Were They Better Or Worse? Memorable All-Black Movie Remakes

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Movies, reinvented with an all star black cast, make for huge talent and entertainment. Actors must ‘bring’ it, providing their own twist to the original version of the story in order to make viewers fall in love with the film all over again. At times, the remake may prove to be better than the original, while in other cases, they may as well have ceased production rather than infiltrate TV screens with a version worse than the original. We know some folk question why there’s even a need for black remakes in the first place so when it comes to the following movies, should they have left well enough alone? You be the judge.

Lifetime Television

Steel Magnolias (2012)

Queen Latifah heads this all-star, black cast, replacing Sally Field’s heart-wrenching role, in the recent LifeTime movie. Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad and Jill Scott take over roles played by Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis and Dolly Parton. Did you all pay attention to the reception music? Wedding patrons were grooving to Wobble With It; one of the many cultural differences in the movie.

The Wiz (1978)

Michael Jackson wowed us as the lanky-legged scarecrow in this black version of The Wizard of Oz. Diana Ross eased on down the road as Dorothy in those sparkly red shoes on her quest to meet the Wiz, played by Richard Pryor, and the soundtrack to this movie was on fire too, thanks to Quincy Jones.

Death At A Funeral (2010)

Tracy Morgan, Martin Lawrence, Danny Glover and Zoe Saldana play in this comedy with a funeral as the setting. Based on the original British comedy, the story line focuses on the secrets of crazy family members and friends of the deceased.

The Karate Kid (2010)

Jaden Smith waxes on and waxes off, replacing Ralph Machio as the Karate Kid. Taraji P. Henson plays Smith’s mom, and daddy Will Smith produced the $200 million-grossing film.

I Think I Love My Wife (2007)

Chris Rock directed, starred and wrote this comedy-drama based off of a 1972 French movie called “Chloe in the Afternoon.” Kerry Washington plays the seductress who tempts the very married Rock in the film.

Source: Arista

The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

Who could every forget Whitney’s rendition of “Who Could Imagine a King” in this heart-warming Christmas movie with the perfect element of drama, comedy and romance. And Denzel Washington played the sexiest angel ever in the remake of the 1957 film “The Bishop’s Wife.”

Cinderella (1997)

A spin on the 1957 version starring Julie Andrews, singer/actress Brandy plays a cocoa Cinderella and Whitney Houston is the feisty fairy godmother. Remember the Asian prince charming with the black queen mom (Whoopi Goldberg) and white king dad (Victor Garber)?

Manchurian Candidate (2004)

Based off the 1962 American Cold War suspense thriller, this remake stars Denzel Washington as the lead. He plays a war vet who doubts his famous U.S. Army unit.

About Last Night

The choice to turn a one-night stand into a relationship is the heart of this remake that originally starred Demi Moore and Rob Lowe. Black stars Michael Ealy and Joy Bryant are set to assume the lead roles in the upcoming remake and Kevin Hart will play Ealy’s best friend. Production on the film started in fall 2012.

The Honeymooners (2005)

This film, starring Cedric The Entertainer, Regina Hall, Gabrielle Union, and Mike Epps, is based on the TV series of the same name. It follows a working class bus driver with visions of grandeur and get-rich quick schemes.