McSpaced
October 31, 2007 2:42 AM Subscribe
Plans are afoot for a US version of Spaced the seminal British zeitgeisty eve-of-the-Millennium sitcom that packed in huge numbers of film homages while turning the traditional man-and-woman-in-flatshare sitcom scenario on its head. The makers went on to make Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.
Fox have announced vague plans for a US version, brought to you by McG - the man who directed Charlie’s Angels and didn’t make Superman Returns because he was too scared to fly on a plane to Australia - and some guy called Adam Barr.
So far, the original creators of Spaced haven’t been consulted.
Fox have announced vague plans for a US version, brought to you by McG - the man who directed Charlie’s Angels and didn’t make Superman Returns because he was too scared to fly on a plane to Australia - and some guy called Adam Barr.
So far, the original creators of Spaced haven’t been consulted.
This article from Edgar Wrights blog kinda sums it up. Terrible idea. To Hollywood: stop thinking of easy ways to make money and come up with some original ideas. Christ!
posted by Acey at 3:00 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by Acey at 3:00 AM on October 31, 2007
One can only hope that disappointed movie viewers will seek out the original and they will make a stack on dvd sales.
posted by gomichild at 3:19 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by gomichild at 3:19 AM on October 31, 2007
Hey, if it was well written and well done it could work. But it'd kinda work as a dodgy sitcom anyways, it's a good setup.
The original is sooo good though. It's up there with Black Books and the IT Crowd.
If you haven't do yourself a favor and get hold of it.
posted by sien at 3:41 AM on October 31, 2007
The original is sooo good though. It's up there with Black Books and the IT Crowd.
If you haven't do yourself a favor and get hold of it.
posted by sien at 3:41 AM on October 31, 2007
The US does sitcom really well now [at last], so why the fascination in continually fucking up English sitcoms?
The poms don't make versions of Everybody Loves Raymond etc. What gives American Meta-Buddies?
The Australian sitcom Kath & Kim is getting this treatment too.
Why?
posted by mattoxic at 3:57 AM on October 31, 2007
The poms don't make versions of Everybody Loves Raymond etc. What gives American Meta-Buddies?
The Australian sitcom Kath & Kim is getting this treatment too.
Why?
posted by mattoxic at 3:57 AM on October 31, 2007
Skip to the end.
posted by greycap at 3:59 AM on October 31, 2007 [3 favorites]
posted by greycap at 3:59 AM on October 31, 2007 [3 favorites]
The time has come to take America by force.
posted by oh pollo! at 4:06 AM on October 31, 2007 [3 favorites]
posted by oh pollo! at 4:06 AM on October 31, 2007 [3 favorites]
IT Crowd
That show has really come strong this year.
posted by chuckdarwin at 4:14 AM on October 31, 2007
That show has really come strong this year.
posted by chuckdarwin at 4:14 AM on October 31, 2007
Before they take us farce by farce!
posted by Abiezer at 4:15 AM on October 31, 2007 [2 favorites]
posted by Abiezer at 4:15 AM on October 31, 2007 [2 favorites]
GET A BRIAN MORANS
The simple fact that Brian Heap will not be in this travesty is enough to doom it to failure.
Cath and Kim US, why?
I had the misfortune to see the remake of The Hitcher the other day. What a waste of time!
It appears that all the stories have been told, all the camera techniques have been used, there are no new directions for cinematography. The only answer is to remake films over and over again. Talk about end of days!
posted by asok at 4:36 AM on October 31, 2007
The simple fact that Brian Heap will not be in this travesty is enough to doom it to failure.
Cath and Kim US, why?
I had the misfortune to see the remake of The Hitcher the other day. What a waste of time!
It appears that all the stories have been told, all the camera techniques have been used, there are no new directions for cinematography. The only answer is to remake films over and over again. Talk about end of days!
posted by asok at 4:36 AM on October 31, 2007
Lets see if they can make a version of Hawk the Slayer so's I can smack them in the mouth.
posted by longbaugh at 4:37 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by longbaugh at 4:37 AM on October 31, 2007
UGH. This is a bad idea.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 4:41 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 4:41 AM on October 31, 2007
American Spaced will be a big pile of shit.
I think I'll try and do my best to ignore it like other Americanisations of other much loved classics like Get Carter, The Wicker Man, The Italian Job... yeah, and the The Office which, not has horrific as the others, never really clicked with me.
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 4:57 AM on October 31, 2007
I think I'll try and do my best to ignore it like other Americanisations of other much loved classics like Get Carter, The Wicker Man, The Italian Job... yeah, and the The Office which, not has horrific as the others, never really clicked with me.
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 4:57 AM on October 31, 2007
Seconding the question about why the US needs to remake these sitcoms for an American audience. UK audiences have no problem enjoying sitcoms set in New York, LA, Boston, etc, so why can't US audiences cope with the idea of sitcoms based in the UK? I honestly don't get it. Is the US really so inward looking that its population can't 'get' humour (yeah, I spelt it right) if it doesn't happen in their own country?
posted by MrMustard at 5:00 AM on October 31, 2007 [3 favorites]
posted by MrMustard at 5:00 AM on October 31, 2007 [3 favorites]
A crass wanked-off reheating of Spaced, probably with some ham-handed sentimentality tacked on to increase its commercial appeal?
