John Badham

The decision by Gary Ross and Lionsgate to part ways on "Catching Fire" has caused a stir on the Internet, as fans worry how the new "Hunger Games" film will fare without the original helmer. But for all the rapid breathing, Rossgate actually is just the latest example in a long tradition of studios switching horses on a sequel. How have previous franchises turned out? Some well; many others, not so well. Here are six instructive comparisons. "Twilight." Perhaps the most famous of all mod...

From “American Reunion” to “Fright Night,” remakes of 1980s and 1990s films have taken their lumps on the big screen lately. But the director behind the new iteration of “Short Circuit” is taking a rigorous approach that he hopes will help his movie avoid the reboot trap. Tim Hill,  the “Hop” helmer who has been hired to direct the film, says that his take on Johnny No. 5 -- of course, the weapon-turned-cuddly-companion from the 1986 hit -- will resonate in this era of drone warfare. “Th...