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www.groovekorea.com / February 2014 72 By Dean Crawford When it comes to friendly debate in a social setting, I sometimes find it easier to tackle a conversation about religion or politics than one about film — especially when the discussion turns to the subject of remakes. The argu- ment usually begins with one side asserting, “It’s a classic! Don’t touch it!” with the other side inevitably countering, “Yeah, but this will introduce the original to a new generation of filmgoers.” In the end, it’s rare for either side to back down. I fall somewhere in the middle. The only time I think remakes are a necessary evil is when it comes to science fiction. For example, Paul Verhoeven’s “Total Recall” (1990) is undoubt- edly a classic, but viewed 20 years on from its original release, it feels cheesy and dated. I’m no Trekkie, but after watching J.J. Abrams’ updated vision of “Star Trek” (2009) I’m more inclined to go back and watch the originals, “Wrath of Khan” (1982) in particular. See, re- makes don’t always have to be a bad thing. Having said that, the newest film to prove that Hollywood has run out of ideas — sorry, I mean, “the newest film getting a modern re- boot” — is “Robocop,” directed by José Padil- ha, best known for his exciting “Elite Squad” movies. Set in Detroit in 2028, dedicated cop and family man Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) is critically wounded while working for the city’s police department. Sensing a political and fi- nancial opportunity, technology company Om- niCorp uses this tragedy as a chance to create a police officer that is part man, part machine — the Robocop. The stellar supporting cast in- cludes Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman and Michael Keaton. While I don’t necessarily have an issue with this particular remake, I have to keep in mind that what made Paul Verhoeven’s original so special was its satirical tone and comments on class and society of the time. I worry the remake will forgo these themes in favor of one explosion too many, just like last year’s “Total Recall.” If that is the case, I plan to get off the fence and firmly plant myself in the “Don’t touch it!” camp at my next dinner party. I think most people can agree that one of the best filmmakers of this generation, and argu- ably any generation, is Paul Thomas Ander- son. “Boogie Nights” (1997) and “There Will Be Blood” (2007) are, in my opinion, two of the finest films ever made and I get a rush of excitement every time he releases a new film. So you can imagine my disappointment when I briefly scanned February’s new releases and misread that the director of the upcoming destruction movie “Pompeii” isn’t Paul T. An- derson, but Paul W.S. Anderson, director of films such as “Resident Evil” (2002), “Mortal Kombat” (1995), “Alien vs. Predator” (2004), “Resident Evil 4” (2010) and “Resident Evil 5” (2012). Definitely not one of the finest film- makers of his generation. “Pompeii” is the story of Milo (Kit Harington), a former slave and now formidable gladiator, and his true love Cassia (Emily Browning), who has been unwillingly forced into a relationship with a Roman senator. With Pompeii facing certain destruction as Mount Vesuvius begins to erupt, Milo must find a way to save Cassia before the city and everything he knows is de- stroyed forever. After viewing the first trailer, I’d say the best way to describe “Pompeii” is a cross between “Gladiator” (2000) and “The Day After Tomor- row” (2004). Pompeii looks glamorous, as do the people who inhabit it. Harington, who many will recognize as Jon Snow from “Game of Thrones” (2011- ), and Adewale Akinn- uoye-Agbaje (Mr. Eko from “Lost”) wear pre- cious little and have stomachs you could clean your clothes on. But don’t worry guys (or gals), the ladies aren’t wearing much either! The fight scenes look big and the destruction looks bigger, which you can of course see in glorious, overpriced, under-lit 3-D. As much as I hate on Paul W.S. Anderson, I have to admit that I did really enjoy “Event Horizon” (1997) and I do hold a faint glimmer of hope that on this occasion he has made a decent film. Unlike the people of Pompeii, however, I won’t be holding my breath. 13 20 Sci-f / Action 121 minutes Action / Adventure 102 minutes Feb. Feb. Pompeii Robocop Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson Directed by José Padilha AT THE BOX OFFICE THE BIG SCREEN Edited by Jenny Na (jenny@groovekorea.com) MUsIC & ARTs