NOW & AGAIN

Apparently, nostalgia IS what it used to be. That’s why remakes, rewinds and reinventions are trending at the multiplex. Here are some of the remakes you may or may not care about over the next two years, writes Bob Thompson, understanding that release da

B AY WAT C H (NOW IN THEATRES)

Then: The cornball giggle and jiggle TV show featured David Hasselhoff and sand bunny Pamela Anderson who played California beach lifeguards dedicated to saving swimmers and solving crimes.

Now: Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron lead the way. They are often shirtless, mostly bickering, as they attempt to decipher the at-the-beach puzzle of drugs and dead bodies in what amounts to a raunchy parody.

THE MUMMY (JUNE 9)

Then: The first in a series of many monster movies kicked off in 1932 with Boris Karloff as the original wrapper.

Now: Tom Cruise gets to exercise his running and jumping talents as the dude who confronts a mighty mean ancient spirit capable of global infiltration. Joining the fray is Russell Crowe’s Dr. Jekyll, who might be harbouring Mr. Hyde.

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (JULY 7)

Then: Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield took turns doing their best high school webslinger impersonations with varying degrees of success in a bunch of films.

Now: Tom Holland is the latest Spidey, who had a fitting, and favourable, introduction with a co-starring hello in Captain America: Civil War. Matching that inauguration in a full-length feature will be the challenge.

FLATLINERS (SEPT. 29)

Then: Brat Pack medical students personally investigate near-death experiences, but the consequences get freaky.

Now: Diego Luna and Ellen Page are just a few of the wannabe doctors who almost take it to the dead-zone limit. Original cast member Kiefer Sutherland’s back, but Julia Roberts must’ve been otherwise engaged.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (NOV. 10)

Then: A 1974 film defining Agatha Christie’s murder-mystery features a solid cast and Albert Finney as Hercules Poirot.

Now: Director Kenneth Branagh takes on the Poirot part opposite an updated all-star ensemble that includes Judi Dench, so there is hope.

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (DEC. 22)

Then: Robin Williams had fun in the fantasy adventure about a board game that comes to life with perilous results.

Now: Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart reteam for the comedy action flick. But this time a video game provides the backdrop. Welcome to the 21st century.

THE SIX BILLION DOLLAR MAN (DEC. 22)

Then: The Six Million Dollar Man’s Steve Austin (Lee Majors), counted as the 1970s bionic crime-fighting TV superhero.

Now: Filmmaker Peter Berg and headliner Mark Wahlberg update the cyborg story for the new millennial crowd who probably wouldn’t blink at the six-billiondollar price tag.

TOMB RAIDER (MARCH 16, 2018)

Then: Angelina Jolie brought to cinematic life the video game adventuress Lara Croft.

Now: Alicia Vikander will attempt the same, minus some upfront display.

SCARFACE (AUG. 10, 2018)

Then: Scenery-chewing Al Pacino was the Cuban immigrant who ran the Miami cocaine criminal world with exaggerated results.

Now: Say hello to the Coen Brothers, who apply their peculiar screenplay spin to the crime yarn with Diego Luna playing the title character.

A STAR IS BORN (SEPT. 28, 2018)

Then: A cautionary tale of fame and misfortune misfired first with James Mason and Judy Garland and then with Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand. Both couples revealed everything but chemistry.

Now: Director Bradley Cooper directs himself for the first time opposite Lady Gaga, who makes her major movie debut. What could go wrong?

MULAN (NOV. 2, 2018)

Then: In the Disney animation, based on a Chinese legend, Mulan secretly replaces her father as a conscript to fight in a war against the Huns.

Now: New Zealand director Niki Caro might be braver than Mulan to take on the live-action version.

MARY POPPINS RETURNS (DEC. 25, 2018)

Then: Familiar to multiple generations, the musical showcases Julie Andrews as the mystical, magical nanny trying to get things right for a rich but dysfunctional London family.

Now: Boldly, Emily Blunt takes on the role of the iconic caregiver when the grown-up kids have kids and need help.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES Tom Cruise, who has made millions from the Mission: Impossible movie franchise, and Annabelle Wallis star in the latest remake of The Mummy.

SONY PICTURES Tom Holland gets a full-length chance to show what he can do in Spider-Man: Homecoming.