Pegg would never be involved in such a thing.
posted by cillit bang at 5:00 AM on October 31, 2007 [3 favorites]
Pegg would never be involved in such a thing.
posted by cillit bang at 5:00 AM on October 31, 2007 [3 favorites]
Is the US really so inward looking that its population can't 'get' humour...
That's what the execs will tell you (or that "Middle America" (read "hicks") won't get it), but I bet the real issue is that they can make more money by recreating rather than just redistributing.
posted by DU at 5:11 AM on October 31, 2007
That's what the execs will tell you (or that "Middle America" (read "hicks") won't get it), but I bet the real issue is that they can make more money by recreating rather than just redistributing.
posted by DU at 5:11 AM on October 31, 2007
Yes, this will probably be rubbish. There's no reason why parts of the basic concept (the slackerness and geek culture references) couldn't be translated into an acceptable US sitcom; it'll just never inspire those three magic resonances as Spaced did so very well -
1) Hey, those characters are quite like me
2) And the cast and crew also seem to be quite like me
3) And it's really REALLY funny in a way I'd like to be
Whether or not that makes it an unholy abomination is a matter of opinion. Tim would undoubtedly despise it quite vocally. (Even if they re-used the "But are you ready now?" joke, which makes my life complete.)
posted by thoughtless at 5:20 AM on October 31, 2007
1) Hey, those characters are quite like me
2) And the cast and crew also seem to be quite like me
3) And it's really REALLY funny in a way I'd like to be
Whether or not that makes it an unholy abomination is a matter of opinion. Tim would undoubtedly despise it quite vocally. (Even if they re-used the "But are you ready now?" joke, which makes my life complete.)
posted by thoughtless at 5:20 AM on October 31, 2007
Oh crap no.
Of course, it's being done so they can have 10 seasons of 22 episodes rather than the 14 episodes of classic nerd fun.
mattoxic : The poms don't make versions of Everybody Loves Raymond etc
that'll be because even a gold plated turd is still a turd...
posted by twine42 at 5:25 AM on October 31, 2007
Of course, it's being done so they can have 10 seasons of 22 episodes rather than the 14 episodes of classic nerd fun.
mattoxic : The poms don't make versions of Everybody Loves Raymond etc
that'll be because even a gold plated turd is still a turd...
posted by twine42 at 5:25 AM on October 31, 2007
One can only hope that disappointed movie viewers will seek out the original and they will make a stack on dvd sales.
Unfortunately, thanks to region coding, this isn't even possible. The Spaced sets are only compatible with UK DVD players so you'd have to break DMCA rules just to watch the show.
That said, if you can find a way to watch it, you definitely should.
posted by aubin at 5:25 AM on October 31, 2007
Unfortunately, thanks to region coding, this isn't even possible. The Spaced sets are only compatible with UK DVD players so you'd have to break DMCA rules just to watch the show.
That said, if you can find a way to watch it, you definitely should.
posted by aubin at 5:25 AM on October 31, 2007
They're also planning on spinning off a sequel to the American Office. Ricky Gervais must be rolling in his grave.
posted by BackwardsCity at 5:34 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by BackwardsCity at 5:34 AM on October 31, 2007
Something tells me the American version won't have Mike losing his inhibitions and having a great time rolling his head off on ecstacy with his friends.
.
posted by jtron at 5:47 AM on October 31, 2007
.
posted by jtron at 5:47 AM on October 31, 2007
The US version of Coupling.....
Need I say more ?
posted by Pendragon at 4:37 AM on October 31
Yes, but allow me:
The US version of Red Dwarf
posted by kosher_jenny at 5:49 AM on October 31, 2007
Need I say more ?
posted by Pendragon at 4:37 AM on October 31
Yes, but allow me:
The US version of Red Dwarf
posted by kosher_jenny at 5:49 AM on October 31, 2007
Oh my god. I've got some fucking Jaffa Cakes in my coat pocket!
That said, this is a terrible idea.
posted by patricio at 5:55 AM on October 31, 2007
That said, this is a terrible idea.
posted by patricio at 5:55 AM on October 31, 2007
Five bucks says the series will be watered down into Ned & Stacey Lite.
posted by Smart Dalek at 6:09 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by Smart Dalek at 6:09 AM on October 31, 2007
The poms don't make versions of Everybody Loves Raymond etc.
We did make a version of Golden Girls, though (Brighton Belles) and I'm pretty sure there was a UK version of Who's The Boss (called Man on Top or something).
posted by low_horrible_immoral at 6:16 AM on October 31, 2007
We did make a version of Golden Girls, though (Brighton Belles) and I'm pretty sure there was a UK version of Who's The Boss (called Man on Top or something).
posted by low_horrible_immoral at 6:16 AM on October 31, 2007
Man, this is not good news. However, I enjoyed Spaced quite a bit, and I probably will give this show a chance, too (I know, I know).
