Adventures in Babysitting re-make? Don't Fuck with the Babysitter

As devoted fans of the 1987 classic, "Adventures in Babysitting," we have come together to express our concern regarding this planned remake, particularly the casting of Raven-Symone as Chris Parker.

The original film starred Elisabeth Shue in the role, and also featured such notable actors as Anthony Rapp, Keith Coogan, Penelope Ann Miller, Vincent D'Onofrio, Bradley Whitford, Lolita Davidovich, and Clark Johnson. While most were virtual unknowns at the time, the movie was a launching pad, if you will, for artists who would later do acclaimed work in "Rent," "Homicide: Life on the Street," "The West Wing," "JFK," "Gods and Monsters," and "Law and Order: Criminal Intent." And of course, Elisabeth Shue was nominated for Best Actress at the 1996 Academy Awards, in recognition of her work in "Leaving Las Vegas."

Almost 20 years after its release, the original "Adventures in Babysitting" remains a funny, charming, and much-loved film--mostly due to its wonderfully-cast ensemble.

This is why we are petitioning Walt Disney Pictures to reconsider its decision to cast Raven-Symone as Chris Parker in its planned remake.

Raven-Symone has grown up in front of the camera, having gotten her big break at the age of 3. As such, she has been the center of attention for most of her life, and having not known much else, it is clear that she thinks of herself as a star. From project to project, that same attitude is always visible in her on-screen work--and regardless of the character or story, Raven-Symone has shown that she is not capable of playing anyone except Raven-Symone. And Raven-Symone does not have the air of a regular, down-to-earth girl that made Elisabeth Shue's portrayal of Chris Parker so endearing in the original.

Put bluntly: everyone thought of Elisabeth Shue as the girl next door, while Raven-Symone is known to most as the scene-stealing brat who replaced Rudy as "the cute one" on "The Cosby Show." She has since made an entire career out of mugging for the camera. From her on-screen work to her comments in interviews, it is clear that Raven-Symone is so determined to establish herself as a franchise that she shamelessly focuses all of the attention on herself, rather than on the projects she has chosen. As such, the projects she involves herself in seem to succeed or fail based more on the audience's interest in Raven-Symone, than on the merits of the film or television series she is starring in.

Our greatest fear is that this planned remake could result in a movie that may as well be titled "That's So Raven: Adventures in Babysitting," and the polarizing effect that she has on audiences could ultimately tarnish a classic film.

We understand that film studios are in the business of making money, and that remakes are appealing because of their established name recognition. We also understand that the finished product sometimes comes across as more of a "re-imagining" than a straightforward remake of the source material, and that liberties are taken with how the material is interpreted for modern audiences. As devoted fans, if we feel you are being true to the spirit of the original movie, then we are more than willing to cut you some slack in those areas. Audiences will always have mixed feelings about remakes, but history has shown that if the characters (and casting) appear true to the source material, then sheer curiosity usually wins out and the fans will support it in theaters or on DVD.

We really do love the original, and there are more of us than you may realize. We are an entire generation who each discovered "Adventures in Babysitting" in our own way (in theaters, on video, or on one of its constant airings on cable television). For most people under the age of 35, it is commonly referenced as a favorite film...or a guilty pleasure (mostly by those who feel a little silly about the title). Given how unrealistic many of the film's situations may be, the movie ultimately succeeds because the four main characters seem like real people-and while everyone has their favorite, there was at least one that each fan could really relate to because they were so believable.

In the case of this planned remake, it still lives or dies based on the characters of Brad, Daryl, and Sara - and most important of all, Chris Parker.


So please, we make only one demand:

Don't fuck with the babysitter.