Are Americans getting lazy with all these movie remakes?

Gary Vaughn57 said:Oh, please. Give me a break. Americans are just inherently bad—it’s a nation of fools. Honestly, I can't even remember the last time I had the audacity to say a single decent thing about them.

Let’s just go ahead and set aside all those "masterpieces" people love to harp on—those films that supposedly outshine every other cinematic tradition out there. Let’s forget about those classic horror staples that allegedly make every overhyped Asian horror flick look amateur by comparison. While we’re on the subject, I’ve actually sat down and crunched the numbers—two and two, if you will—and the reality is pretty clear: when looking at the last decade alone, Americans have produced more genuinely solid horror than anyone in Europe or Asia. Honestly, if we're talking about modern horror, the US is simply better—and that’s not even touching on the classics.

Oh, absolutely—and honestly, God, I can't stand them. 🙂

neonsurfer6 said:Do all these self-proclaimed intellectuals think they’re somehow superior because they spend their time obsessing over European and Asian cinema? It’s honestly exhausting. There is this incredibly childish notion floating around that the 330 million people living in the States are just a massive collection of idiots while the rest of the world is some collective hive-mind of geniuses. It’s a delusion. Fools exist everywhere—it isn't a geographic phenomenon.

It isn't that America is home to 300 million idiots—it’s more that there are 300 million people who simply choose to act like them. I say that based on my own firsthand observations. Half of them couldn't care less about anything happening outside our borders, and honestly, it’s hardly a secret that a huge chunk of high schoolers in the US couldn't even point out which continent we're sitting on if you gave them a map. You really have to think twice before jumping to conclusions when discussing this—not because people are inherently unintelligent, but because, frankly, they just don't give a damn.

I never once suggested that America hasn't produced some absolute classics in the horror genre—not by a long shot. To be clear, I have nothing but respect for the craft there. In fact, my own Blu-ray collection is anchored by heavy hitters like The Exorcist and The Omen.

Let’s be honest—that whole debate is ancient history at this point. These studios have become like a virus, feeding off the creative DNA of international cinema just to stay relevant. I’m not naive; I know exactly why they do it, and it always comes back to the bottom line. It’s purely about chasing the dollar. It is honestly pathetic how much authenticity and raw originality are being sacrificed on the altar of "Americanization." They strip away everything unique about a story just to make it palatable for a domestic audience that—let's face it—can be incredibly shallow. You have one segment of the public that is practically illiterate when it comes to nuance, and another group that simply lacks the mental capacity to engage with anything that doesn't feature a familiar Hollywood face staring back at them from the screen. If there isn't a massive US star leading the charge, they act like the movie doesn't even exist.

P. S. This whole thread is intended to focus specifically on horror remakes—so please bear with me if I didn't make that distinction explicitly in the title.

brightheron64 said:I can only imagine how an average American would react to watching something like The Seventh Seal or 20th Century.

Could you imagine an average American sitting down to watch The Seventh Seal? Just as a reality check, during its opening week in local theaters here, the top performer was actually a Disney blockbuster—even while independent cinemas were running retrospectives featuring films like Turin Horse or A Separation. It’s the kind of stuff any non-American would naturally gravitate toward, right?

@Lou: You're spot on. It's honestly wild how people manage to keep both entire film industries and their audiences stuck in such a one-dimensional loop.

neonsurfer6 said:Can you even imagine your average American sitting down to watch The Seventh Seal?

The fact that Americans—and honestly, most Europeans too—have been so heavily "Americanized" that they’ve practically lost the ability to think for themselves is telling. It’s a sociological phenomenon, really. You see people trashing Hollywood, yet they’ll be the first ones lining up to see some new American horror flick—usually just a cheap remake of an old classic or some latest piece of American trash. It’s funny how we claim to hate it while simultaneously consuming it, much like how people here always seem to be looking out for one another in those little closed circles.

wiredraven82 I suppose it could be said that:
I suppose it’s just the way things are now, but I can't help but wonder why Americans and most Europeans seem so completely "Americanized," to the point where they don't even seem to think for themselves anymore. It’s almost funny—they’ll sit there criticizing an American blockbuster, yet they’ll immediately turn around and go watch some other American horror flick, whether it's just a cheap remake of something else or just more mindless American garbage. I guess I wonder where all those truly great American horror films from back in the day have gone. It’s really just a matter of how one views modern society and the media through a sociological lens, much like the way mutual aid functions within American culture.