And while i think DU has a point about studios making a lot more on a remake than on a redistribution, I have to admit when I watched this show with my roommates, I had to "translate" some of the jokes for one of them. Yeah, he can be a little slow at times, but I think there can be a real barrier for people with some slang or if they just aren't familiar with London in the slightest.
posted by piratebowling at 6:28 AM on October 31, 2007
And while i think DU has a point about studios making a lot more on a remake than on a redistribution, I have to admit when I watched this show with my roommates, I had to "translate" some of the jokes for one of them. Yeah, he can be a little slow at times, but I think there can be a real barrier for people with some slang or if they just aren't familiar with London in the slightest.
posted by piratebowling at 6:28 AM on October 31, 2007
Oh also, wasn't defending greedy studios for remaking series, I was just sticking up for the idea that often the comedy doesn't quite translate for native speakers of American English.
posted by piratebowling at 6:30 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by piratebowling at 6:30 AM on October 31, 2007
Ugh. It's such a freaky phenomenon - all of these entrenched studios are intellectually bankrupt, and only digging themselves further into cultural debt by letting the stock of people with genuinely original ideas suffocate and die, crowded out by these pathetic mimics of anything and everything from overseas that seems to have been a "hit".
It's not like there aren't armies of aspiring young writers brimming with ideas who'd give their contractual right arms for a break into television - but if there's never any room for them, they'll eventually stop devoting any effort to it.
*voluminous vomiting*
posted by Drexen at 6:44 AM on October 31, 2007
It's not like there aren't armies of aspiring young writers brimming with ideas who'd give their contractual right arms for a break into television - but if there's never any room for them, they'll eventually stop devoting any effort to it.
*voluminous vomiting*
posted by Drexen at 6:44 AM on October 31, 2007
We did make a version of Golden Girls, though (Brighton Belles) and I'm pretty sure there was a UK version of Who's The Boss (called Man on Top or something).
Really? I'd never heard of either of them. Wikipedia has this to say on Brighton Belles:
...in 1993, ITV premiered Brighton Belles, a United Kingdom version of the American sitcom. The show, starring Sheila Hancock, Wendy Craig, Sheila Gish, and Jean Boht was nearly identical to Girls except for character name changes and actor portrayals. The 10-episode series was canceled after six weeks due to low ratings, with the final four episodes airing more than a year later.
So it's not like it's a popular or successful phenomenon. US sitcoms have been massive in the UK from Cheers to Frasier to Friends. Now some of them I like, and others I can't stand, but I don't think any of them would be improved by remaking them in the UK.
posted by MrMustard at 7:09 AM on October 31, 2007
Really? I'd never heard of either of them. Wikipedia has this to say on Brighton Belles:
...in 1993, ITV premiered Brighton Belles, a United Kingdom version of the American sitcom. The show, starring Sheila Hancock, Wendy Craig, Sheila Gish, and Jean Boht was nearly identical to Girls except for character name changes and actor portrayals. The 10-episode series was canceled after six weeks due to low ratings, with the final four episodes airing more than a year later.
So it's not like it's a popular or successful phenomenon. US sitcoms have been massive in the UK from Cheers to Frasier to Friends. Now some of them I like, and others I can't stand, but I don't think any of them would be improved by remaking them in the UK.
posted by MrMustard at 7:09 AM on October 31, 2007
Looks the US steals our drama / comedy and we steal their quiz shows...
posted by twine42 at 7:17 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by twine42 at 7:17 AM on October 31, 2007
Here's hoping that some of the money they're about to throw in a big hole and burn ends up with the original creators, but other than that: meh.
posted by Artw at 7:18 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by Artw at 7:18 AM on October 31, 2007
Wow. Thanks, kosher_jenny, I could have lived a long and happy life without knowing they'd done that.
posted by MadDog Bob at 7:51 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by MadDog Bob at 7:51 AM on October 31, 2007
Why are some of you acting like this is something new? Successful UK/US shows are almost always immediately transferred and adapted for its opposite across the pond, and the results have, by and large, been profitable and successful enough that they'll KEEP doing it.
The Office (UK) is great, and The Office (US), once they went ahead and took the premise and made it American (instead of that very, very awkward first ep that was almost word for word the first UK ep), and now it's pretty successful in its own right (and being American, I find the atmosphere and characters of the US Office much more in tune than the UK one, which I find funny because it's "British humor").
Three's Company was a UK show, but no one would deny that John Ritter owned the US variant.
And no matter how you feel about it, American Idol is more successful than Pop Idol, its UK predecessor.
I'm sure some UK adaptations were probably more successful in the UK than their US counterparts, but not being of the UK prevents me from citing a couple off the top of my head.
posted by linux at 8:15 AM on October 31, 2007
The Office (UK) is great, and The Office (US), once they went ahead and took the premise and made it American (instead of that very, very awkward first ep that was almost word for word the first UK ep), and now it's pretty successful in its own right (and being American, I find the atmosphere and characters of the US Office much more in tune than the UK one, which I find funny because it's "British humor").
Three's Company was a UK show, but no one would deny that John Ritter owned the US variant.
And no matter how you feel about it, American Idol is more successful than Pop Idol, its UK predecessor.
I'm sure some UK adaptations were probably more successful in the UK than their US counterparts, but not being of the UK prevents me from citing a couple off the top of my head.
posted by linux at 8:15 AM on October 31, 2007
I'm pretty sure that Who's The Boss was a US version of its unbelievably-shit Thames TV predecessor, not the other way round.
Like the Sanfords and Archie Bunker. But you knew about them already. Oh, and Three's Company was ours too.
I can see a future in some reverse traffic, possibly... one set in a bar, maybe, run by a has-been former football player where everybody knows your name, and everybody gets turfed out at one minute past eleven by a pack of knuckledraggers in black satin jackets.
