By Joshua Kor

Nothing works like a winning formula. And so Hollywood feeds audience appetites with endless sequels of hit movies and, in case those don't digest well, remakes of old ones too.

Among the slew of remakes and makeovers, two stand out for me.

Recently, I went to watch Star Trek, a "reboot" by J.J. Abrams of the popular sci-fi film and television series.

Having seen the trailer, I had low expectations, expecting it to be another run-of-the-mill science-fiction movie with a plot that gives you a sense of now-where-did-I-see-that? Instead, I was treated to two hours of nailbiting action and a story full of intriguing twists. This version of Star Trek begins at the start and tells the story of how the crew of the USS Enterprise come together in a universe torn by war. I left the cinema more than happy, and content to know they have set it up for, yes, a sequel.

Another unforgettable remake was the sequel to the Batman franchise directed by Christopher Nolan. The first part, Batman Begins, released in 2005, made waves when it topped the charts in its opening weekend. The movie chronicled the life of the young Bruce Wayne, recapping how he gained his fear of bats and how he received his training in a temple perched on snow-capped peaks.

But it was merely the red carpet to the entrance of the electrifying and aptly titled sequel, The Dark Knight, which opened in 2008.

Every premise of the show is plagued with the devilish charm of misery. Our comic book hero is now a disturbed businessman hiding behind his mask, unsure of the thin line between right and wrong. With him in the city is Harvey Dent, a murderous, disfigured vigilante called Two-Face, and the Joker, a demented clown, bent on triggering anarchy in the city. The movie leaves Harvey Dent dead, Batman a fugitive and the fate of the Joker unknown. The movie grossed more than US$1 billion (S$1.4 billion) worldwide, making it the most-lucrative movie of the Batman franchise.

So what sets remakes apart from their original counterparts? It could be the director's flair for taking a fresh look at a familiar subject or the enhanced special effects. Done well, remakes can improve on classics, introducing them to a new generation and allowing them to be appreciated by all.

Joshua Kor, 14, a Secondary 3 student at St Joseph's Institution, is a member of the IN Crowd 2009.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.