Because no ‘80s movie is immune to the Hollywood reboot trend (a $20 million-per-episode prestige TV remake of Weird Science will surely happen any day now), we’re now getting a new version of The ‘Burbs, the 1989 Tom Hanks comedy about a gang of middle-class suburbanites who begin to suspect that their new “Slavic” neighbors are murderous Satanic cultists. Play As we’ve pointed out before, The ‘Burbs has arguably never been more relevant, coming at a time when conspiracy theories are as rampant as ever, and American xenophobia has been cranked up to 11. And while the original was clearly riffing on the “Satanic Panic” paranoia of the 1980s, we’re currently living at a time when everything from Taylor Swift concerts to restaurants at Disney World have been accused of promoting demonic messaging.
* The idea that He-Man toys and Smurf dolls are the handiwork of Lucifer is a popular conspiracy theory. * This theory has been circulating for years, with no concrete evidence to support it. * The theory gained traction in the 1990s, fueled by the popularity of the He-Man and Smurf franchises.
Obviously, the original didn’t involve any “old secrets” being brought to light, and the movie begins with all of the characters firmly established in the suburbs, not moving there for the first time. The synopsis also makes the show sound quite dramatic, so it’s possible they’re going for more of a thriller vibe than the film, which featured gloriously goofy scenes such as this one: Advertisement Advertisement Despite these changes, one director who’d be a perfect fit for the ‘Burbs show is the guy who literally made The ‘Burbs: director Joe Dante. And Dante’s made it known that he’s available for the gig. Either that, or he’s just a big Carly Rae Jepsen fan.
He’s known for his unique blend of horror, comedy, and science fiction, which has made him a beloved figure in the film industry. His films often explore themes of isolation, alienation, and the dark side of human nature. Dante’s career spans decades, and his filmography is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal.
