It’s common to hear complaints about Hollywood constantly revisiting old stories with reboots and remakes, and it feels like there are more than ever these days. However, some of these re-imagined films have actually been quite good. Since the pandemic, studios are playing it safe by focusing on well-known franchises and properties, which means theaters are filled with sequels, remakes, and familiar titles.
Many reboots just aren’t very good and lack originality – last year’s Wolf Man reboot, for example, didn’t succeed. However, just like original movies, some reboots are excellent. When a talented and unique filmmaker like James Gunn or Matt Reeves takes the helm, a franchise reboot can be a truly enjoyable experience.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Ever since a low-budget attempt by Roger Corman, Hollywood has tried to launch a Fantastic Four movie series three times – in 2005, 2015, and 2025. After two unsuccessful tries, the latest reboot starring Marvel’s first family finally hit the mark. The new Fantastic Four movie is visually impressive, emotionally resonant, and captures the optimistic spirit of the original comic books.
The new film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, offers a fresh take on the superhero franchise. It abandons the typical Marvel Cinematic Universe look for a vibrant, 1960s-inspired style and introduces an alternate universe where the world is a peaceful, unified place. The movie excels in its casting choices, captures the team’s hopeful spirit, and successfully adapts the complex ‘Coming of Galactus’ story.
The Invisible Man
Leigh Whannell’s new take on The Invisible Man isn’t really connected to the original story by H.G. Wells. It forges its own path, and that’s a good thing. The film is a chilling and impactful depiction of the trauma experienced through domestic abuse.
Elisabeth Moss plays Cecilia, a woman who flees an abusive relationship, and soon believes her ex is secretly stalking her – and he seems to have gained the ability to become invisible. The invisible man isn’t just a monster; he represents the lingering trauma and fear that abuse survivors often experience.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a continuation of the original Ghostbusters films, with connections to the past both on screen and behind the scenes. The movie is directed by Jason Reitman, son of the original director, and clearly shows a deep respect for his father’s work. The story follows the granddaughter of the original Ghostbuster, Egon Spengler, as she tries to revive his ghostbusting legacy.
Paul Feig’s attempt to remake Ghostbusters didn’t work because it tried too hard to copy the original. This new version, directed by Jason Reitman, succeeds by telling a completely different story – one focused on family, and it does so very well.
The Toxic Avenger
Macon Blair’s new version of The Toxic Avenger sat unfinished for about two years because it was deemed too violent and bloody for general audiences. However, that over-the-top gore is exactly what makes The Toxic Avenger work – it’s meant to be a silly, over-the-top, and intentionally disgusting B-movie.
Blair didn’t try to overanalyze or reinvent The Toxic Avenger; he aimed to create a truly wild, over-the-top, and authentic Troma film, and he succeeded. Like the original, the new Toxic Avenger is the perfect movie to watch late at night with a crowd.
Superman
Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection
James Gunn’s new DC Universe truly began with the release of the Superman movie last summer. Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which carefully built its world over time, the DCU immediately plunged audiences into an existing story, feeling as if we were simply joining Superman mid-adventure.
James Gunn successfully portrayed Superman’s everyday challenges – balancing his personal life with his heroic duties, and constantly striving to make a difference despite the world’s problems. After years of dark and somber Superman films, Gunn’s new movie is a vibrant and refreshing take on the character.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Despite not being a box office success, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is one of the most enjoyable big-budget movies released recently. It successfully revitalized a previously struggling franchise, transforming it into a quick-paced, funny, and thoroughly entertaining film.
The new Dungeons & Dragons movie clearly takes inspiration from funny, action-packed Marvel films like Thor: Ragnarok and Guardians of the Galaxy. Fortunately, that approach pays off – Honor Among Thieves is a success thanks to its strong writing, talented actors, and skillful direction.
Top Gun: Maverick
Before the release of the Top Gun sequel, many people thought it wasn’t needed and would likely be a disappointment. However, Top Gun: Maverick surprised everyone, becoming a thrilling and incredibly well-received film.
Top Gun: Maverick is an incredibly exciting movie. The powerful sound of the planes made the theater seats vibrate, and the incredible speed felt like being thrown back in your seat. Seeing it on the big screen was a thrilling ride, similar to a rollercoaster – but in the best way possible, unlike some directors’ criticisms of other blockbusters.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Before the movie Mutant Mayhem, most Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stories didn’t really explore what it meant for the characters to be teenagers. While talking, martial arts-skilled turtles living in the sewers of New York and eating pizza is a fun concept, it can only drive the story and character growth so far.
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg wanted to show the Ninja Turtles as believable teenagers dealing with typical teen problems. Mutant Mayhem is a heartwarming and relatable story about growing up, as well as an exciting action movie.
Godzilla Minus One
Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One revitalized the Godzilla series by returning to its origins in post-war Japan, creating what many consider the best film in the franchise for decades. Earlier installments strayed from the original meaning, but Godzilla was first created to represent the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare.
Even without Godzilla, Godzilla Minus One tells a powerful story about Japan rebuilding after a disaster. However, Godzilla is in the movie, and the scenes with the monster are a truly impressive and grand spectacle.
The Batman
Matt Reeves created a compelling and insightful portrayal of Batman on film. The Batman is a dark and atmospheric detective story that realistically shows Bruce Wayne as an exhausted and eccentric figure who rarely removes his mask. The film also presents Gotham City as a gritty and crime-filled environment reminiscent of classic 1970s noir films.
Robert Pattinson plays a Batman who feels convincingly isolated and uncomfortable, the film looks appropriately dark and gritty thanks to the cinematography, and the music perfectly matches the somber tone. While The Batman is a little long and its plot is somewhat complex, it nails the overall atmosphere.
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2026-02-08 01:00