Or perhaps one about a dark-skinned immigrant with an accent living with his white, red-haired wife, and their week-in, week-out hi-jinx dealing with dogshit being pushed through their letterboxes, getting abused on the street and ending every week with a sped-up chase around the London Underground as they're pursued by heavily-armed police while Yakety Sax plays in the background.
posted by genghis at 8:16 AM on October 31, 2007
Like the Sanfords and Archie Bunker. But you knew about them already. Oh, and Three's Company was ours too.
I can see a future in some reverse traffic, possibly... one set in a bar, maybe, run by a has-been former football player where everybody knows your name, and everybody gets turfed out at one minute past eleven by a pack of knuckledraggers in black satin jackets.
Or perhaps one about a dark-skinned immigrant with an accent living with his white, red-haired wife, and their week-in, week-out hi-jinx dealing with dogshit being pushed through their letterboxes, getting abused on the street and ending every week with a sped-up chase around the London Underground as they're pursued by heavily-armed police while Yakety Sax plays in the background.
posted by genghis at 8:16 AM on October 31, 2007
American TV networks: Why do you hate us so ?
Why can't you just air the originals...
posted by Webbster at 8:17 AM on October 31, 2007
Why can't you just air the originals...
posted by Webbster at 8:17 AM on October 31, 2007
This is related to something I've always wondered: why are UK TV seasons so short compared to US ones?
Let's say NBC did just decide to redistribute The IT Crowd rather than remaking it. Even if they aired both seasons consecutively, that wouldn't even last half of a US season.
posted by roll truck roll at 8:27 AM on October 31, 2007
Let's say NBC did just decide to redistribute The IT Crowd rather than remaking it. Even if they aired both seasons consecutively, that wouldn't even last half of a US season.
posted by roll truck roll at 8:27 AM on October 31, 2007
DO NOT WANT
posted by mayfly wake at 8:41 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by mayfly wake at 8:41 AM on October 31, 2007
why are UK TV seasons so short compared to US ones?
US sitcoms are written by the famous committees, whereas UK sitcoms tend to be written by individuals or duos.
posted by Grangousier at 8:51 AM on October 31, 2007
US sitcoms are written by the famous committees, whereas UK sitcoms tend to be written by individuals or duos.
posted by Grangousier at 8:51 AM on October 31, 2007
Someone on A Special Thing summed it up better than I ever could: "Can't wait 'til this show gets totally Foxed and McG'd to the point where Simon and Jessica's original characters have become impossibly hot, oversexed 19 year olds pretending to be married in order to stay in a Malibu Mansion. Also, every shot will be in slo-mo and will push the oranges and reds past what my cones can handle. Hooray!"
That being said, I've seen the Red Dwarf US pilot and didn't think it was that bad. Of course, it was a completely different show (Lister being capable, for example) but the cast was strong.
I was cautiously optimistic about this until reading Wright's blog. That's awful.
posted by Drowsy Baker at 8:52 AM on October 31, 2007
That being said, I've seen the Red Dwarf US pilot and didn't think it was that bad. Of course, it was a completely different show (Lister being capable, for example) but the cast was strong.
I was cautiously optimistic about this until reading Wright's blog. That's awful.
posted by Drowsy Baker at 8:52 AM on October 31, 2007
Ugh, how awful. I think one of the reason Spaced was so good is that it was Pegg and Stevenson's baby- this will just be a Hollywood money grab. No Simon Pegg, no Mark Heap... just no. NO.
posted by oneirodynia at 9:03 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by oneirodynia at 9:03 AM on October 31, 2007
I love how people just outright say no without even a pilot taped. Pretty closeminded, no?
A US Spaced should NOT have Pegg or Heap. You want that, go buy the UK Spaced DVD. I did, I watch it when I want to. But if it shows up on Fox, I'll watch it, give it a decent chance to prove it can take the premise and make it something American. Then I get to like two shows, just like I enjoy The Office UK and US for different reasons.
Carbon copies fail. Adaptations florish.
posted by linux at 9:47 AM on October 31, 2007
A US Spaced should NOT have Pegg or Heap. You want that, go buy the UK Spaced DVD. I did, I watch it when I want to. But if it shows up on Fox, I'll watch it, give it a decent chance to prove it can take the premise and make it something American. Then I get to like two shows, just like I enjoy The Office UK and US for different reasons.
Carbon copies fail. Adaptations florish.
posted by linux at 9:47 AM on October 31, 2007
I think this can only be a good thing. Spaced was such a breath of fresh air, I'd never seen anything like it, and haven't since.
More sitcoms like it = good news. Hey, you don't have to watch it if it's awful right?
posted by greytape at 9:55 AM on October 31, 2007
More sitcoms like it = good news. Hey, you don't have to watch it if it's awful right?
posted by greytape at 9:55 AM on October 31, 2007
Oh man, no. I really don't see how it could be as good or as funny. Maybe they could just remake Scooby Doo as a reality show instead?
posted by sleepy pete at 10:03 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by sleepy pete at 10:03 AM on October 31, 2007
McG does have a small place in my heart for managing to make a film so bad I stopped watching before the titles had even started. That and having a really silly name.
