I don’t know if you have noticed, but there have been some classics making a return into the mainstream media.

There is a popular trend of revamping and rebooting television shows and movies that our parents once fell in love with. Pop culture icons are being reintroduced to fit this generation’s entertainment needs. There will be many comparisons between the generation of then and the generation of now, based on how we view and crave what we want in our entertainment. Because of this comparison, a spoiler warning is now in effect. You have been warned.

Star Wars was a Baby Boomer generation’s masterpiece that revolutionized science fiction films. It was a classic good versus evil film with telekinetic people who wield swords that could cut through anything. Who wouldn’t want to see that? Now, in today’s version, there is a female Jedi embarking on her own trilogy for our entertainment.

Star Wars is constantly changing and reflecting the truths and values we as a society hold dear. Back in the 70s and 80s, it was good versus evil. Now, the recent trilogy hints at self discovery and feminism. It’s the same franchise, but the different messages behind these films speak specifically speak to different generations.

Now, let’s look at Netflix. You remember Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus, right? Well, Netflix rebooted the mid-90s television show and called it The Magic School Bus Rides Again, which showcases Ms. Frizzle’s sister driving the bus. To me, this hurts. How dare you touch Ms. Frizzle, Arnold, Carlos and Phoebe?

Anyway, we all loved the nostalgic adventures the kids had on the Magic School Bus. Now, the show has been modernized to fit the entertainment quality and attention span of today’s third graders. From early animation, to the latest animation software update, the information in the show feels like it is being presented faster for today’s young minds. It’s weird to think that a show we grew up with with has been altered so that it doesn’t fit our childhood anymore.

Back in the day, as in 2002, DreamWorks Animation created Spirit: Stallion of the Semeron. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for best Animated feature. The movie revolved around a Stallion as he ventured the Old West. The film had a $80 million budget, and it grossed $122 million in the box office. I know, pretty awesome stuff.

As a 2000s kid, I was one of the first people to get this film. I don’t remember seeing it in theater, but watching the movie was one of my earliest and most favorite childhood memories. I still listen to the soundtrack as if it is part of American Top 40. If you haven’t taken the time to watch the film, I highly recommend you do so, because you are missing out.

But Netflix, oh Netflix, rebooted the franchise with a show titled Spirit Riding Free. It stars a city girl moving to the countryside where she meets the stallion’s son, Spirit. This makes me aggravated. Not mad, but aggravated. The animation completely dishonors the film and the show ruins the freedom the original film established in the hearts of many. It’s upsetting that a masterpiece has been degraded to this Netflix cringe.

On a different note, Netflix has streamed a teen drama show, Riverdale, and apparently it’s very popular. Originally based off of the Archie Comics, Riverdale is a murder mystery teen drama. Hold up, wait a minute. The Archie Comics was built around the main character Archie Andrews dealing with high school problems like love and not getting caught by the principal. For our generation, Riverdale has murder and gangs, and that is a clear indication that our generation is darker than it should be.

After explaining differences between older versions of shows versus newer versions of shows, all I’m saying is that there are definitely pop culture icons that will never die. Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel movies; you get the idea. We all need to be aware of the different mindsets and mentalities of each generation. It helps us separate fantasy from fiction and keep our minds focused on the entertainment trends of each group.

Knowing the storylines and plots from where these classic shows started sometimes makes it hard to understand where they are now. Sure, directors like to change things up a bit for a more modern generation, but the question to ask is, how far are they going to go with ours?