Warners Reboots The "Fletch" Franchise

Like many films from the '80's, "Fletch" will always be dear to my heart. I've always been a fan of comedy and journalism, so watching Chevy Chase bounce around Los Angeles in wild costumes while working as an investigative reporter was just pure comic gold for me.

And like most films from the '80's, "Fletch" is getting a re-do.

According to Heat Vision Warner Bros. Pictures has picked up the movie rights to Gregory McDonald's eleven-book series of mystery novels, which feature the character Irwin M. Fletcher.

The idea of a new "Fletch" franchise has been in the works for decades, although none of those efforts have felt quite as "official."

Steve Golin, Michael Sugar and David List will produce the film adaptation which aims to be "a reimagining, not a remake" of the original film, which followed the character of Irwin 'Fletch' Fletcher as he juggles writing exposes while avoiding headaches caused by his two ex-wives.

The original books are fantastic reads, especially the first two books in the series, titled "Fletch" and "Fletch Won." Although I don't think "Fletch" needs another go around, I'm actually encouraged by the idea of a "reimagining" rather than a full out remake. Christopher Nolan sure did a good job "reimagining" Batman, so hopefully another great character will have the same fate.

As of now no star, writer or director is yet attached, but in the past the likes of Zach Braff, Kevin Smith, Ben Affleck and Joshua Jackson have been rumored to be involved in some capacity.

New Line Reboots the "National Lampoon's Vacation" Franchise

Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley have been hired by New Line Cinema to pen a script that will essentially reboot the "National Lampoon's Vacation" franchise.

According to Variety: Back in October, New Line announced their intentions for the new "Vacation," with David Dobkin producing and possibly directing.

The new film will be a reboot of the franchise, but also a type of sequel, since it will be about a now-adult Rusty Griswold--the son in the original films--and his own road trip, this time with his own wife and kids.

Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo would reprise their roles as Clark and Ellen Griswold in a film said to follow a darker and more interesting "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" style tone than the cruder antics of the various sequels.

As far as the writers go, you might recognize Daley from his childhood role as Sam Weir on "Freaks and Geeks." Goldstein and Daley currently have three other projects in various stages with New Line.

Although reboots and remakes have become increasingly common, I think this one has potential. Chevy Chase has had somewhat of a late-stage renaissance, especially with his work on “Community,” and I think Daley is ready to breakout as a writer.

I always was a fan of the “Vacation” films, especially “Vegas Vegation,” which might not have been the most well reviewed of the series, but it was one of my favorites.

Look for the new “Vacation” film sometime in 2011.