Oh and what's the betting of instead of having the artist downstairs and the landlady upstairs being just a bit odd and strange they end up with Kramer levels of eccentricity. In fact I bet it ends up a geekish version of Seinfeld. Only not funny. At all.
And I suppose this makes the chances of a third proper series, or a special, even less likely.
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 10:05 AM on October 31, 2007
Oh and what's the betting of instead of having the artist downstairs and the landlady upstairs being just a bit odd and strange they end up with Kramer levels of eccentricity. In fact I bet it ends up a geekish version of Seinfeld. Only not funny. At all.
And I suppose this makes the chances of a third proper series, or a special, even less likely.
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 10:05 AM on October 31, 2007
They can only hope it turns out as good as The Fawlty Towers remake starring Night Court's John Larroquette - his charcter's name instead of Basil Fawlty was, get this, Royal Payne.
posted by meech at 10:28 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by meech at 10:28 AM on October 31, 2007
Oh will you achingly hipster America-haters just shut the fuck up, already? So we remade the Office - we did it better! We remade Iraq, and now it's super-better! And we remade Steve Austin, and he cost 6 million big ones, and now he's fucking BIONIC. So roll THAT up and stick it in your whine-hole.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:38 AM on October 31, 2007
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:38 AM on October 31, 2007
Heh. so we have 46 "WTF? That will suck" comments, a "aw, go on, give it a chance." and a random "Yay. America!".
What I'm wonderign is who hears this idea and thinks "Wow, awesome idea!" to the point where they pour money into it.
As ever I suspect the evils of cocaine.
posted by Artw at 10:41 AM on October 31, 2007
What I'm wonderign is who hears this idea and thinks "Wow, awesome idea!" to the point where they pour money into it.
As ever I suspect the evils of cocaine.
posted by Artw at 10:41 AM on October 31, 2007
I'm waiting for the UK version of Arrested Development. Please?
Also, American Office, pretty damn good.
posted by tiny crocodile at 10:58 AM on October 31, 2007
Also, American Office, pretty damn good.
posted by tiny crocodile at 10:58 AM on October 31, 2007
fearfulsymmetry: I suppose this makes the chances of a third proper series, or a special, even less likely.
The question came up during a local Pegg, Wright, & Frost Q&A for Hot Fuzz, & they said it wasn't happening. They could do a movie (which would pay far better) for the same amount of effort as a new season. Also, they felt they couldn't plausibly pick up where they left off because of age - the second series aired in 2001.
posted by Pronoiac at 11:01 AM on October 31, 2007
The question came up during a local Pegg, Wright, & Frost Q&A for Hot Fuzz, & they said it wasn't happening. They could do a movie (which would pay far better) for the same amount of effort as a new season. Also, they felt they couldn't plausibly pick up where they left off because of age - the second series aired in 2001.
posted by Pronoiac at 11:01 AM on October 31, 2007
Webbster: "American TV networks: Why do you hate us so ?
Why can't you just air the originals..."
Comedy doesn't always translate very well. I love Brit humor but I still only get 1/2 the jokes. Half the time I laugh but the other half I have to stop and think something like, "Wait, a zebra crossing is one of the funny horizontally stripped crosswalks. Right?" And by the time that I've parsed out the language and figured out the social/cultural context, I've missed two more jokes.
posted by octothorpe at 11:12 AM on October 31, 2007
Why can't you just air the originals..."
Comedy doesn't always translate very well. I love Brit humor but I still only get 1/2 the jokes. Half the time I laugh but the other half I have to stop and think something like, "Wait, a zebra crossing is one of the funny horizontally stripped crosswalks. Right?" And by the time that I've parsed out the language and figured out the social/cultural context, I've missed two more jokes.
posted by octothorpe at 11:12 AM on October 31, 2007
It will not be about geeks. It will end up being about hipsters.
It will have way too many attempts at ironic dialogue, and be written in a manner that makes every character seem more apathetic than just lost in the daily drudgery of life.
And there will be a "wicked awesome" soundtrack with the latest indie emo bands. Because thats cool and edgy.
And I will hate it because it doesn't touch on anything related to my life or anything I know, except that I hate Californians more and more every day.
posted by daq at 11:17 AM on October 31, 2007
It will have way too many attempts at ironic dialogue, and be written in a manner that makes every character seem more apathetic than just lost in the daily drudgery of life.
And there will be a "wicked awesome" soundtrack with the latest indie emo bands. Because thats cool and edgy.
And I will hate it because it doesn't touch on anything related to my life or anything I know, except that I hate Californians more and more every day.
posted by daq at 11:17 AM on October 31, 2007
Something tells me that this was pitched this as:
"A live-action version of Family Guy! It'll be sweet!"
I imported Spaced and hacked my DVD player to watch it--it's easily one of the best shows in my library. How anyone could think they could capture the magic of the original is beyond me--although it must be said that McG is not exactly known for creating new or original material (or anything good, for that matter).
As for why the original hasn't really aired in the U.S., I think BBC America has aired and and Bravo did before them. At one point I read that music licensing was partially responsible for the show not getting wider play or a region 1 release.
posted by molrak at 11:18 AM on October 31, 2007
"A live-action version of Family Guy! It'll be sweet!"
I imported Spaced and hacked my DVD player to watch it--it's easily one of the best shows in my library. How anyone could think they could capture the magic of the original is beyond me--although it must be said that McG is not exactly known for creating new or original material (or anything good, for that matter).
