I think the reasons for remakes are specific to each movie. Peter Jackson says he wants to remake KING KONG because, besides being his childhood favourite, he's afraid that today's younger generation is the first to not watch any black & white movies at all, and will miss out on the magic of KONG which inspired him. (He's supported by the fact that syndication networks are showing significantly less black & white movies than they used to.)
Then there are remakes that try and tap into today's particular political or cultural climate: the updating of THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, for example.
BlueWizard's blog: The Rambling Corner
HEDWIG: "The road is my home. In reflecting upon the people whom I have come upon in my travels, I cannot help but think of the people who have come upon me."