What an absolute load of nonsense. I think I could list twenty genuinely great American horror films released just within the last decade. Honestly, it’s ridiculous how this myth has been built up—this idea that American horror, or American cinema in general, is somehow subpar. I suppose it probably stems from those endless remakes, or perhaps because the internet allowed everyone to discover European and Asian cinema and decide it's flawless simply because they don't churn out garbage at the same rate. And then you have these newer Asian directors, especially the Koreans; their movies feel like they're trying way too hard to be "art" every single second.

You mentioned Omen and The Exorcist as being older classics, but I feel like it isn't just those two; there were actually so many incredible masterpieces produced during the 70s and 80s that people in Asia or Europe could only dream of seeing. Of course, they certainly produce some great horror films too, especially the French, I suppose.

I guess you could say that Americans are essentially the embodiment of evil. 🙂

wiredraven82 said:The fact that Americans and most Europeans have become so "Americanized" that they’ve lost the ability to think critically—even while they complain about Hollywood, they'll still line up for the next big American horror flick (usually just a remake of someone else's work or some new American garbage, since the truly good ones are relics of the past, much like how people here just constantly look out for one another)—that’s really just a sociological observation about modern society and the media we consume today.

Saying audiences are conditioned by marketing isn't exactly a revelation; it's a pretty banal conclusion. My point was that you and fgzcvijetic were so adamant that it's specifically the average American who can't handle watching The Seventh Seal. If you're now claiming that everyone is essentially the same way—which I don't disagree with—then this whole thread, at least in its current form, doesn't really serve a purpose.

wiredraven82 said:The idea that Americans and most Europeans are so "Americanized" they can't think for themselves—even while complaining about Hollywood, they still flock to the next big US horror flick (whether it's a cheap remake or some new studio garbage)—is just a sociological take on how modern society and media function today.

Subjective objectification. Just because someone enjoys watching American movies, even remakes, regardless of what you call "artistic quality," doesn't mean they are mindless or brainwashed.

Art is art, sure. But some people watch movies to unwind, not to have an intellectual or cultural epiphany.

So, why would anyone choose a poorly made film when they could watch a high-budget production, even if it is just a remake of some overly dramatic, cliché foreign movie? A film is meant to entertain, and it doesn't always need to educate at the same time.

Exactly. A more appropriate intro for this thread—keeping the same time and title—would be a serious critique of how increasingly demanding global audiences have become, whether they're in the US, Europe, or anywhere else. 🤷

wiredraven82 said:It’s not that there are 300 million idiots living in the USA; it's that there are 300 million people acting like idiots. I know this from my own experience! Half of them couldn't care less about anything outside of America anyway. It isn't even a secret—most high schoolers in the States don't even know which continent the USA is on. You really have to think before you answer; it’s not that they’re stupid, they just simply DO NOT CARE.

Exactly! That's what I was saying. Why would anyone in America give a damn about where the Mediterranean Sea is?

Just live your life! We're just obsessed with making everyone memorize geography. Unlike you, I know from experience that Americans are actually great. 😁

And as for those people claiming we aren't any better—well, I know an American woman who once insisted Paris was on the moon. Unbelievable, but true! And then there's our guy. Well, clearly, she wasn't an American woman. 😁

John Peterson3 As I was saying:
Let’s talk about this tendency toward subjective objectification. Just because someone enjoys watching American movies—even if they happen to be mediocre remakes, regardless of whatever "artistic quality" you claim they lack—it doesn't mean that person is shallow or has been completely brainwashed by Americanization.

