Throughout the history of cinema, there has been an ongoing habit among filmmakers that, quite frankly – irks me. And while this habit has been constant since the first motion picture hit the big screen – it, as of late – has reached a level that it never has before. The habit I am referring to is re-making movies.

When a film is released, it either becomes a classic like Gone With The Wind – or a bomb like Gigli. But no matter the success or failure of a film, I feel that once it is finished – it should be left untouched. The reason that this has been on my mind as of late is because of three films that are currently in theatres – all of which should not have been re-made – The Honeymooners, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, and The Dukes Of Hazzard.

The reason why these films should have been left alone is obvious, the characters in all three films were portrayed perfectly by the actors who made them icons of both the big and small screens. When I think of Ralph Kramden, Jackie Gleason’s face instantly pops into my head. I remember seeing the original Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory and praising Gene Wilder for expertly bringing Willy Wonka to life in a way no one else could. And who could forget the sultry and seductive Catherine Bach as Daisy Duke. That said, Cedric The Entertainer, Johnny Depp and Jessica Simpson have no right to even try and fill the shoes of their predecessors.

One of this summer’s biggest blockbusters is The Fantastic Four. While this film has a stellar cast and amazing special effects – many people do not know that this is the third rendition of the film. The first was made in 1967, and the second in 1994. Granted, I will say that the current rendition of the film is the most well done and the most popular of the three versions, now that Marvel has the budget to do it thanks to the success of Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2, but I still feel that a movie is a movie is a movie – and good or bad – it should be left as-is.

The perfect example of the reason for my gripe against this re-making movie trend was the 1998 release of Psycho, which starred Anne Heche as Marion Crane, and Vince Vaughn as Norman Bates. I am sure, upon the release of the re-make – Alfred Hitchcock literally turned over in his grave. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the classic and timeless version made by Hitchcock in 1960 – so, as the saying goes – why fix it if it ain’t broke?

I understand that Hollywood is nothing but a money-making machine that will do anything to make a quick buck, but I think that integrity and respect for classic movies should always come before profit. I feel that the producers and directors of today owe their predecessors a debt of gratitude for paving the way for them to make it in the film industry – and that the filmmakers of today should re-pay that debt by leaving the films made before they began their career alone – to be enjoyed by movie-goers for all time.

Besides, even if you re-made Gigli – it still wouldn’t make it a classic.