"Stranger" Remake Tops Weekend Boxoffice - But Why?

Is it just me, or is it starting to seem as if audiences are willing to watch just about anything sci-fi or horror related over other "lighter" fare? Not that I mind, of course. That's really all I pay the big bucks to see anyway.

But... this sad remake of a horror classic? Am I alone in my shock at the previews/commercials that reveal the big "the calls are coming from inside of the house" surprise?? That was the kicker in the original. The 1979 version of "When a Stranger Calls" staring Carol Kane completely changed my baby-sitting habits for life! We didn't even have cell phones back then - just one phone line to keep the killers at bay. It's sequel, the 1993 "When a Stranger Calls Back" was even pretty creepy.

Despite terrible reviews, Screen Gems' remake dialed in to the top spot at the boxoffice during the weekend, eclipsing the rest of the field and ringing in an estimated $22 million. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Simon West-directed "Stranger" marked the first time any movie has grossed more than $20 million on Super Bowl weekend.

While I'm thrilled that the sci-fi and horror junkies (like me) are starting to dominate the scene, I just wish the studios would turn out new and challenging stuff more often. Remake after remake is just so borrrring. --Shannon Nolley

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