Good movie but needs some work

Rating: 7/10 (5 November 2003)

North by Northwest is a fine film, but hey, did you notice that it's over 40 years old? I say it's due for a good ol' Hollywood remake! Just think what can be achieved and how much better the movie can be with modern CGI and fresh, young talent.
First off, casting is vital. Cary Grant may have been an uber-stud back in the 50s, but he's way too Ward Cleaver for today's hip audience. I recommend Will Smith or the Rock. Replacing Eva Marie Saint would be an accomplished actress like Cameron Diaz or Jessica Simpson. And for the villainous Vandamm, go with Agent Smith from the Matrix. Also, I don't know what role they would play, but squeeze DMX and Jet Li in there somehow. Cause I mean, you put those two together and it's like gold every time!
Now Hitchcock's plot is involving enough but it might be a bit too slow for today's kids. Fortunately I have lots of great ideas. In the drunk car chase scene, replace the pursuers' car with an M1 Abrams tank and instead of a convertible, Thornhill should be in either a hovercraft or a Hummer H2.
The scene where Thornhill is being attacked by the cropduster is perfect; just use a stealth fighter instead, have it happen in Times Square, and have Thornhill shoot down the plane with a bazooka; oh, and it should be done all in slow-mo. Finally, the last scene should end with Mt. Rushmore exploding as Thornhill/Kendall jump off the top screaming "COWABUNGA TO THE EXTREME, YO!"
But otherwise the movie is perfect as is! Well except for the soundtrack, but I have plans for that too...