Look, I’m not going to argue that film is art—that’s a settled fact. But let’s be honest about why people actually sit in those theater seats. There is a massive divide in how audiences approach the medium. For some, cinema is an intellectual pursuit—a way to engage with culture, challenge their perspectives, and achieve some kind of spiritual or mental elevation. But for a huge portion of the population? They aren't looking for a lecture or a deep philosophical dive. They just want to be entertained. They want to switch their brains off, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the spectacle. Both exist, but we shouldn't pretend they're the same thing.

Look, my logic is pretty straightforward—why would I waste my time sitting through some low-budget, amateurish production when I have the option to watch a high-caliber, big-studio release? Even if that polished version turns out to be a remake of some overly dramatic, emo-heavy foreign flick, the sheer quality of the filmmaking makes it worth the ticket price. At the end of the day, a movie exists to entertain you—it might educate you too, sure—but those two things aren't tethered together. You don't need a lecture to enjoy a good story.

Look, I never once claimed to be defending anyone's right to sit through some Hollywood remake of an Eurasian horror flick—that’s not what I said. My point—which seems to have been lost in the shuffle—is simply that I find it baffling how anyone could prioritize a blatant cash grab and the forced "Americanization" of a story over actual originality and authenticity. That is all. 🤷

It seems some people here have walked away from our discussions with the impression that I somehow "hate" Americans—which, frankly, isn't true. Let me be clear: I don't harbor any animosity toward the people themselves. What I actually despise is the American way of life and that specific, narrow philosophy they use to navigate existence. I’m talking about their particular definition of "success"—that relentless, hollow pursuit of status and material gain that defines the standard for the average person over there. I won't descend into a full-blown philosophical debate right now, but to put it bluntly: I hate Capitalism. 😁 Everything he stands for—in terms of what he represents within the USA—is currently at its absolute peak over there; it’s manifesting more clearly now than ever before. But look, I need to clear the air regarding my distaste for their big-budget productions, including horror. God knows I didn't come here to bash massive American cinema—honestly, nine out of ten of the greatest films ever made come from the US—but that isn't the point. This discussion was intended to address the way the horror genre is being gutted by American remakes. We should be able to reach a consensus on one thing: this trend is effectively murdering the authenticity and the soul of the original works.

I don’t need some French remake of *The Exorcist*—not that one would ever actually get made—and even if it did, it could never replicate the raw authenticity of the original. Honestly, it’s a losing battle; even if they managed to make it "better" than the classic, which feels like an impossible task, it still wouldn't hit the same. It’s the same logic applied to cinema at large—an American remake of *The Circle* isn't going to touch the soul of the Japanese original. At the end of the day, that’s just how it is, though I suppose we don't all share the same perspective on what makes a film work. 🙂

Wait, seriously? Is everyone just gonna ignore the absolute biggest pile of trash in the whole remake lineup—I'm talking about Psycho? Seriously, how has nobody even breathed a word about that disaster yet?

Honestly, this whole thread is a total waste of time. Like someone already pointed out—and I can't believe we're even debating this—remakes have always existed and they aren't going anywhere. They’re part of the business. Plus, let’s be real, there are plenty of actually decent remakes out there if you bother to look. But here's my real beef: I’d personally ban anyone who starts a thread claiming an entire nation is stupid just because they don't like certain movies. It's ridiculous. If someone tried to make that kind of generalization about Mexicans or Jews, they'd be banned instantly for nationalism or hate speech. So yeah, we’re definitely looking at some massive double standards here. Total nonsense.

Look, anyone who’s actually spent five minutes looking into the American education system can see exactly why people here don't give a damn about anything else. From the time they're little kids, they're basically brainwashed to believe that there’s just the USA and then... whatever random scraps of the rest of the world are left over—and obviously, the USA is the absolute heavyweight champion of the planet. Period. End of story. They grow up speaking the global lingua franca, so naturally, they never get the urge to bend an ear to anyone else—it’s always everyone else bowing down to them. And if you want proof of how insanely drilled into their heads this "America First" mentality is? Just look at the stats—only like 10% of the population even owns a passport. It’s wild, honestly.

