2. The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride went from cult classic to an outright fantasy/comedy staple amidst necessary films. Rob Reiner's pop culture essential has mass appeal and, under the direction of the right talent a remake could be more fantastical and funny than the original.
Why We Need It: Because, truth be told, it's bland. Rob Reiner fails at creating an atmosphere in any of his films. It just so happens he has a good eye for choosing inherently good stories (see: Stand By Me, Misery, A Few Good Men). The Princess Bride has the opportunity to become a quirky romance that simultaneously plays up its hilarious fantastical world. We deserve that.
But With Who?: Any suggestions? Gael Garcia Bernal's maleable face would make for a great (albeit not as good as Mandy Patinkin's) Inigo Montoya. Any star and starlet du jour could fit into the main roles. The Rock should be Fezzik, and Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, and Carol Kane could and should revive their respective roles. The movie needs not a great cast, but a great director. Enter: Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
The Spin: Whimsy. And J.P.'s got a lot of it. Reiner's version is a flatly lit, unaware adaptation. He serves up the humor dry--as is warranted--but dehydrates the world in which the characters live. It has skin-and-bone set design, high school theatre wardrobe, and effects that are funnier than the intended dialogue. Jeunet has the eye for color and atmosphere, as well as the storytelling athleticism to spike what many fail to see as an enervating, doddering fairy tale.