Universal Pictures has announced that they are doing a reboot of The Rockford Files, this time staring Vince Vaughn. There is no word yet as to what "tone" the film will take. It could be similar to other 70s remakes like Starsky and Hutch or The Dukes of Hazzard that approach it in a tongue and cheek sort of way. Or they could stay true to the series and make it a straight forward drama with a funny-man at the front. I saw the TV pilot of the re-make of the series that was made just a couple years ago with Dermot Mulroney as Rockford, and all I can hope is that this one turns out better. Not only did that prove how hard it is to follow in the footsteps of James Garner, but how hard it is to make a new version of a hit classic show that so many loved. What do you guys think? Do we like Vince Vaughn? Do we even want to see a version of this show again?
Nope. Nope. And I don't think I'm in the minority there.
It seems like, as you mentioned in the blurb, this choice was made mostly on physical resemblance. Vaughn had his late 90's - mid 00's time, but he's definitely lost his relevance. Anyone remember The Dilemma?
Although, if those other 70's remakes are any indication, just cast Ben Stiller or Owen Wilson along side Vince, make it for $60 mil, and it's pretty much a guaranteed success.
Hollywood!
He was alright in The Cell...I think. Been a while. Don't remember him being awful though
Vince Vaughn has as much talent and charisma as James Garner has in his right butt cheek. Horrible, horrible choice.
Vince Vaughn hasn't been relevant in years. Even at the hight of his popularity, he wasn't able to carry a film on his own.
Whoever wins, we lose.
Can't hate Vince Vaughn, he was in Old School damn blast it and that's one of the my favourite films (and not just because of Elisha Cuthbert's bottom... which is perfect). But beyond Old School and his appearance in Anchorman, I can't say I like anything else Vaughn's been in.
Vaughn's to smarmy to be Rockford in my opinion. They need someone more world-weary. Ideally, I think George Clooney would be perfect, but barring him, perhaps Hugh Jackman, Mark Ruffalo or Clive Owen. Jackman and Ruffalo can do comedy, too which is a necessity for the role but that aspect shouldn't be conspicuous. James Garner took the wry cynicism which embodied fictional detectives on screen by Humphrey Bogart and Paul Newman in a more natural direction. It was almost fatalistic. I think a modernized approach to the Jim Rockford character should preserve that fatigued appeasement.
@PenguinDust said:
Maybe Dominic West. A non-destructive McNulty is the first thing I thought of after reading the premise.