Franchise seems to be the key word in Hollywood right now. They've mined everything from comic books, to action figures, to video games, what's next? Why not board games!
Seriously, is it just me or are studios getting obsessed with making money off licensed properties? It was just reported a week or so ago that the classic board game Risk was going to be getting the big screen treatment, as well it is already confirmed that a film version of Monopoly is on the way with director Ridley Scott (Gladiator) eying it as his next project, and with rumors of a Battleship movie in progress, this doesn't seem to be a trend that will go away anytime soon.
At least with comic books or video games, even with certain toy lines, there is a story to go along with it, but with most board games, there is not. You know how depressing a LIFE film would most likely be? Or what about Monopoly, or Risk? And Battleship? If you wanna make a movie about naval combat, then find some cool historical battle and start from there, don't try and slap a brand name on it to sell more tickets. I mean, what are they gonna transform into a film next, checkers?
The only film based upon a board game ever made that was worth any of its salt was the film Clue from the '80s, but there and again Clue is an exception. The game actually has a very good story that accompanies it, thus it was ripe for a big screen adaptation, where as it's the complete opposite with most other board game properties.
Maybe I'm just being the ultimate cynic. Perhaps these films based upon board games will be good. I'm not sure, but as for now I'm just left scratching my head.
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