent Robin Hood movies certainly come to mind.

They get attention. But I think there's a difference between good marketing and attention.

 

[Seanchaidh]

I don't know why they can't they just invent a new IP instead of doing this.

I'm led to believe that if it's an IP you've already heard of, even vaguely, that's like free marketing right there.

Yeah but existing IPs bring their own baggage and expectations too. A lot of shitty sequels/reboots would have been just fine if they were just new stories. The recent Robin Hood movies certainly come to mind.

A lot of shitty sequels and reboots make bank anyway. These decisions aren't made by artists.

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Honestly, this looks like the best thing that could come out of this idea especially considering Syfy is making it.

 

[Squilookle]

I don't know why they can't they just invent a new IP instead of doing this.

I'm led to believe that if it's an IP you've already heard of, even vaguely, that's like free marketing right there.

Yeah but existing IPs bring their own baggage and expectations too. A lot of shitty sequels/reboots would have been just fine if they were just new stories. The recent Robin Hood movies certainly come to mind.

A lot of shitty sequels and reboots make bank anyway. These decisions aren't made by artists.

I wasn't talking about who made the decisions.