DreamWorks Sees Movie in View-Master

If this doesn’t cry out movie, what does? 

Hollywood’s fervent belief that they can only make movies based on pre-branded, recognizable material, preferably with a hint of nostalgia (studios seem convinced that audiences are desperate to relive their collective youth) has led to some, well, questionable sounding projects (for example, Univeral Pictures purchase of the rights to the dull, but addictive Asteroids video game). Now DreamWorks has found something that is either the nadir of this trend or a brilliant idea.

The Hollywood Reporter says that DreamWorks is planning a film based on the old View-Master toy. You may have seen View-Masters…um…at a garage sale? How to describe a View-Master? I would perhaps call it a slide projector that you hold up to your eyes to see a series of 3D slides (It’s the Grand Canyon! In 3D! It’s the Rocky Mountains! In 3D!).  

Brad Kaleb Kane of TV’s “Fringe” has been brought in to write the script. Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci of “Transformers,” “Star Trek” and other such blockbusters are being asked to produce.

One one hand, this is incredibly stupid, because, well, it’s kind of a dumb toy. On the other, it could be brilliant because all you have to do is have some kids stumble upon an old View-Master, look inside, and have them tumble into some adventure. See, they could do that anyway, but I guess they think the money they’re paying Mattel for the View-Master brand name will translate into ticket sales (do people really say things like, “Hey…I had Legos when I was a kid…that makes me want to see a Lego movie!!” And yes, I do expect to hear about a Lego movie any second.).

Kane wouldn’t give details, but said, “It’ll be like the old ’80s Amblin movies: ‘Goonies,’ ‘Young Sherlock’ … in that vein.” I’m guessing “Jumanji” might be a better comparison.

Anyway, I can’t wait to hear who’s won the rights to that eagerly anticipated Lincoln Logs movie.