As for why the original hasn't really aired in the U.S., I think BBC America has aired and and Bravo did before them. At one point I read that music licensing was partially responsible for the show not getting wider play or a region 1 release.
posted by molrak at 11:18 AM on October 31, 2007
Pronoiac, yeah I was probably just being extra grumpy there, as even before this, I knew that the chances of a more Spaced where vanishingly small unless both Pegg and Wright had a sudden career implosion.
Why can't you just remake our bad sitcoms, Men Behaving Badly, Two Pints of Lager, Vicar of Dibley (oh you did remake that... well please don't export it back to us)
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 11:22 AM on October 31, 2007
Why can't you just remake our bad sitcoms, Men Behaving Badly, Two Pints of Lager, Vicar of Dibley (oh you did remake that... well please don't export it back to us)
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 11:22 AM on October 31, 2007
I'm going to treat this news item as a reminder to go check out the Spaced cast's other work.
JessicaStephenson Hynes is working on something based on a Jamie Hewlett strip, & I need to go rent Confetti.
I'd heard good things about Nick Frost's series Danger! 50,000 Volts! - with a Pegg cameo as a zombie hunter.
Mark Heap was in Green Wing, which was a beautiful, caustic piece of work.
Any other recommendations?
posted by Pronoiac at 11:41 AM on October 31, 2007
Jessica
I'd heard good things about Nick Frost's series Danger! 50,000 Volts! - with a Pegg cameo as a zombie hunter.
Mark Heap was in Green Wing, which was a beautiful, caustic piece of work.
Any other recommendations?
posted by Pronoiac at 11:41 AM on October 31, 2007
Greg: Nope. I've been meaning to watch Jam & Brass Eye for aaaages, but never getting around to it.
Speaking of Mike enjoying the rave...
posted by Pronoiac at 11:54 AM on October 31, 2007
Speaking of Mike enjoying the rave...
posted by Pronoiac at 11:54 AM on October 31, 2007
Check out Big Train, as well, and at least the first series of Look Around You.
posted by jtron at 1:02 PM on October 31, 2007
posted by jtron at 1:02 PM on October 31, 2007
I love how people just outright say no without even a pilot taped. Pretty closeminded, no?
By that rationelle Citizen Kane 2 is worth a shot, right? Heaven forbid we be closed-minded about taking something classic and original and remaking/continuing it for solely financial gains. Hell, I'm sure you'll be first in line for the planned remake of Seven Samurai 'cause Kurosawa didn't quite get it right the first time around.
Also, McG? No-talent assclown.
Spaced brought together the right people at the right time to create something truly memorable.
posted by slimepuppy at 1:02 PM on October 31, 2007
By that rationelle Citizen Kane 2 is worth a shot, right? Heaven forbid we be closed-minded about taking something classic and original and remaking/continuing it for solely financial gains. Hell, I'm sure you'll be first in line for the planned remake of Seven Samurai 'cause Kurosawa didn't quite get it right the first time around.
Also, McG? No-talent assclown.
Spaced brought together the right people at the right time to create something truly memorable.
posted by slimepuppy at 1:02 PM on October 31, 2007
Hell, I'm sure you'll be first in line for the planned remake of Seven Samurai 'cause Kurosawa didn't quite get it right the first time around.
You are aware that The Magnificent Seven is pretty much a direct adaptation of The Seven Samurai. By your logic, they shouldn't have event considered it.
Fucking reverse-Philistines...
posted by SweetJesus at 1:34 PM on October 31, 2007
You are aware that The Magnificent Seven is pretty much a direct adaptation of The Seven Samurai. By your logic, they shouldn't have event considered it.
Fucking reverse-Philistines...
posted by SweetJesus at 1:34 PM on October 31, 2007
Hell, I'm sure you'll be first in line for the planned remake of Seven Samurai 'cause Kurosawa didn't quite get it right the first time around.
I agree with your argument, but surely Seven Samauri is a bad example, given the very successful American remake? (Or did I miss some kind of a joke?).
Thing with remakes like this: they can't succeed, because they lack what made the original good - the cast, the writers, the specific UK humour - whatever. Making Spaced without Pegg and without that humour is pointless - you might as well make a completely new show, and not claim that it has anything to do with Spaced. As others have said, it's not like there's a shortage of ideas or talent in the US.
posted by Infinite Jest at 1:36 PM on October 31, 2007
I agree with your argument, but surely Seven Samauri is a bad example, given the very successful American remake? (Or did I miss some kind of a joke?).
Thing with remakes like this: they can't succeed, because they lack what made the original good - the cast, the writers, the specific UK humour - whatever. Making Spaced without Pegg and without that humour is pointless - you might as well make a completely new show, and not claim that it has anything to do with Spaced. As others have said, it's not like there's a shortage of ideas or talent in the US.
posted by Infinite Jest at 1:36 PM on October 31, 2007
Also, no Ran 'cause Shakespeare already perfected King Lear...
posted by SweetJesus at 1:36 PM on October 31, 2007
posted by SweetJesus at 1:36 PM on October 31, 2007
Theres all kinds of things about Seven Samurai that translate quite nicely into a really cool Western. If The Magnificent Seven did not exist, and you told me you wanted to make Seven Samurai into a western I'd almost certainly be sold.
