Friday Fight: Is There Any Hope For The Arrested Development Movie?
Even though Lindsay and Gabe are friends, they very rarely agree on anything. Every day, they have a fight about something. On Fridays, we publish one.
lindsay: as you know, I'm sick to death of the subject of the AD movie
lindsay: and would rather never mention it
lindsay: but this is just the first time I've really disagreed with you in a while
gabe: how can you disagree with me?
gabe: you can nitpick about details
gabe: but the idea that it's impossible
gabe: for the arrested development movie to be bad
gabe: is naive
lindsay: No. Nobody said that.
lindsay: It's totally possible for it to be bad.
lindsay: But you really think that the Arrested Development movie is going to be bad if it's like The Simpsons movie?
gabe: so your only issue is that i cited the simpsons
gabe: take me to jail, doctor
lindsay: But the simpsons movie was a success that they couldn't posssibly hope to achieve, by every possible metric
gabe: my point in citing the simpsons movie is that movies of TV shows are disappointments, and i do think that movie is a disappointment
lindsay: they will be so lucky if they please 1/10th of the fans as much as the simpsons movie did
gabe: it's not that the movie was bad
gabe: or that it was financially unsuccessful
gabe: but that i left the movie feeling like "yup, sure"
gabe: "that was a long episode of the simpsons"
gabe: which in itself is a show that i think
gabe: has far outlasted its usefulness and should be taken off the air
gabe: it is done
gabe: and i think that the arrested development has a way different goal to reach than the simpsons
lindsay: Well, yeah
gabe: the simpsons is a monster international marketing juggernaut
lindsay: it has to bring in a lot of people
lindsay: who never saw the show
gabe: and it can make a "good" movie
gabe: that is basically just a long episode
gabe: and no one will care
gabe: because next week they will see epsiode nine billion of that show
gabe: because it will never die
gabe: and the whole thing just chugs along like a tank
lindsay: but as "meh" as you were about the simpsons movie, they could only dream of that
gabe: but the arrested development MOVIE has a lot riding on it
gabe: in terms of being a worthwhile endeavor
lindsay: also, sex and the city, as shitty as the movie was, was one long episode of the show that seemed to please fans
lindsay: (not being a fan, I can't say)
gabe: um, that was a terrible movie
gabe: and that is a stupid show
lindsay: yes
gabe: so i don't see your point
lindsay: well, it was a movie of a TV show that still pleased fans of the tv show
gabe: ok?
gabe: i'm still confused
gabe: i pointed out five ways in which the arrested development movie could become a disaster at worst or a disappointment at best
gabe: none of them are realities at this point
gabe: it's all speculation
gabe: the movie doesn't exist
gabe: but i think that my five points are all valid
lindsay: I'm just saying that if you're holding the AD movie to a higher standard than what was accomplished by the simpsons movie, you will definitely be disappointed.
lindsay: I don't even think there should BE an AD movie.
lindsay: As you know.
gabe: but nothing was accomplished by the simpsons movie
lindsay: I mean, whatever, fine
gabe: except making money
gabe: i don't think that the simpsons movie improved
gabe: anyone's opinion of the simpsons
lindsay: I'll see it, but I don't think it makes much sense
gabe: it was just a thing
gabe: the simpsons movie was just a thing
gabe: and yes, i do hold the arrested development movie to a higher standard
gabe: isn't that the whole point of enjoying that show?
gabe: that you want more?
gabe: out of the world?
lindsay: a higher standard by every metric of success as a tv-to-movie film?
gabe: they are not the same metric
gabe: you are comparing two totally different things
lindsay: I think AD will be a success if it's well reviewed only
gabe: in the same way that comparing the sex and the city movie to the ad movie makes no sense
lindsay: you compared it to the x files
gabe: yes
gabe: that movie was a total disappointment
lindsay: I was an x files fan (ew) and I fell asleep in it
gabe: i also think you're just taking me to task about the simpsons movie
gabe: because you found one detail that you disagree with
gabe: in a much larger argument
gabe: and we can sit and fight about the simpsons movie all day and i still am right on all of my major points
lindsay: So what does the AD movie have to do to make you think it's a success?
