The day I reached twenty followers I made a big fuss over it and thanked them all. Earlier this week I was visiting David Powers King, who never fails to acknowledge and give a shout out to his new followers. Suddenly I realized my first twenty have multiplied several times and I have not shown even the basic good manners of thanking you.
That's why I'm dedicating this celebration to all of the 150 dragon friendly people who have honored the cave with their interest and their time. It doesn't matter if it was for five minutes or for the nearly six months I've been "on air". I thank you all the same. Today I celebrate your life, your happiness, and all those things that put a smile on your faces. May the Higher Powers shine upon your paths and guide you through safe roads.
Best and Worst Movie Remakes Blogfest is Alex J. Cavanaugh's brilliant idea. Just as brilliant as thinking on Stephen Tremp and Livia Peterson for co-hosts. If they are not movie experts, they certainly know a lot of Hollywood. Now adding me might have been the proof that even Ninja brilliance has its limits.I like movies but I must confess I go to the theater every Saint Dragon's day. Yesterday evening I was still searching my mind for remakes. Any remake, for dragon's sake! I chose the remake of Michael Jackson's Thriller, which never fails to make me laugh to tears.
But here comes Tassin, pointing out that Thriller was not a movie and this is a Bollywood production. Bloghop instructions clearly specify Hollywood. Shame on the dragon co-host! Besides being film neophyte, he needs glasses. My dwarf minions came to the rescue with these options.
For worst remake, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Blogfest added Bonus- List the best and/or worst song remake you've ever heard. I'll go with the worst and tell you a secret. Music composers have their archenemies: music decomposers! Warning: The crime is obvious within the minute of each song. Keep listening at your (and your brain's) risk. After picking up my jaw, the thunderous laughter was heard at the tunes of...
Kiss-I was made for loving you baby = Aguas Wey by Tropikal Forever (pity you don't speak Spanish or you'll be laughing twice as hard.)
Daft Punk-One More Time = Una vez más by Master Plus
This is a bloghop:
Good choices on film and music. I saw the 1960's Ocean Eleven and enjoyed it but have not seen the remake.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
I would've counted the Choc Factory in my list if I'd remembered it. That was definitely the worst remake.
ReplyDeleteOh, gosh...that Indian Michael Jackson vid is too funny! *dies of laughter*
ReplyDeleteI have to agree fully about Willy Wonka, I love Johnny Depp, like the next person, but Gene Wilder was and will always be Wonka for me. His soft way of speaking just drew you in and he distant attitude made for some of the most memorable moments in movie history. "No, stop, please..."
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the original either, but Oceans 11 is one of my all time favorite movies, so I will side with you and say the remake was a success.
Also very happy to be one of the new followers.
Zombies in saris, I never thought of that and may have to use it. I agree with The Chocolate Factory.
ReplyDeleteThe Thriller was a classic MTV original; and I don't see anything beating the original version. Yep, I was a Michael Jackson fan, and really, he had some original scores I doubt anyone could reproduce as well. Shame about his personal life path . . what a disappointment. But, your re-make here was all about the music and dance, not about the thriller story.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know there was an older version of Oceans 11. I'll have to find the video somewhere and compare to the George Cloony version. Not everything modern is better . .
I'm a die hard Johnny Depp fan; but even I have to admit his portrayal of Willy Wonka wasn't up to par. And I'm not a usual fan of Gene Wilder either; so my role reversal here is unexpected for me.
Kiss is Kiss in any language, lol. Thoroughly enjoyed your version though.
Ok, here's freaky for you: I have a short story titled One More Time that uses the song as the catalyst for a murder; but the song itself has nothing to do with the story. Its actually too upbeat for the story theme. I almost changed the title until I found the song and was able to work it into my victim's up-beat creative personality, and the motive for murder.
The story came first though! Now, its been 18 months since I signed the publication contract; and the contract states I can re-sale the story 1 year after signing if it has not been published by the anthology. Hard to just pull the story since it was written (revised) specifically for this publication.
Awesome pic's Al. Have a good weekend :)
.........dhole
The remake was basically the dance. I've not seen the whole movie (God Forbids) just that clip. The music is different but the attempt is priceless.
DeleteI'm glad you agree with me about Willy Wonka. I have not seen anyone who thinks Johnny's is better. And I love his Captain Jack Sparrow. Just not Willy Wonka, please.
