Unbound Edition - Everything Old is New Again?

Instead of swooning over the New Kids on the Block and expressing my adoration for Joey or Donnie, I was headbanging to GNR and Poison. Clearly, I am not the original fan base that NKOTB is hoping to tap into as they launch their reunion tour. Heck, during the recent Today Show performance, women in the audience even wore their old memorabilia from the band’s heyday.

But I am not immune to a little giddiness about some comebacks – like, say the “Beverly Hills, 90210” new version that is currently under development by the CW network. The show will even feature Jennie Garth reviving the character Kelly Taylor in a recurring role. Will the show last? I don’t feel too optimistic about that. But will I station myself in front of the TV for a glimpse of what life is like at West Beverly High School in 2008? Sadly, yes.

From Rocky to Indiana Jones to NKOTB to 90210, why do we continue to bring back brands, characters and entertainers from the past? Is Hollywood out of ideas and looking to simply capitalize on past successes? Or are Americans embracing the idea of revisiting a happier time (like when celebrities wore underwear)? And what other brands/bands/shows/movies would you like to see make a comeback in the future?

sit on it
written by Potsie Weber, May 20, 2008 09:55 AM

As we get older and deal with the scary realities of the real world and responsibilities of being adults, we want to relive the more carefree, innocent times in our yoot. George Lucas largely started it with "American Graffiti," released in 1973. The nation was swirling with political turmoil(hidey, Nixon) and anger over Vietnam, and the movie took everyone back to the more "pure" days of 1962. That led to the nostalgia of the saccharine 50's with "Happy Days." And so on. It's an escape.

And I got my Duran Duran comeback, so I'm set.

Bad rehash
written by Spridle, May 20, 2008 02:24 PM

While we're on the subject, are there any shows from the 60s that have yet to be remade as movies? Is "Speed Racer" really necessary? Or "Get Smart?"

is there anyone left?
written by Ginger, May 21, 2008 11:00 AM

Pretty much every has-been band from the 70s and 80s is coming back from the dead. All we need is Men Without Hats. http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/05/21/rock.bands.reunite.ap/index.html