lindsay: be your favorite movie ever?
gabe: i don't know what the AD movie has to do for me to think its a success
gabe: taht's the fundamental problem with there even being an AD movie
gabe: the bar is basically impossible
gabe: i've never suggested that i was excited about the AD movie in the first place
gabe: i hope it's great
lindsay: Well
lindsay: What are some possible plots?
lindsay: or INCITING INCIDENTS
lindsay: I think they should go to Hawaii
lindsay: for real
lindsay: or around the world in 80 days
lindsay: these are basically all jump the shark ideas
lindsay: someone should have a BABY!
lindsay: But since it's AD, it's ironic!
lindsay: they should just do every jump the shark thing
gabe: i am glad that you are not in charge of the AD movie
gabe: that thing already has a steep enough uphill climb
gabe: without Shark Jump Magoo over here
lindsay: You know who should be in it?
lindsay: Ellen.
lindsay: They should go on Ellen.
lindsay: actually, I think they should do all of these stupid ideas
lindsay: because you have to have limits in order to be creative. so the movie will be better if they have to work around fucking having to go on Ellen in the movie.
lindsay: I really believe that.
gabe: just to clarify
gabe: your creative philosophy is that you have to work in a way to go on Ellen. always.
lindsay: no, but, like, I think they should make a list of five stupid things
lindsay: that have to be in the movie
lindsay: and work around them instead of just starting with infinite possibilities
gabe: the arrested development movie is not your sophomore creative writing class, lindsay
lindsay: even words. five words.
gabe: take it easy Writing Down The Bones
gabe: well, what is YOUR hope for the AD movie?
gabe: you are an AD fan, what would satisfy you?
lindsay: well, obviously that it's good, but that it's very different from the show while maintaining the show's sensibility
lindsay: maybe something that can be taken on two levels
lindsay: but I would want the bottom level to still be really smart
gabe: what i am hearing is that you want the movie to avoid all of the things that i suggested it avoid
gabe: that is what i am hearing
lindsay: um
lindsay: being bad or disappointing, yes
gabe: what i am hearing is that you think that i am the best
gabe: and that you apologize
gabe: to me for even bringing this up or ever quesitoing me about anything ever
lindsay: Exactly.
lindsay: I'm so, so sorry.
gabe: no apology NECESSARY!
lindsay: hahaha
gabe: lindsay, you know that
lindsay: hahaha
lindsay: omg you know who is probably so excited about this movie?
lindsay: the blue man group
gabe: haha
gabe: "BACK ON TOP"
Posted by Lindsay at 5:45 PM in Friday Fight
Tags: Arrested Development | Movie Adaptations
This is getting to the point of "will we let the arrested development movie be" for it already is the most prodded and scoped movie already... it happened to the simpsons movie (which is better the third time you watch it stahned)... but out of all the tv shows movies you forgot to mention how great the South Park movie was.. so there it is AD movie- go musical. (again I admitted to liking the simpsons movie and I also like new episodes of the simpsons and saying you don't is saying you don't like dana gould and saying you don't know who dana gould is is the worst)
Score = 1
jesus christ, what is wrong with you people? how about: will the movie be funny. the simpsons movie was funny, even if it had some dumb crap in it. the goal of movies is to entertain (or teach, or tug at heartstrings, or whatever else). i expect that the AD movie will be funny. i love the show dearly and i welcome the movie as a chance to see characters i love, to experience writing i love, a little while longer. UGGHHH white people love overanalyzing everything.
