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By Felix Vasquez Jr.

I picked out ten contenders for remakes and dream casts, some of which are in development.

* In Development

Nick Castle's science fiction flick is still an entertaining little low tech epic, but it still has the distinction of being one of the many films of that decade to piggyback on the "Star Wars" wagon. With a darker tone, better villains, and sleeker special effects, a remake would give it the possibility of standing out as its own picture, and can be geared to many audiences. Remaking the game and releasing it simultaneously would also lend it some moneymaking possibilities, too. Someone like Justin Long would excel in the role of Alex, with someone like Clancy Brown or Ian McShane as one of the only star fighters Grig.

9. The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

* In Development

After so many decades, "The Creature" hasn't lost his punch or his knack for terrorizing, but the concept paired with the story is just begging for a modern vision with a proper crew at the helm. The creature could still be made with old fashioned latex paired with dynamic CGI. After watching the aliens dashing through water in "Alien: Resurrection," the creature is the perfect recruit for a remake. And someone like James Purefoy or Thomas Jane in the lead, paired with a good heroine/damsel in distress like Michelle Monaghan and we have ourselves a horror picture.

8. Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

Hitchcock's film is still a twisted tale of family dysfunction with Joseph Cotton providing one hell of a villain and Teresa Wright acing her performance as a young disillusioned girl whose favorite uncle becomes her worst enemy. With a proper cast and crew, a period remake would prove successful. Bold, yes, since most of Hitchcock's films age well and need no remakes, but who wouldn't love a "Shadow of a Doubt" remake with nice guy Tom Hanks as the vicious Uncle Charlie who goes from all around family man to psychotic killer in seconds flat? I'd love either Alison Lohman or Ellen Page as young "Charlie" Newton, and Sam Mendes or Frank Darabont leading the suspense as director.

7. The Cat and the Canary (1927)

The film has been remade twice and they've been debatable in quality. I could really use another telling of this classic silent film that can avoid the pitfalls of "The Haunting" remake. Annabelle West is a banner heroine, while the remake can make way for a very darkly comedic tone resulting in a twisted horror film. The clichés can still be implements, but rendered for modern audiences. Someone like Gretchen Mol could achieve the humility and purity that Laura La Plante gave birth to as Annabelle West, our heroine in peril. While Roger Crosby can be played with devious glee by Ian Holm or Jim Broadbent.

6. Gunga Din (1939)

It's a historic film. It provided the inspiration for "Temple of Doom," and influenced many up and coming filmmakers around the world, but even I can admit it's a little dated. This film is a light and airy action adventure with a serial feel to it, and with the right crew it can retain that feeling, bring in a new audience, and do away with the racial stereotypes of the original. With someone like John Moore or Wolfgang Peterson, I could see a movie that's as visual as David Lean but with substance and thrillers. Its three leads could be played by established actors like James Purefoy, Matthew Goode, and Erica Bana, while the eponymous Gunga Din can be a dignified hero and centerpiece with a valiant journey.