They Should Make it a Movie

The following post was written by my older brother Jimmy. Believe it or not, I think this is the first time in my life that I've read something that he's written. Either way, I was very surprised to see that he writes....sort of like I do.


When thinking about cartoons and old school tv shows, a number of nostalgic characters and memories come to mind. The best of those, in my opinion, were between the years 1985 and 1999 (the years of my life where anything on television intrigued me no matter what it was). Either way, these characters and stories stuck with me. To switch from Saturday morning cartoons, to TGIF, to Nickelodeon sometimes, to Nickelodeon all the time - tv was one of my best friends. As sad as that sounds (things are much worse today), I have my favorites as everyone else does, and those I will share with you now.

The Smurfs



Cartoon movie? eh, no big deal, right? Think Pixar - a computer animated movie about the Smurfs would be right up there with Toy Story and Shrek. They could revive one of the greatest cartoons ever made with very little effort. Between the film and the cross promotional products like action figures, stuffed animals, etc. they'd make a boatload. Just imagine some of the possible plot lines. Gargamel and his dumb fucking cat, I don't remember it's name (I hate cats, and I want them all to die) could terrorize the Smurfs like they always do, Brainy Smurf could get upset because all of the other Smurfs are dumb as shit, Papa Smurf could lead the Smurfs to victory and/or a peaceful existence, and Smurfette could solicit sex to the rest of the Smurf population who may or may not have genetalia (watch Donnie Darko). Step up to the plate John Lasseter (co-founder of Pixar).

Boy Meets World



Yes, I know that this would be tough because all of the actors are in their late 30s by now, but Corey Matthews was the man. So much in fact, that when my twin sisters were bored with their Barbie dolls, a spoon (Cory Matthews) married a fork (Topanga). I always wanted Chubbies to be a real life place. Shawn and Cory brought so many girls in and out of that place they should have called it "Get a Chubby." I don't think anyone liked the older brother, Eric, but Feeny, Alan & Amy (the mom and dad), Mr. Turner, Minkus, and Topanga were all characters that we could either relate to, or were just so unique to the story of "Boy Meets World," that making this into a movie would be an incredible idea (the younger sister Morgan can die and be forgotten in the movie too).

Saved By The Bell



Even though "The College Years" bombed, I'd still love to see them make Saved By the Bell into a movie. They'd have to use young actors and actresses because, as Jimmy Fallon proved, it's nearly impossible to get the original cast together. The main problem is that Dustin Diamond (Screech) has turned into a complete dumpster fire. His story is truly a cautionary tale. That being said, who wouldn't love to see the Zack Morris, A.C Slater, and Kelly Kapowski love triangle back at it again? Saved By The Bell taught me many life lessons as I was growing up and I think its transition to the silver screen has been long overdue.

Captain Planet



This show may have been the greatest cartoon written and animated of all time. In fact, it may be the most underrated show of my childhood. Yes, it was strange, but it was clearly well before its time. "Going green" seems like something that's only been going on for the last 5 years or so. In 1990, when the show came out, we were still spraying CFCs everywhere and throwing the newspaper in the trash can. Captain Planet knew exactly what he was doing - saving planet Earth. Sexual innuendo aside, he "planted the seed" in generation Y's youth. This has all sorts of movie potential. They could cut off his green mullet and market the shit out of this to kids today. The power is yours!

The Wonder Years



How have they not made this a movie by now? I understand that no one wants to tarnish a classic tv show with new actors that might not fit the part as well as the originals, but this show was so well done, that I truly believe that they could either recreate it as a remake on tv (Bevery Hills 90210 style), or as a movie. Jack Arnold, the most miserable tv dad of all time besides Al Bundy, could probably still play the same part (if Keith Hernandez can use Just For Men, so can this guy). The hot older sister can be played by anyone - just go to the nearest Dave Matthews Band concert and pick up a random blonde hippie doing whip-its in the parking lot. Paul Fifer can also be played by anyone. It's not that hard to find a random nerd with every allergy known to man. Of course, Kevin Arnold and Winnie Cooper would be the hardest to "recreate." Look-alike characters don't work (thanks for sucking 'Superman Returns' Christopher Reeves look-alike), but if done correctly this could really work as a movie.

Bottom line, when "the big wigs" are trying to market movies towards people in my peer group, it would make the most sense to try and bring back something from our childhood. Yes, I know this has been done with Transformers and Spiderman, but what I'm saying is that this needs to be done more often, and not incorrectly. It's a fine line, but I don't want any of my childhood favorites to be ruined by a shitty movie; however if a chance needs to be taken, and the movie is actually good, I'd be more than happy. Reliving my childhood in anyway makes me feel happier than any amount of booze ever could, so wise up Hollywood. Get the ball rolling, and roll that shit right.