Score = 12
i agree that it is scary that the movie could tarnish the legacy, but i think the simpsons movie is a tough comparison.
the simpsons have been around for 20 years, and stopped being funny 10 years ago. the movie was just a long episode (like gabe said) but it was really just made as something fun for simpsons fans. they could've aired it on tv, but instead they had basically the best marketing campaign in the history of marketing plans (the 7-11 kwiki-marts) as well as the opportunity for long time simpsons fans to gather in one place without feeling like nerdy jerk-offs.
witth arrested development, this is feeding major fans' need for something more and something else... a continuation of the story and the absurdity. i'd much rather have a movie come in and leave me satisfied then have 18 more seasons of it.
Score = 4
I may be alone here, but I think the AD movie should be just one long episode (bleeped cursing included). All I've ever wanted as a fan was more of it. The show had at least another 2 good seasons in it so how can they possibly go wrong with 2 hours. The Simpsons on the other hand, should have quit no later than season 10 (8 was the peak).
Score = 15
God, how great was season 8 of the Simpsons?
Really great, that's how. For Hank Scorpio alone, it deserves legendary status.
Score = 7
I'm a little torn on the general "bleeped cursing vs. rapid-fire profanity" debate. Obviously, the bleeped cursing style for AD worked really well, and needs to be included in the movie (pretty much an AD fan would agree with this), but it doesn't always work. Take "I'm on a boat." The album version of that song is heads and shoulders above the bleeped SNL Digital Short, but that's because there was no strategic use of bleeping.
Score = 0
There's always hope, videogum.
Score = 0
The one big difference between the Simpsons movie and an AD movie is that while anyone that's ever watched The Simpsons a few times could go see the movie and not feel like they'd missed anything; while with Arrested Development, the story is so intricate, and the inside jokes are so, well... inside, that you'd have to have seen the entire series to enjoy it. Unless of course they somehow manage to make a movie that would appeal to anyone liking smart comedy. In which case, someone will be disappointed: either the fans, or the movie-going public at large.
Still: looking forward to the AD movie SO MUCH.
Score = 3
I must wonder whether the Blue Man Group is more excited for Arrested Development or Watchmen.
Score = 21
I LOL'd so much at that.
Score = 0
Seth MacFarlane has said (threatened) that there is a Family Guy movie in the planning stages..
There, now nobody has anything to complain about with that thing looming on the horizon.
Score = 12
The length of the show is so important that a full-length movie will just seem weird. It's got to be much harder to walk that line between boring and trying too hard when everyone's used to short, exciting episodes.
This is the perfect candidate for a made-for-tv movie. (Is that so offensive?)
Score = 1
actually i think the made for tv idea is a good one. Growing Pains made TWO made for tv movies, so why couldn't AD make one? Or instead of a movie, do two 45 minute specials like the BBC Office and close the book on a flawless show that way? I'm a bit confused as to how movie executives think that AD is going to make money in theaters because its following, though intensely faithful (myself included), is not nearly as big as the Simpsons. I say go the Growing Pains route and make it for tv. Hell, you could even have Kirk Cameron in it as Ann's fundamentalist brother or something...'I want to please you secularly'.
Score = 6
Yeah, I also don't understand the scruples about it being a "long episode." What is a sitcom but a plot with conflict, resolution, and presumably witty dialogue in between? Isn't that also how a movie works, but longer? Why does there need to be a big plot device or twist? I feel like if it's a "bad" movie, then it will be bad only by the same standards an AD episode can be "bad." I also don't understand why you think the AD movie has a lot more riding on it than the other movies do. Because AD fans are THE COOLEST?
I believe the people who are convinced it will be bad will come out thinking it was bad no matter what.
Not to be Negative Nancy but Friday Fight has officially jumped the shark for me this week. You lost me at the suggestion that they should do an AD version of The Five Obstructions. What?
Score = 8
The reason the Arrested Development movie will be good:
Ron Howard.
Potsy knows movies, And he's not gonna get his fingerprints on a trainwreck.
Well, besides Da Vinci Code, and the Da Vinci Code sequel and edTv.
Still, I trust him. Anyone involved in "Parenthood" deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Score = -1
richie cunningham, not potsy
Score = 2
Also, Angels and Demons is a prequel, not a sequel. I'm annoying!
