The 1956 science fiction classic FORBIDDEN PLANET is so much of a geek favourite movie and carries the themes, plot, ideas and settings which so define "cult", that it was the catchy title chosen for the popular geek superstore that now has 30 outlets across the U.K. and U.S. The Hollywood Reporter say the original movie is to be remade at Warner Bros with Joel Silver producing. J. Michael Straczynski, the creator of Babylon 5 and Jeremiah, who did much for the reboot of SPIDER-MAN in comics at the turn of the Millennium and most recently wrote the Clint Eastwood drama THE CHANGELING - will adapt. The original movie was a cautionary tale, framed almost like a classic STAR TREK episode (and ripped off by that series several times) where a crew is sent from Earth on a mission to check on a colony of scientists working on a far-off planet, led by an incredibly young and good looking Leslie Nielsen! Once there they find Dr. Morbius (of whom technology has doubled his intellect... making him one of the best 70's Bond films, but actually in a 50's sci-fi film played by Walter Pidgeon) and his beautiful daughter (Anne Francis) who have both survived an unseen monster roaming the planet. It's also famous for the character of Robby The Robot!
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The reworking of Shakespeare's The Tempest is a cautionary tale about the progress of technology and it's effect on society. The gorgeous set design of the movie and it's ambitious production earned it an Oscar nomination for special effects. It goes without saying... I don't need to see a remake. Though the genius of the original movie makes the plot and the philosophical arguments of the film still relevant and the basis for a good movie.
