From cinemablend, The next 80s television show to be turned into a movie has been slotted. It’s The Greatest American Hero.
Even if you don’t remember the show, you probably remember the theme song. Hum along: “Believe it or not, I’m walking on air I never thought I could fell so free!” Believe it or not, I actually sang that while I typed it. It’s just one of those songs which, while it may well be awful, worms it’s way into your head and never leaves. The show which the theme song is from debuted in 1981 and was one of the first to put a drama/comedy spin on the whole superhero thing. William Katt starred as Ralph Hinkley, a hapless gym teacher given a “power suit” by a group of aliens. While he’s wearing the suit, he has super powers such as flight, strength, invisibility, and whatever else the writers felt like having him do that week. I remember being utterly in love with the show at the time, but then I was 5.
By now comedic superhero movies are sort of passé, but it should at least be supremely easy to adapt this into a proper movie. Chris Matheson and Ryan Rowe have already written a script, no word on whether or not they actually wrote it in their sleep.
According to Moviehole, a casting call has already gone out around Hollywood alerting would-be tights-wearers that they’re looking for a new Ralph Hinkley. Already locked into the project is Stephen Herek, probably best known for directing Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, The Mighty Ducks, and Mr. Holland’s Opus . They’re looking for a major name for the project, someone between ages 29 and 39, which leaves the door pretty wide open. They’ll need it open, I have a hard time picturing the Ewan McGregor’s or Colin Farrell’s of the world jumping on this thing. I don’t think Alex Winter is busy. Maybe they’d better give him a call as a backup plan.
And because if you’re like me, I know you’re dying to see it… below I’ve embedded the old intro to The Greatest American Hero. They flying effects are actually a lot better than I remembered them. Ah Connie Sellecca, you still haunt my dreams.
5 comments:
I dunno, I think this guy's being overly harsh. I've always liked the premise of that show: "guy finds super-powered suit, but loses the instructions. C'mon, that's pretty good.
And that song was the second song on my first ever mix tape. Just this second I can't remember the first song.
I just remembered that trailer for Hancock. I feel like that's bound to dominate the "inept superhero" slot for a while to come. Maaaybe.
I dare you to try Netflixing a season. I made it through 1/2 an episode before curling up in a fetal position. It's as unwatchable as it gets. I was so outraged I wrote this Netflix review:
"It's like a trip down memory lane that is very, very disappointing... I can't imagine who would actually enjoy watching these episodes today. The target audience seems to be 12 year old boys and girls but the episodes are so tremendously boring and unfunny that no 12 year old in their right mind could actually sit through it. So while it was nice to hear that catchy little theme song again, that's about all you're gonna get with renting these. AVOID AVOID AVOID!!!"
Hmm. You make a good case. Perhaps all I meant to defend was the premise, and not the show itself. Regardless, I may take you up on that dare someday.
That guy was my first crush. William Katt in a jumpsuit.
But I won't try to defend the show.
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