Score = 2
they could just make it 4 episodes, with the "on the next arrested development..." parts every half hour. then we could stop debating this issue of movie vs. episode AD. i think.
Score = 12
The problem with movie-adapting a canceled show with a cult following is that at this point fans of the show revel in the cultiness, so that any kind of mainstream success is going to be interpreted as a betrayal or sell-out, regardless of the quality of the work on the merits. I'm sure the creators understand this dynamic, which means that they are probably going into things with a "fuck the fans, they'll see it and bitch about it regardless" attitude.
Score = 3
i have to agree that there is a lot riding on the the AD movie, and a lot of pressure for it to not suck. obviously there is a certain level of pressure for any film to succeed if it's based on source material that already has a solid fan base, with an expectation of a certain type and level of quality, but i'd say that this movie has the added pressure of having a fan base notorious for being disappointed and pretty smug about having stellar taste.
AD is like an amazing indie band that has both a debut and a follow up album that are really solid. then, for every album after that, there are people who are hoping it will be good, but preparing for disappointment, because they've been hurt before. indie hipster music fans are quick to cry 'sell out' and i think the same can be said of AD's fans.
this isn't the 'sex in the city' movie, where the fans were dumb enough to become fans of a show that was bad, so couldn't really lose with a movie because, hey, more of the same! the bar wasn't very high to begin with. this is a show with a group of fans who are like skittish woodland creatures - easily startled, quick to flee, slow to warm. look at how much shit david cross gets for being in shitty movies. why? because his fans hold him to a higher standard (based on his own schtick of being smarter and more cool than everyone else) and when that standard was violated, the fans attacked.
as a person who dreads new albums by my favorite bands for fear of them sucking, and who made fun of david cross for being in 'alvin and the chipmunks,' i hope they don't make a movie. the fact that it was left unfinished doesn't change the fact that they went out really, really funny. why risk it?
Score = 4
I see where you're coming from, but I think you're wrong when you say it's not like the sex and the city movie. You're thinking about that tv-to-movie transition nonrelatively; this type of movie (one based off a tv show) is basically considered a success or not by its fans. Arguably, SatC had the same amount "riding on it" because if the fans weren't given exactly what they loved so much about the show (tepid witticisms, flashy clothes, shameless brand-promotion, a hollow sense of female empowerment) then they would have thought it a failure. Like if instead Carrie Bradshaw had an existential crisis instead of a romantic one, all the fans would be like "?" The same applies to the AD movie. If the fans don't feel the show itself has been appropriately translated to the big screen, then it will fail. My main point is that a tv-to-movie film should be/is basically judged by how successful its fans consider it, at least for the purposes of tis VG post. (The Simpsons had the advantage of being a fundamentally populist show with a wide appeal to begin with.) So a SatC fan might consider the AD movie bad for the same reasons you would consider the SatC movie bad. If a movie does what it's supposed to do, it's a success, whether or not it does what YOU (or anyone else "notorious for being disappointed and pretty smug about having stellar taste") want it to do.
Score = 1
this was all very depressing
until the last few lines
Score = 1
Sex and the City fans would be pleased with a board game.
Score = 4
The bar is high for AD because when you make a movie from a TV series, the subconscious (or, hell, conscious) idea is that it should be the best episode of that show ever. Or else why make the movie, right? But AD had some impossibly good episodes, and then just disappeared. The reason the Simpsons got away with that movie is because the show has been terrible in the last decade, so THAT's what everyone was comparing it to.
Score = 1
This is so weird. We don't know anything about this movie yet, and there have been two posts arguing that it will suck. What a silly, crazy thing to do.
It will probably be awesome.
Score = 4
David Cross is that you?
Score = -1
Honestly they can do whatever they want and I'd be in for it. I think they should completely go for broke and make it as f*cked up as possible.
My only request is another MotherBoy scene.
And they can have the band perform as well.
Score = 0