Reboots are like pizza – even when they’re bad, they’re still kinda good, except when they’re really, really bad. And when it comes to female-led reboots of old beloved female franchises, it seems Hollywood has found a way to make pineapple on pizza look like a gourmet dish. Here, we delve into five such cinematic disasters and discuss how they might be hindering the progress of the female empowerment movement. But fear not, we also shine a light on five original female characters who are truly deserving of the limelight.
Five Horrifically Reviewed Female-Led Reboots:
- “Ocean’s 8” (2018)
- Review Highlight: “A stylish heist that steals nothing but time.”
- Impact: Despite an all-star cast, it failed to capture the slick charm of the Ocean’s series, leaving audiences wondering why it needed a reboot at all. I honestly didn’t even make it through the film while streaming it, so I can’t provide a sincere review.
- “Ghostbusters” (2016)
- Review Highlight: “More of a whimper than a bang, Ghostbusters feels more like a spiritless cash grab.”
- Impact: Instead of celebrating women in science, it made everyone wish for the sweet embrace of a proton pack. I went in hoping for a nostalgic trip down memory lane but left feeling like I’d been slimed – and not in a good way.
- “Terminator: Dark Fate” (2019)
- Review Highlight: “A cyborg slog that fails to breathe new life into the dying franchise.”
- Impact: Proved that even the return of Linda Hamilton couldn’t save this from feeling like a rusty relic. I kept waiting for the adrenaline rush, but all I got was a slow drip of recycled scenes and tired tropes.
- “What Men Want” (2019)
- Review Highlight: “A gender-swapped remake that lacks the charm and wit of its predecessor.”
- Impact: Instead of offering fresh insights, it feels like a forced attempt at flipping the script, making the original “What Women Want” look like a masterpiece in comparison.
- “Charlie’s Angels” (2019)
- Review Highlight: “A lifeless attempt to resurrect a franchise that should have stayed in the 70s.”
- Impact: It made viewers long for the original angels’ charm and wit, proving that even angels can’t survive bad scripts. Watching it felt like a slow-motion car crash – I couldn’t look away, but I wish I could forget it.
How These Reboots Hold Back Female Empowerment
Instead of championing and crafting unique female-led narratives, these reboots often come across as uninspired efforts to profit from established franchises with a gender-swapped cast. This inadvertently reinforces the notion that women can only achieve success by emulating men’s achievements rather than carving their own paths. True empowerment stems from original, robust, and relatable female characters that resonate with audiences due to their distinct journeys and strengths.
Five Unique Powerful Female Characters:
- The Bride (Kill Bill, 2003-2004)
- Portrayed by: Uma Thurman
- Description: A relentless and skilled assassin seeking vengeance, The Bride’s journey is one of grit, determination, and raw power. Watching her slice through her enemies was like witnessing poetry in motion – brutal, beautiful, and unforgettable.
- Furiosa (Mad Max: Fury Road, 2015)
- Portrayed by: Charlize Theron
- Description: Furiosa is a beacon of rebellion and resilience, a fearless warrior in a post-apocalyptic world. She made me want to shave my head, grab a steering wheel, and join the fight – pure, unadulterated badassery.
- Sarah Connor (Terminator 2: Judgment Day, 1991)
- Portrayed by: Linda Hamilton
- Description: Transformed from a vulnerable waitress to a hardened warrior, Sarah Connor is the epitome of resilience. Watching her transformation was like witnessing a phoenix rise from the ashes – powerful and unforgettable.
- Lucy (Lucy, 2014)
- Portrayed by: Scarlett Johansson
- Description: A groundbreaking portrayal of a woman who gains extraordinary mental and physical capabilities, showcasing strength and intelligence. I remember walking out of the cinema in awe of the sheer audacity of her transformation – it was like nothing I’d seen before.
- Ellen Ripley (Alien, 1979)
- Portrayed by: Sigourney Weaver
- Description: One of the first genuinely iconic female action heroes, Ripley’s intelligence and tenacity set a high bar for future characters. Ripley didn’t just survive – she thrived, and every minute of her screen time was a masterclass in resilience.
“…in the end, it doesn’t even matter.”
While the trend of rebooting male-led franchises with female casts can feel like a token gesture rather than genuine empowerment, it’s clear that audiences crave original, compelling female characters. These characters, from The Bride to Ellen Ripley, resonate because they are unique, well-developed, and integral to their stories. Hollywood should note that true female empowerment comes from creating new legends, not just rehashing old ones.
