That's why I'm more interested in looking at movies that weren't classics but started with what should have been a good idea. The story of Genghis Khan or the right story about the Crusades should make a great movie, done right.
I definitely agree that no one, no matter budget, cast or technology, should ever try to touch something like Maltese Falcon, Casablanca or The Searchers.
Ocean's Eleven," for instance. The trouble is, he doesn't have those great old actors around any more.
Ocean's Eleven is kind of a special case. Both version were simply complex caper films with an ensemble of really talented actors (yes, I mean that, regardless of the politics of the new gang) that got along with each other in real life. A caper film is (or should be) a hook for the chemistry of the people involved and that matters more than the script. The thing about the original for me is not so much the movie as the things I know were going on at the time they were filming, with the nightly shows at the Sands and then filming the next morning. Oh to have been in Vegas for that!
The same thing will apply to the "reimagining" of Topkapi as a Thomas Crown vehicle for Pierce Brosnan as The Topkapi Affair. There's no indication that Rene Russo will be back and that would be the reason to see the film. I wanted to see more of those two, kind of like Nick and Nora Charles in the old Thin Man movies. I also wanted to see if they could apply their talents to something more meaningful than alleviating their boredom.
I think your comment about Kong is right on. He wasn't doing it for the money. He truly loves the original and has the opportunity to give it a fresh "coat of paint," along with his own, loving, touch. Hopefully the apparent success of this remake will teach the 'suits' the right lesson. Of course, you know it won't. Be prepared for 100 truly awful remakes to be cranked out simply for the money.
Have you read Harold Lamb's books on Tamerlaine and Genghis Kahn? I read them several times when I was a boy and really got swept away. I agree it would be a great subject, but not from the kind of people who just did Troy or Alexander.