Round two! Three more movies and three songs. Here we go. (Review round one here.)
01. Willard (1971) vs Willard (2003)
It’s interesting how a cast can make or break a movie. In the 70’s, the character of Willard was probably made out to be a normal guy surrounded by crap circumstance. The basis of the story and the plot is definitely unsettling, but I can’t help but feel that it wasn’t presented that way. To give off the creep vibes they tried to get through but kind of failed doing makes me prefer the remake. Casting Crispin Glover was the most fantastic decision they could have made; he brought the character to a place that really fits the tone of the story. I couldn’t think of another actor that could have pulled that off the way Crispin did.
My Conclusion – Original: ✘ Remake: ✔
02. The Absent-Minded Professor (1961) vs Flubber (1997)
Growing up with Flubber, I was skeptical the original would be any good, and I’m so happy I was proven wrong. There’s quite a bit to compare and contrast with these two versions. They were both funny in their own way – the original had an ‘old-timey’ kind of comedy where as the remake reminded me of The Mask and the Nutty Professor in terms of comedic style. The original also seems to kind of flow from one topic to another. It starts as a love story, becomes a mission to save the college from closing, to bringing ‘Flubber’ to Washington. The remake follows the same storyline minus going to Washington, as if the original tried to fit as much into the story as possible which seems a little overkill. Even that being the case, the 60’s story had a fun sweetness that wasn’t really presented in the 90’s version. For me personally, I love Robin Williams dearly, but viewing the original made me prefer that version more. Makes me feel like my childhood was a lie!
My Conclusion – Original: ✔ Remake: ✘
03. Freaky Friday (1976) vs Freaky Friday (2003)
I honestly wasn’t a big fan of the Lindsey Lohan version when it came out. Well, I’m still not a big fan. The storyline is interesting, but doesn’t interest me as much as I’d like. I was hoping the original would catch my attention a little more, and it did. It holds cute but cheesy qualities which makes it an enjoyable watch. It also is quite noticeable of what decade it took place; I appreciate they made the remake take place in modern times otherwise it would have felt dated. I don’t really have too much to say, but do give the 70’s version a try. It’s a cute story.
My Conclusion – Original: ✔ Remake: ✘
01. Blue Velvet – Tony Bennett (1951) vs Lana Del Rey (2012)
There’s something about the sweet feeling that Tony Bennett’s song gives off. Simple times in a sophisticated and emotional tune. Lana Del Rey’s version on the other hand has turned this song into a haunting melody. Don’t hate me for saying this, but I’m not big into Lana’s songs. Maybe it’s because I never gave her a chance, or maybe it’s the kinds of songs she sings that don’t do it for me. It’s a shame because her voice sounds so smooth and silky when she’s singing this song, and it sounds so natural. I like it. I like it a lot.
My Conclusion – Original: ✔ Remake: ✔
02. Dear Prudence – The Beatles (1968) vs Siouxsie & The Banshees (1983)
You may say that The Beatles are untouchable; they’re classic. It must be hard successfully covering their songs without people crushing any hopes and dreams, because you’re covering a song by The Beatles. The slight psychedelic nature of this song is hard to imitate without flat out copying, making it pointless to recreate this song when you should just listen to the original. BUT, Siouxsie & The Banshees did fantastic at making this their own, which worked for them because their cover got them on the charts back in 80’s. They clearly made it work and it doesn’t sound like another Beatle’s cover.
My Conclusion – Original: ✘ Remake: ✔
03. Landslide – Fleetwood Mac (1975) vs The Smashing Pumpkins (1994)
Here’s another classic – I kinda forgot how amazing this song is. Stevie Nicks has such an unique voice which fits just so perfect in this emotional and relatable song. This song has been covered so many times, but being a Smashing Pumpkins fan, I definitely enjoyed this cover almost just as much as the original. Billy Corgan already shows great emotion through his voice in Pumpkins songs, which he has no problem carrying onto Landslide. He’s able to hit those emotions that Stevie created, and I appreciate that.
My Conclusion – Original: ✔ Remake: ✔
Once again, I feel like I should share that I’m not sure which of these movies are available for viewing on Netflix, but they’re not hard to find on the internet if you search. All the songs for sure are on Youtube if you want to take a listen.
★ Follow on Instagram @oddballera ✚ on Bloglovin' to keep up with this blog ★
