Whether you call it a reboot or a remake, reviving the oldies for a new generation is big business. Parents want, nay, need to share those cherished classic stories from our childhood with our kids, and remakes offer a fresh opportunity.
The newest movie to be cinematically revisited is Walt Disney’s 1967 classic The Jungle Book. The ‘60s version is a charmer, of course, featuring classic Disney animation, a light tone and plenty of songs. The brand new reboot of Mowgli’s adventures is a high-tech CGI feast for the eyes. It’s a Jungle Book for kids of today.
Which is better, old or new? Here are seven classic family movies that have been made more than once. Why not check out both versions with your kids and see for yourself?
Freaky Friday 1976 (rated G) and 2003 (rated PG)
Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis starred as the mother-daughter duo who swap bodies, an amazing phenomenon that happened to Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster back in 1976.
The big difference? The modernizing of the lifestyle of the mom and daughter with credits cards, cell phones and punk rock in the mix.
The Parent Trap 1961 (rated G) and 1998 (rated PG)
Lindsay Lohan starred, yet again, in a reboot of a family classic, this time with double the screen time since she played a set of identical twins. The two, not knowing of the other’s existence, meet at summer camp and plot to get their parents back together.
The big difference? The new Parent Trap has a far more modern (and fancy) tone with a mom who is a fashion designer and a dad who has a swank ranch in Napa.
Alice in Wonderland 1951 (rated G) and 2010 (rated PG)
Tim Burton took the sweet-and-adorable animated Alice in Wonderland of 1951 and gave her, and the film, that edgy style and narrative that he’s famous for. The reboot was wildly successful earning more than a billion dollars worldwide.
The big difference? Besides the transition from classic animation to stylized live action, Burton’s version is far darker with scenes such as a violent battle between Alice and the Jabberwocky.
Annie 1982 (rated PG) and 2014 (rated PG)
The beloved stage show Annie – starring a curly red-haired orphan – was turned into a huge film hit in 1982. The tale received an update – starring Quvenzhané Wallis (Annie), Jamie Foxx (Will Stacks) and Cameron Diaz (Miss Hannigan)– in 2014.
The big difference: The characters of Annie and Will Stacks are African American in this take and the setting of a modern day New York City gives a contemporary vibe.
Cinderella 1950 (not rated) 2015 (rated PG)
Cinderella waltzed back onto the screen (and into our hearts) in the gorgeous reboot of the oh-so-famous rags-to-riches princess tale.
The big difference: The live-action version is a lush and romantic departure from the animated sweetness of the original without the talking mice.
The Karate Kid 1984 (rated PG) and 2010 (rated PG)
In both versions of The Karate Kid, a boy moves to a new town and is bullied by fellow students. He begins to study karate with an older and wiser karate expert and becomes the Karate Kid.
The big difference: In the 1984 version, the main character, Daniel (played by Ralph Macchio), moves to Southern California. In the reboot, the main character is named Dre (Jaden Smith) and moves to Hong Kong, giving the film a very different vibe.
Pete’s Dragon 1977 (rated G) and 2016 (rated PG)
In Pete’s Dragon, a young orphan lives alone in the woods with a very special companion, a large mighty dragon.
The big difference: While the full details of Disney’s reboot have not yet been revealed, the look and style of the new Pete’s Dragon is far more realistic looking that the animated version of 1977.