Things about Spaced that will translate quite nicely into a US network comedy: Errrrrm.... none.
posted by Artw at 1:40 PM on October 31, 2007
Things about Spaced that will translate quite nicely into a US network comedy: Errrrrm.... none.
posted by Artw at 1:40 PM on October 31, 2007
The original's better. They don't speak American, but it's still a good movie. The sequels and spin-offs to TMS were all genius as well and the world is a much better place for having seen a cancelled Michael Biehn TV show. But I see your point. Everything should be remade and sequalised in the hopes that something good might come out of it.
You honestly believe that there is nothing out there that shouldn't be remade? If that's the case, this is basically the best time to be an American moviegoer as they've pretty much given up on original movies, opting rather for remakes and sequels (more often than not based on games/comics/books so that there a guaranteed viewing base before the movie even comes out).
posted by slimepuppy at 1:45 PM on October 31, 2007
You honestly believe that there is nothing out there that shouldn't be remade? If that's the case, this is basically the best time to be an American moviegoer as they've pretty much given up on original movies, opting rather for remakes and sequels (more often than not based on games/comics/books so that there a guaranteed viewing base before the movie even comes out).
posted by slimepuppy at 1:45 PM on October 31, 2007
Fingers crossed that they don't nawse it up. Some of the US's most popular comedies (e.g. Sanford and Son, Archie Bunker) were remakes of UK sitcoms... although obviously years ago -- so it's not always bad. (I bet it's awful though...)
posted by NailsTheCat at 1:46 PM on October 31, 2007
posted by NailsTheCat at 1:46 PM on October 31, 2007
SweetJesus, you honestly don't see a difference between Kurosawa making an adaptation of King Lear set in feudal Japan and Fox&McG remaking Spaced?
If these two are synonymous in your mind, I'm sure you will love the show when it comes out.
posted by slimepuppy at 1:53 PM on October 31, 2007
If these two are synonymous in your mind, I'm sure you will love the show when it comes out.
posted by slimepuppy at 1:53 PM on October 31, 2007
THose weren't exactly intricate and subtle works to start with though.
You know what would really rock? A US remake of Love Thy Neighbour.
posted by Artw at 1:54 PM on October 31, 2007
You know what would really rock? A US remake of Love Thy Neighbour.
posted by Artw at 1:54 PM on October 31, 2007
They don't speak American, but it's still a good movie.
We don't either, we speak English...
You honestly believe that there is nothing out there that shouldn't be remade
Everyone steals from everyone else in Art. It's what you do with it that makes it worthy or unworthy. If you're asking me if I'd dismiss something out of hand without considering the actual "merits" of what has been created, the answer is no. It's small-minded, and smacks of perceived-intellectual superiority. I don't like judging books by their covers.
If that's the case, this is basically the best time to be an American moviegoer as they've pretty much given up on original movies, opting rather for remakes and sequels
Yeah, only if you're a moron and don't know how to drive to an independent cinema. Look, I dig what you're saying, but I don't think you've really got your finger on the pulse of American Independent Film from all the way over there in Madrid. Hollywood cranks out crap in the summer and the winter - we know that. It's been that way since Jaws, and it will continue to be that way until they stop making money. But Jaws was in 1975, so it's not like this trend is new or anything. "This is the best time to be an American moviegoer" - as if the trash films released now are somehow so much worse than those of the 90s or 80s...
SweetJesus, you honestly don't see a difference between Kurosawa making an adaptation of King Lear set in feudal Japan and Fox&McG remaking Spaced
But under your way of thinking, I wouldn't have even been able to CONSIDER the idea. I try to only shit all over art after I've taken it in, so to speak...
posted by SweetJesus at 2:07 PM on October 31, 2007
We don't either, we speak English...
You honestly believe that there is nothing out there that shouldn't be remade
Everyone steals from everyone else in Art. It's what you do with it that makes it worthy or unworthy. If you're asking me if I'd dismiss something out of hand without considering the actual "merits" of what has been created, the answer is no. It's small-minded, and smacks of perceived-intellectual superiority. I don't like judging books by their covers.
If that's the case, this is basically the best time to be an American moviegoer as they've pretty much given up on original movies, opting rather for remakes and sequels
Yeah, only if you're a moron and don't know how to drive to an independent cinema. Look, I dig what you're saying, but I don't think you've really got your finger on the pulse of American Independent Film from all the way over there in Madrid. Hollywood cranks out crap in the summer and the winter - we know that. It's been that way since Jaws, and it will continue to be that way until they stop making money. But Jaws was in 1975, so it's not like this trend is new or anything. "This is the best time to be an American moviegoer" - as if the trash films released now are somehow so much worse than those of the 90s or 80s...
SweetJesus, you honestly don't see a difference between Kurosawa making an adaptation of King Lear set in feudal Japan and Fox&McG remaking Spaced
But under your way of thinking, I wouldn't have even been able to CONSIDER the idea. I try to only shit all over art after I've taken it in, so to speak...
posted by SweetJesus at 2:07 PM on October 31, 2007
Heh. This is all very interesting in a kind of argument for the sake of argument kind of sense, but you don't seriously think theres a hope in hell that this will be any good, do you? Other than in a highly-theoretical-not-actually-going-to-happen kind of way?
posted by Artw at 2:10 PM on October 31, 2007
posted by Artw at 2:10 PM on October 31, 2007
Shakespeare's is adaptable because he deals with the big questions that are universal. Whereas Spaced was about quirky small stuff... It's not impossible that it could be adapted well, only very hard, especially with a talentless dick like McG in charge.
