Prequels, Sequels & Remakes

I've always been the person who believed that it's hard to find new original ideas, but things are starting to get out of hand. Hollywood can't even come up with a concept that hasn't been used before. Everything has to be spun off of something else. Which explains all the bad 70's and 80's television shows that are suddenly coming to the big screen. They are working on the A-Team and Smurfs as we speak. I'm split on the concept of remakes as with better technology and a well done script it can surpass the original. Not all of them put in the effort though. Who are they going to get to play B.A. Barracus? Mr. T is getting a little too old to do it and how can you possibly recast Mr. T? They are working on a remake of the Karate Kid series. Four movies wasn't enough. They're also restarting Friday the 13th series. It's like they take a concept so far and if they don't like it, they just start over. Which explains the current new Batman series. I have liked the movies so far, but to just decided you are going to start from scratch because you painted yourself in a corner is just ludicrous. And you can't even mention the word prequel without the new Star Wars movie springing to mind. They managed to isolate an entire section of their fanbase with the mere mention of one word.

I will admit that I like to write stories and some elements of my stories are inspired from other things. How can you not be influenced by things that you have enjoyed when trying to create new works? I know what I like and try to create that for my readers or potential readers. I've also found that I come up with a concept and before I'm halfway through writing it, a book or movie comes out with a very similar premise. I just don't understand having an entire occupation of writers sitting around thinking we should turn this cartoon into a movie or a random video game. When is Grand Theft Auto the Motion Picture coming out? Or a Legend of Zelda movie? Actually that one I might check out. Just don't go and get Owen Wilson to play Link.