There’s little mystery about what critics think of “Sleuth.” “A hammy chamber piece,” The Los Angeles Times says of the remake starring Jude Law and Michael Caine (which opens in Chicago on Friday). And that’s not good news for Hollywood. Over the next several months, the studios will flood the multiplex with a dozen other prominent (and often pricey) remakes. For every “3:10 to Yuma” hit remake, there’s an “All the King’s Men” dud. Here’s a look at some recent remake highs and lows — and some upcoming revisions.
THE MISSES
The Heartbreak Kid
A remake of the 1972 romantic comedy, not even Ben Stiller’s star power could save it from a paltry $14 million opening.
The Hitcher
The retelling of the 1986 splatter movie tanked, grossing $16.4 million.
I Think I Love My Wife
Chris Rock’s update of the 1972 French film “Chloe in the Afternoon” sold only $12.6 million worth of tickets.
Poseidon
The remake of the 1972 disaster movie sold more than $60 million in tickets, but its staggering $160 million budget sunk any possible profits.
The Bad News Bears
The 2005 modernizing of the classic 1976 baseball comedy struck out, grossing $32.9 million
THE HITS
Halloween
Rob Zombie’s new take on the 1978 horror classic grossed more than $56 million.
No Reservations
Despite weak reviews, the retelling of 2001’s German hit “Mostly Martha” fared OK, grossing $42.5 million.
The Lake House
Last year’s reconsideration of South Korea’s 2000 frightener “Il Mare” took in more than $52 million.
The Departed
The fresh twist on Hong Kong’s 2002 police drama “Infernal Affairs” won four Oscars and grossed $133.3 million.
Casino Royale
It shared little but the title with 1967’s spy spoof, but last year’s James Bond movie was the highest-grossing of the franchise, with $167 million in ticket sales.
UPCOMING
I Am Legend
Will Smith
stars in the third movie (1964’s “The Last Man on Earth,” 1971’s “The Omega Man”) based on Richard Matheson’s novel.
Footloose
The “High School Musical” team of director Kenny Ortega and costar Zac Efron hope to remake the 1984 Kevin Bacon musical.
The Eye
Jessica Alba leads the cast in the English-language version of the 2002 Hong Kong thriller.
Dinner for Schmucks
“Borat’s” Sacha Baron Cohen has been developing a remake of the 1998 French comedy “The Dinner Game.”
The Incredible Hulk
Director Louis Leterrier (“Transporter”) directs Edward Norton in a new adaptation of the comic book and 2003 film “Hulk.”
