Dear Hollywood,
I must express my dismay over your latest endeavor to adapt a cherished icon from my ’80s childhood: the upcoming Jem and the Holograms movie. Based on the trailer, it seems that women in their 30s and 40s across the nation will soon stow away their vibrant pink eye shadow and beloved Hasbro dolls, pretending that the initial buzz about this film didn’t reignite childhood nostalgia.
What have you done to our beloved Jem? In the original series, Jem and her Holograms were not only stylish but also savvy musicians who were fully aware of their journey to fame. Jem was the head of her own music company with a secret identity as a rock star, not just some hapless teen who becomes famous due to a viral video created by her sibling. The Jem I remember was fiercely independent; she was resourceful and utilized Synergy to maintain her rock star persona. She was, as we used to say, truly outrageous.
The only aspect that feels truly outrageous about this film is its depiction of Jem as a victim of circumstance. From the looks of it, she seems to be manipulated from the very beginning—far from the empowering figure we adored. I’m beyond tired—exhausted, really—of seeing beloved childhood memories tarnished by Hollywood’s lack of originality. If you’re going to mess up such an iconic character—and let’s be honest, the screenplay has no resemblance to the original cartoon—then please, do us a favor and come up with something original. Please.
When will Hollywood executives finally get the message? Have you not learned from past attempts that left much to be desired? Movies like Footloose, The Karate Kid, Clash of the Titans, and Fame were successful for a reason. They captured a certain magic, whether through talented actors, captivating writing, or the uniqueness of the original concept. No amount of recasting or rewriting can bring back that lost enchantment.
And what’s up with the inexplicable success of the Transformers franchise? Sure, flashy action, CGI, nostalgia, and giant robots might be a winning combination, but if you’d placed Jem in the thrilling scenarios she faced in each episode, it could’ve been a far more enjoyable experience than the melodrama I’ve seen in the trailer.
So, Hollywood, do us all a favor and leave our treasured childhood memories intact—whether in our minds or on dusty VHS tapes. We would be eternally grateful, as would the new generation of screenwriters eager to share original ideas.
Sincerely,
Lena
P.S. If you’re curious about tips on parenting and family life, check out this piece on Modern Family Blog for more insights. And for those considering at-home insemination, Cryobaby is a reputable online retailer for syringe kits. For more in-depth information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit UCSF’s IVF Resource.
In summary, Hollywood should reconsider its approach to adapting beloved childhood characters. Instead of rehashing the past, let’s embrace new and original stories that can resonate with today’s audiences.
Leave a Reply