When it comes to movies, the USA is basically the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. And look, I’m not just talking about that mindless, big-budget mainstream garbage you see everywhere—though don't get me started on that—I'm talking about the indie scene. Honestly? I usually find the independent stuff way more engaging than those pretentious European slogs they try to pass off as "art cinema" just because nothing happens for two hours. Give me a gritty, well-made American indie over that high-brow nonsense any day of the week.

Americans aren't actually stupid—it’s just that they have this hyper-focused, entrepreneurial mindset where everything is viewed through the lens of a business venture designed to turn a profit. For them, art isn't some lofty, untouchable thing. It’s an entertainment industry. Movies are essentially investments produced according to specific formulas. If a film hits its numbers at the box office, then in their eyes, it’s a success. And honestly? That formula clearly works.

I’m honestly afraid we aren't going to get anything productive out of this thread, other than just creating another space to baselessly bash "evil" Americans (with a few exceptions), as if the French (and every other film industry out there) don't constantly churn out remakes of American movies.

Besides, "remake" has become one of those most notorious buzzwords in Hollywood lately (mostly regarding foreign films, though their own versions haven't escaped either); all the major Hollywood studios are ditching that specific model in favor of pumping out sequels for established franchises, doing reboots, or just recycling their own old hits. A perfect example of their struggle was even Fincher's 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo': MGM Says "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Lost Money; “IT is below Our expectations and WE booked a modest loss.”

Christian Taylor3 said:Besides that,reworkRight now, it’s easily one of the most notorious buzzwords in Hollywood, especially when you look at the foreign market. They aren't set. Even the Hollywood majors are ditching that old model. They’re all moving toward sequels for established franchises, reboots, or just recycling their own old hits.

Haha, poor guys... they really blew it. Conan After Arnold, what exactly were we expecting? That someone would play the part better or more faithfully? Same thing applies there. Wrath of the Titans, Arthur, Straw Dogs.

And they’re pretty dim, honestly. It's because they cater to a mindless audience that can't wrap their heads around anything that doesn't look like an American backyard—plus, they refuse to even touch subtitles. Then again, I guess you can't blame other nations either; Germans and Italians are just as bad about it. Some people just can't recognize an absolute masterpiece when it's staring them in the face—one that simply shouldn't be recycled..

That goes for that idiot Van Santa who was acting all high and mighty, too. Psychopath. And then there are the idiots who thought it was a brilliant idea to remake the classics listed above (plus... Halloween, Friday the 13th, They're pouring the last house. There’s a whole bunch of classic American horror movies that people just don't get. They can't seem to wrap their heads around the fact that those films were a perfect storm where the director, the writers, and the cast all hit a once-in-a-lifetime peak at the exact same time. You just don't see lightning strike like that twice.

Laura Palmer25 said:Haha, they’re just pathetic... what a joke. Conan After Arnold, what exactly did you expect? That someone else could step in and portray that character with more heart or more loyalty? Not happening. Same goes for the rest. Wrath of the Titans. Pure spectacle! It’s exactly what you want from a big-budget epic. High energy, massive scale, and total adrenaline. Definitely worth the watch!, Arthur, Straw Dogs..

They’re just dimwitted. Honestly. It’s because they cater to a mindless audience that refuses to grasp anything that doesn't look or feel like an American landscape. They can't handle it! And don't even get me started on the subtitles—people just won't sit through them. Not even the Germans or Italians, for that matter. Some people just don't have the eye for it. They fail to recognize an absolute masterpiece when it's staring them right in the face—something so perfect it simply cannot be recycled or remade..

