"What movie would you like to see remade?"

You may think there are too many remakes coming out of Hollywood these days, but some people seem to disagree. But before we could say, "Don't encourage them!" the local paper's inquiring photographer hit the streets to ask local people (and some just passing through) if they had any suggestions. Responses from five representative citizens appeared today, and I'm going to share them with you. No thanks are necessary.

Vicki Popson of Colonie, a state health worker, answers: "Casablanca. I would like to see Al Pacino play the Bogart part, with Jamie Foxx as Sam and Charlize Theron as the love interest."

Diane Adams of Guilderland Center, another health worker, says: "Gone With the Wind. Richard Gere could play Rhett Butler and Julia Roberts as Scarlett."

Rick Petuske, a produce store proprietor of Halfmoon, suggests: "Dave. The movie where Kevin Kline imitates the president. Now we should have a remake or sequel where he gets elected."

Dan Shepard, a caterer and realtor from Colonie, proposes: "Top Gun. It's probably my favorite movie. I would probably look for a little tougher lead. I like the Rock. He's a little more masculine. I would use all the modern technology."

Jed Yaffee, currently self-employed and hailing from New York City, brainstorms: "Deerhunter [sic]. That movie was amazing. Sean Penn, Johnny Depp, Tobey Maguire and Phillip Seymour Hoffman would be great in the new version."

Regrettably, Yaffee wasn't asked to distribute the main male roles among his dream cast. That will have to be left to your imagination, along with a seventyish Rick Blaine, a fortysomething Scarlett and other products of that dream factory we call the collective American mind.