Does Hollywood Really "Ruin Childhoods?"

We live in a world where our childhood loves come to life on the big screen. Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and soon the Power Rangers. While these movies are hit with much backlash, one thing remains the same.

They make money.

They will continue to make money because people are curious. They are curious to see what the toys they played with, or the cartoons they watched as a child would look like grown up; just as they themselves have.

Live action is, and always will be the highest form of film making. Which is why our childhood favorites are being turned into major motion block busters. But is it a bad thing?

Many people complain that Hollywood is "ruining their childhood, " by just simply attempting to make movie adaptations of popular toy and cartoon properties.

I have to ask, why?

Sure, the Transformers movies were a let down, along with the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. But were they enough of a let down for people to completely abandon hope of getting faithful film adaptations of their beloved characters?

I am not trying to defend Michael Bay or anyone else who has attempted to make live action adaptations of popular childhood favorites. But it is not fair to automatically call every adaptation a bust the second it is announced to start production, nor to actually fight against it.

Some people truly do not want to see these movies hit the theater's due to their fear of them "ruining their childhood," by producing movies that hurt their image of the characters and the property itself.

If someone loves something, don't they want to see it reach it's full potential?

As I stated above, live action films are always going to be the highest form of film making. Instead of looking at childhood favorites being in danger from live action, shouldn't we be looking at them as the stepping stone for new and better things?

Yes, the Transformers movies were hard to watch at times. And the the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movies were sub-par. But that does not mean neither franchise cannot overcome this to produce better films.

Either way, is it enough for you to say you do not even want film makers to try?

How does making a live action film adaptation ruin a properties meaning or value?

In the end won't the same action figures you played with, and cartoons you watched still be there?

They do not change. They may evolve into something greater......or worse. But isn't it worth the risk of getting something great?

For all we know it will come out of the Power Ranger reboot that has been promised to be "edgier." Or the live action "Legend of Zelda" TV show coming to Netflix. Maybe Michael Bay will resurrect his reputation with the next Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films.

The point is, that we should not blame Hollywood for ruining our childhoods and bash every live action adaptation before it even hits theaters.

Be happy that your favorite characters and properties are getting the recognition they deserve. And win or lose, they will still be your favorite at the end of the day.

I would rather Hollywood at least try, then to never even attempt it. You have to remember while it all does revolve around making money; the directors, producers, and actors all want to make a good movie. They do not just make things to turn them bad.

Always be open minded. Give film makers a chance.