A whole story based on a song, that's something I tried only once and failed. I'm sorry it wasn't published.
Have a great weekend too, Donna!
Father Dragon, the smiles and then the outright laughter are a wonderful way for me to start a Friday morning. I am especially laughing at your assessment of Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka. Delicious!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
Aloha Al,
ReplyDeleteNow you are going to make me brush up on my Espanol, so I can enjoy those videos :)
Have a buen dia, mi amigo :)
Oh boy... my Spanish in void and null. These look very interesting tho.
ReplyDeleteHad to listen to the Kiss one. That was funny.
ReplyDeleteOcean's 11 just missed my cut for top spot. Classy film.
You're right - only one Willy Wonka!
Thanks for co-hosting the blogfest!!
I think that Johnny Depp is Scissorhands. He can NEVER be Willy Wonka. It just doesn't make sense...
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend Al!
Writer In Transit
I have to agree that the India Thriller remake certainly takes the cake as a remake flop!
ReplyDeleteI love Johnny Depp, but the original Willy Wonka was simply a classic movie!
I will never be the same, Al...the Bollywood version of Thriller will haunt me for the rest of my days. Bwahahahaha! The Kiss song was almost as bad.
ReplyDeleteAt least you had Tassin to correct your misunderstanding. I didn't understand the "remake" part until last night!
It seems to be unanimous that Ocean's Eleven (new version) is the best. Thanks for being a host!
It's always good to have smart minions close, hahaha. Sorry for the Bollywood haunting, I'm sort of getting attached to it. EAch time I need to laugh, I just look at it. :)
DeleteYvonne: Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLinda: you're right. :)
Heather: I still keep laughing.
BRandon: I'm glad you agree with me, hahaha. :)
J.L: The starting face of the Desi Michael Jackson is priceless.
Diane: I'm so glad you did laugh!
Mark: But you can still enjoy the music.
Dani: Never mind the lyrics. The arrangements!
Alex: I laughed so much yesterday putting the post up. Thanks for inviting me.
Michelle: We agree!
Carolyn: If it doesn't make the remake flop, it's always a good reason to laugh. I'm glad you liked it.
Oh. My. Goodness! I almost picked those same two movies (Charlie and Ocean's)! Seriously. I can't believe it. Don't get me started on the copy-and-pasted oompa loompas in the remake. And the stupid songs that you can't sing to. With the original songs, you could actually understand the lesson they wanted to teach.
ReplyDeleteThank you for gracing me with that Indian Bollywood version of Thriller. Had it not been for you, I would have probably never had the privilege of subjecting my eyes and brain to that debacle. I'll have to kill you now. :)
Great wrap-up for a non-movie buff!
M.L. Swift, Writer
HAHAHAHAHAHA. I'll remember I've got myself a sentence of death thanks to Hollywood. You know me, Mike. I'm always happy to be of service. Hahaha. Thanks for the additional laughter. :D
DeleteOh my gosh! That thriller remake is hilarious!! Thank you for sharing that!
ReplyDeleteSo agree with the Willy Wonka assessment, and Oceans Eleven is great the new and the old. I am partial to the old black and whites, not colorized!
ReplyDeleteAs for music, I'm not up on all that -- I know what I like but seldom can tell you the singer or the song title. Don't hold such facts in my brain, but my husband -- he knows all that trivia, movies, television shows, and especially music. But ask him what I just said, and he draws a total blank! :)
Happy Friday!
I couldn't get past that Bollywood version of 'Thriller'. That had to be the worst of everything. Ha!
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you about Willie Wonka. I didn't even go see the new one because I didn't want my memory spoiled.
ReplyDeleteOh Al! I just peed a little watching the Bollywood version of Thriller. Thanks for that laugh!! I needed it this morning. I might have to use that as my ring tone for a while...
ReplyDeleteNo one will ever be Willy Wonka but Gene Wilder in my mind!
I totally agree on your choices! Great to meet you.
ReplyDeleteThe preview for the remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory scared me from even seeing it, lol.
ReplyDeleteLoved Ocean's 11. Never saw the original.
I liked both versions of Oceans 11, but they do play it to death on TV here. I wonder if MJ is turning in his grave?
ReplyDeleteI have offered Sir Jeff my assistance in his mission by the way.
JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
We're in agreement on your films. I did not like Oceans Eleven at first but over time it turned out to be one of my favorite movies. I'll have to wacth it again this weekend.
ReplyDelete@Jennie: I am happy you found it funny!
ReplyDelete@Yolanda: So we are pretty much the same. I'm bad with song names too.
@farawayeyes: Hahaha, that happens sometimes.
@marcie: good call.
@jaybird: that was exactly the idea, hahaha.
@Donna: Nice to meet you too!
@Isis: Me too. I didn't see it complete.
@Jo: I didn't see the first one. I've got to in order to judge. And thank you for the assistance. That will make him work faster, hahaha.
@Stephen: Then it works as an acquired taste. :)
Seems to keep happening, guess we share some good taste. :)
DeleteI am equally as thankful for your presence in the blogosphere.
ReplyDeleteHollywood/ Bollywood...who cares! That's funny.
Excellent choice on the Willy Wonka remake. How creepy was that? I mean when you start looking like Lady Gaga...you have problems!
Woohoo! Congrats on 150 followers!
ReplyDeleteAnd the remake of Oceans 11 was very good.
Oh I loved Johnny Depp's remake. It definitely was a different twist than Gene Wilder took with it, but it cracked me up. He's so bizarre in it. I thought it was fun. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your worthy followers-- I'm sure they will continue to build.
Oh wow! That Thriller video is hilarious!!!! I definitely agree with your best and worst choices. Ocean's Eleven rocks, and Johnny Depp is far too creepy for the Chocolate Factory.
ReplyDeleteAnother 'best' of Ocean's 11...I keep seeing this pop up (it made my 'best' list, as well), so there must be something to it :)
ReplyDeleteGreat picks, Al, and thanks for co-hosting this shindig!
I'm with you on your choices. I did not like the Depp remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But I LOVED Ocean's 11. High five, dragon!
ReplyDeleteOh, good choices. I know some people really loved the Charlie remake, but it did nothing for me. Though I love the kid who played Charlie. =D
ReplyDeleteDepp does look like Lady Gaga! I agree - Wilder did it best.
ReplyDeleteI loved Ocean's Eleven! I never saw the Chocolate Factory remake, but no one could be Wonka better than Gene Wilder.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree with your choices. Ocean's Eleven is awesome - the original is ok. And the Chocolate Factory redo is just plain weird. The oompa loompas scare me in that one.
ReplyDeleteNew follower!!!!
I never saw the original Ocean's Eleven (in fact I always forget that it even is a remake!) but I love the new one. Everyone's so great in it. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with Willy Wonka. I love Johnny Depp, but some things just can't be redone. The original is too good.
Oh yeah, and thanks so much for hosting! This was so fun!
DeleteI remember the Indian Thriller! hahaha I'm at work, so I can't watch the video, but I still hear his voice. It sounded sort of like that Gangnam Style guy. lol
ReplyDeleteYes, Team Willy Wonka! :D Thanks for co-hosting, Father Dragon.
Johnny Depp was just creepy. So was the whole remake. And I also picked Ocean's 11 for my best. I've seen the both. The original was good but the remake was better.
ReplyDeleteCharlie and the Chocolate Factory was awesome! It really followed the book and stayed true to Dahl's writing. Willy Wonka was a crazy man. He was pedophile-like creature ala Michael Jackson.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the remake of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, but I don't know how anyone could top Gene Wilder! Congrats on all of your followers Father Dragon!
ReplyDeleteJulie
I think Johnny Depp just loves crazy quirky roles. I do admit Gene Wilder was less creepy than Johnny Depp in the Wonka Original :)
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Johnny Depp ruined chocolate for me-He was just nuts!
ReplyDeleteI loved Ocean's 11...ooh, I might need to add that to my rain weekend marathon movie list ;D
Great job Father Dragon showing us where the smoke lies and what is burning bright! lol
Oceans Eleven is a brilliant film and congrats on all your new followers Al!
ReplyDeleteOcean's Eleven has the elements a good remake needs-enough of a storyline difference to make redoing the film worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteThe new LV skyline and modern security innovations added something to the film.
oh that Thriller remake lol
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory... didn't think I would like it and I didn't see a reason to ruin my appreciation for the original version. But I do agree about Ocean's Eleven, I love it.