Oh and I see your Love Thy Neighbour and raise you Curry And Chips. Though as there was a US version of Mind Your Language (What A Country!) I'm surprised neither of those actually happened.
Or Ain't Half Hot Mum set in 'Nam... now that would really rock!
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 2:10 PM on October 31, 2007 [1 favorite]
Oh and I see your Love Thy Neighbour and raise you Curry And Chips. Though as there was a US version of Mind Your Language (What A Country!) I'm surprised neither of those actually happened.
Or Ain't Half Hot Mum set in 'Nam... now that would really rock!
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 2:10 PM on October 31, 2007 [1 favorite]
So what elements of Spaced will survive the transition?
Well I don't think aging hipsters will translate too well for most Americans so that's the two main characters out. Mike the military dude should translate well, as should Brian the tortured artist (although without Mark Heap it won't work). And the landlady? Do people even have landladies over there? I guess there's the "super" whatever the hell that means.
So, with most of the characters cut-up or cut-out you're left with a fast paced sitcom about a group of friends with lots of pop-culture TV, movie, cartoon, music and game references.
Or in other words, why even bother keeping the name?
posted by dodgygeezer at 2:26 PM on October 31, 2007
Well I don't think aging hipsters will translate too well for most Americans so that's the two main characters out. Mike the military dude should translate well, as should Brian the tortured artist (although without Mark Heap it won't work). And the landlady? Do people even have landladies over there? I guess there's the "super" whatever the hell that means.
So, with most of the characters cut-up or cut-out you're left with a fast paced sitcom about a group of friends with lots of pop-culture TV, movie, cartoon, music and game references.
Or in other words, why even bother keeping the name?
posted by dodgygeezer at 2:26 PM on October 31, 2007
Jessica Stephenson Hynes is working on something based on a Jamie Hewlett strip, & I need to go rent Confetti.
Make a list of 500 things that you really want to do. Now put "Rent Confetti" at the bottom of it. Now make sure you die around number 495, so you never ever get to number 501, "Rent Confetti".
It's bad is what I'm saying. Fantastic cast, funny concept, utterly shit result.
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 3:31 PM on October 31, 2007
Make a list of 500 things that you really want to do. Now put "Rent Confetti" at the bottom of it. Now make sure you die around number 495, so you never ever get to number 501, "Rent Confetti".
It's bad is what I'm saying. Fantastic cast, funny concept, utterly shit result.
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 3:31 PM on October 31, 2007
Something tells me the American version won't have Mike losing his inhibitions and having a great time rolling his head off on ecstacy with his friends.
Or a neurotic gay artist living downstairs with a performance artist ex-boyfriend named Vulva.
Why, America? Why? Leave it alone, fer crissakes.
posted by jokeefe at 4:40 PM on October 31, 2007
Or a neurotic gay artist living downstairs with a performance artist ex-boyfriend named Vulva.
Why, America? Why? Leave it alone, fer crissakes.
posted by jokeefe at 4:40 PM on October 31, 2007
concrete : "I think we did Men Behaving Badly too."
Indeed.
posted by Penks at 5:28 PM on October 31, 2007
Indeed.
posted by Penks at 5:28 PM on October 31, 2007
Thinking about it, there is an American film comedy called Free Enterprise (with a rapping William Shatner!), which has a few elements of Spaced-ness. Sci-fi obsessed twentysomethings trying to make a life with lots of pop culture references. Of course, where the Brit version had them working in a comic book store or being a struggling small-time journalist, Free Enterprise has its protagonists working in Hollywood.
Or am I the only one who sees the comparison?
posted by electriccynic at 6:27 PM on October 31, 2007
Or am I the only one who sees the comparison?
posted by electriccynic at 6:27 PM on October 31, 2007
"Something tells me the American version won't have Mike losing his inhibitions and having a great time rolling his head off on ecstacy with his friends."
Or:
Daisy: You're up early.
Tim: Oh, I haven't been to bed. Me and Mike met up with these two Scottish guys in the pub and they gave us all this cheap speed.
Daisy: Oh Tim, that's so tacky.
Tim: Yeah I know, but y'know they were so nice. I think if we'd said no they'd have got offended and beaten us to death with a pool cue.
posted by Tenuki at 7:15 PM on October 31, 2007
Or:
Daisy: You're up early.
Tim: Oh, I haven't been to bed. Me and Mike met up with these two Scottish guys in the pub and they gave us all this cheap speed.
Daisy: Oh Tim, that's so tacky.
Tim: Yeah I know, but y'know they were so nice. I think if we'd said no they'd have got offended and beaten us to death with a pool cue.
posted by Tenuki at 7:15 PM on October 31, 2007
Brian wasn't gay. Just ask Twist and Marsha...
"it's hard to hear the love affair between two straight men; one of whom is the most divine women alive..."
posted by Artw at 9:49 PM on October 31, 2007
"it's hard to hear the love affair between two straight men; one of whom is the most divine women alive..."
posted by Artw at 9:49 PM on October 31, 2007
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