I’m seriously starting to think there needs to be a statute of limitations on remakes, sequels, and prequels. If a franchise (or solo film) sits untouched for twenty years or so, it should just be left alone, especially if it’s a cult favorite or classic film. Case in point: the Lost Boys sequel that will hit DVD later this year, or this new news about a sequel to Paul Newman’s Slap Shot.
If you’re not aware of the original, you’re probably not going to be too hurt that the movie is being remade. Newman plays the coach of a small, minor league hockey team that is in danger of being disbanded when a combination of lies, subterfuge, and straight-out violence winds up making the team more popular than ever. Twenty-five years later the movie was followed with straight-to-video sequel, Slap Shot 2:Breaking the Ice.
Clint Morris at Moviehole reports that the Newman film is now moving into the territory of The Mighty Ducks with Slap Shot: Junior League, which centers on a hockey team of orphans who are trying to get their team put in a form guide, as well as save their homes (if they’re orphans, do they have homes?). Clint says he’s read the script and it’s full of good stuff for the target audience – 14-year old commentators, mischief, etc. Casting is supposedly already underway.
What I’m trying to figure out is why this is a movie with the Slap Shot title on it. Other than some inside references it doesn’t seem to be a part of that franchise any more than it’s a Mighty Ducks picture. Why not go original with the name and draw less fire? The original Slap Shot came about at a time when sports movies were more Bad News Bears than the types of stories we have now. A different era breeds a different film, and I can’t imagine making this a Slap Shot movie will do much for the box office, assuming this sequel even makes it to theaters. It smells like a straight to DVD kids picture to me.