That goes for that goofy Van Santa guy who was always strutting around, too. Psychopath! And then there are the idiots who actually thought it was a brilliant idea to remake those classics we just talked about (plus... Halloween!, Friday the 13th, They’re pouring the foundation for the last house! I am constantly surrounded by these quintessential American horror classics! It’s honestly baffling how critics can't seem to grasp it. They just don't get that these films are the result of a perfect, lightning-in-a-bottle moment where the director, the writers, and the cast all hit a peak of pure genius simultaneously. Such flashes of brilliance simply don't happen twice.

Take a guy like that one Russian director who decided to tackle a remake of a masterpiece like "12 Angry Men." Honestly? He actually pulled it off! He filmed a totally solid movie, even with that Russian flair.

Rob Zombie has repeated that absolute disaster of a Night, but honestly, he’s the exception to the rule. As for Friday the 13th—sorry to all the fans out there—it’s always been complete garbage.
Honestly, it feels like horror movies have hit a wall. There’s nothing left to explore! It's just the same old recycled tropes over and over again. ☕

Jerry Martinez50 said:Take a clueless Russian trying to remake a masterpiece like "12 Angry Men." Honestly, the guy managed to make a decent enough movie, even with that Russian flavor...

Rob Zombie remade that Night which was truly desperate, but he’s the exception here. And sorry fans, but Friday the 13th has always been total garbage...
Besides, there isn't much left to do in horror other than recycle old ideas. ☕

Horror aside, you have to be an absolute idiot to try messing with Straw Dogs, Arthur, or Conan... hello? 😠 (Monkeys even messed with Omen, apparently they just remembered now). Personally, I don't care for Friday the 13th; it's a bit dim, but it hits that specific spot for certain viewers simply because it's incapable of being anything elevated or better. It can only go downhill.

Forget about some Russian version of those 12 men; anyone could film a variation on that theme anywhere from the Philippines to Iceland, but they'll never touch Lumet's original. It's inherently inferior, and even if it pulls at some local heartstrings, that's about it.

And why shouldn't they? If it turns a profit, it's a win. At the end of the day, everything comes down to the bottom line.

Jerry Martinez50 said:Why not, if it turns a profit? At the end of the day, it's all about the money.

Well, fine then. I guess I'll just start dealing white powder and robbing jewelry stores instead of making movies.

Heh, selling white powder might get you arrested, but churning out movie remakes? That’s perfectly legal.

The issue is they keep remaking absolute classics. They should just find some total garbage movies with decent ideas and actually make them right for once.

Laura Palmer25 said:And they’re just plain dim, not even because they cater to a mindless audience that can't wrap their heads around anything that doesn't look or feel like an American landscape—or heaven forbid, anyone who refuses to read subtitles (though I suppose Germans and Italians won't touch them either), but because they lack the capacity to recognize an ultimate masterpiece that simply shouldn't be recycled again.

That goes for the clueless Van Santa types who messed around in Psycho and the idiots who thought it was a bright idea to remake classics like the ones mentioned above (plus Halloween, Friday the 13th, The Last House on the Left and a whole pile of primal American horror flicks where simpletons fail to realize these were the result of a perfect storm of genius from directors, writers, and actors alike—a lightning strike that doesn't just happen twice).

I get where you're coming from, but claiming it's just Americans who are thick in this regard is a stretch. Let me throw your own logic back at you like a boomerang: what about the Chinese and their remakes of things by Coen; the French with http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0280990/ (recycling Carpenter); the Italians with http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374358/ ('Groundhog Day'); the Japanese with http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1236373/ ('Sideways'); the Indians with http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0456413/ (imagine the nerve, recycling Fincher's 'Fight Club', then churning them out like an assembly line: 'Man on Fire', 'Memento', 'Weekend at Bernie's', 'Mrs. Doubtfire'... the list goes on forever); the Britons with http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0291341/ ('The Longest Yard'); the Koreans with http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399650/ ('Phone Booth'); the Mexicans with http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0461336/ ('Saving Private Ryan'); or even the Turkish 'Star Wars': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3uAUp6FjgM

We could honestly keep this up until sunrise.