Congrats to all your new followers (myself included) for finding such great blog. You certainly keep it honest, fun and always put a smile to my face.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Depp's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was very weird. My sister loves the movie and gave me a copy. I think I kind of liked because it was weird. Now I need to watch it again. After all I have my own copy.
ReplyDeleteLee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog
I can never dislike Depp, but I admit he wasn't quite right for the part. Ocean's 11 was fantastic! I've been seeing that around a lot today. Have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteExcellent choices. Hearing Depp say, "Let's boogie" was enough to take care of my nightmares for a week.
ReplyDeleteGreat choices.
ReplyDeleteAnd followers are a great celebration!
Agreed! Gene Wilder was a better Willy Wonka over Johnny Depp. It pains me to say that because I love Johnny, but he missed the mark on that character.
ReplyDeleteVery funny post.
ReplyDeleteYes, Gene Wilder will always be Willy Wonka.
Great fest!
Heather
Yeah Charlie and the Chocolate factory was a huge piece of trash, Gene Wilder was waaaay better.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice thing to celebrate! And you're right--the original Willy Wonka was the best.
ReplyDeleteThe remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was pretty bad. It didn't have the kind of character development or soul of the original. All the kids came across, for the most part, as one-dimensional stereotypes, like the spoilt rich girl and the fat kid.
ReplyDeleteYour best and worst, agree. I loved the original chocolate factor, the remake was just to weird and loved both versions of Oceans. I love a good heist movie.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people in this fest have listed the Charlie remake as the worst, but I guess that since I saw both the old and new versions as an adult I just couldn't appreciate either flick. But Ocean's Eleven is a fun, really entertaining flick.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen that Indian MJ vid yet, but I did start to watch it and knew I had to leave it till later - when I can give it the attention it deserves. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat video was hilarious.Thanks. I also included Willy Wonka as my bad list. Thank for hosting.
ReplyDeleteRhonda @Laugh-Quotes.com
Super grand of you to shout out to your followers. I just started blogging frequently during A-Z and my followers have since doubled. Once I reach 100, I think I am going to do a give away contest to thank everyone!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the CTST hop! - Brandy's Bustlings
A psycho lady gag! that is priceless! Seriously, that had me laughing so hard it hurt!
ReplyDeleteAnd Oceans 11 was great, though I didn't see the original, either.
Thanks for hosting!
HELP! More of these darned blogfests and blog hops and blog parties and whatever. One moment please. Okay, I'm feeling better now :)
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your best and worst remake choices. Gosh, I wonder if they will have a remake of "Enter the Dragon"?
Hey, great posting! Thanks for sharing! I follow your blog! LOL
This comment is not part of a blog hop!
A peaceful Sunday to you, my friend.
Gary
I so totally agree with you about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Willy Wonka was just perfect, and the remake was soooo horrible it broke my heart. (Okay, maybe I'm being a bit dramatic, but you get what I'm saying!)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm so happy to be one of your groupies- oh, I mean followers! :) Writer’s Mark
PPS - Your new cave digs are waaay groooovy, man, I mean dragon. They're out of this world, psychedelic, like way high and out there.
DeleteI've seen Oceans 11 on other lists and I whole-heartedly agree with the choice. I didn't see WW.
ReplyDeleteI should probably give a shout out to my followers too.
ReplyDeleteGene Wilder and Johnny Depp should have a duel.
Oh, Father Dragon...I cannot conceive of one so exalted as you *hating* chocolate. Say it ain't so!!!
ReplyDeleteI never saw the original Gene Wilder version of the Chocolate Factory flick, so I'd nothing to compare the Johnny Depp version to...which is probably just as well, given that he played it creepy as hell. :-)
Some Dark Romantic
I almost chose Ocean's Eleven, too. It is a great remake. I thought Tim Burton's Charley and the Chocolate Factory was good since Burton and Depp as always so creative, but it is no classic like the original.
ReplyDeleteI'm honored to be among your friendly dragon followers. I screwed up (again) and completely forgot about the blogfest & I was really looking forward to it. Ocean's Eleven and Cape Fear were on my list for best remakes & Footloose for worst remake. Congratulations on all your new followers. If you have a chance stop by my blog and get more entries in my prize give a way contest. I'm shooting for 500 followers & I'm almost there. The grand prize is an iPad mini.
ReplyDelete