Meaning:
The quote by Mark Goddard, an actor known for his role as Major Don West in the television series "Lost in Space," serves as a reminder to audiences about managing their expectations when watching adaptations of beloved series or films. In the quote, Goddard urges viewers to approach the movie adaptation with an open mind and to refrain from being overly critical. He also advises against expecting to recapture the same emotions and experiences from the original series, especially if the viewers were young when they first watched it. Instead, he encourages parents to allow their children to form their own opinions and experiences with the movie.
Goddard's quote reflects the common phenomenon of adaptations and reboots of popular franchises, which often evoke strong emotions and nostalgia from fans of the original series or film. When a beloved series or film is adapted into a new format, such as a movie or a rebooted television series, it can be challenging for fans to separate their attachment to the original from their expectations for the new adaptation. This is where Goddard's advice becomes relevant, as he emphasizes the importance of approaching the new adaptation with a fresh perspective.
The first part of the quote, "I hope that they enjoy the movie. Don't be critical," suggests that Goddard wishes for viewers to approach the movie adaptation with a sense of openness and enjoyment rather than a critical mindset. This sentiment aligns with the idea of embracing the new adaptation as a standalone work, separate from the original series. By encouraging viewers to refrain from being overly critical, Goddard highlights the value of allowing the movie to stand on its own merits, independent of comparisons to the original material.
The next part of the quote, "Don't expect to get the same feelings you got when you watched the series when you were 10 years old," acknowledges the nostalgia and emotional attachment that viewers may have to the original series. Goddard's advice here serves as a gentle reminder that it is natural for one's emotional response to the new adaptation to differ from that of the original. Nostalgia has a powerful influence on how people perceive and connect with media, and managing expectations around recapturing those same feelings is an important aspect of approaching adaptations with an open mind.
Furthermore, Goddard's suggestion to "let your kids see it and experience it on their own" underscores the generational aspect of media consumption. As parents, it can be tempting to project our own experiences and expectations onto our children when introducing them to beloved franchises from our own childhood. However, Goddard encourages parents to allow their children to form their own connections and experiences with the movie adaptation, free from the influence of their parents' nostalgia.
In conclusion, Mark Goddard's quote offers valuable insights into navigating the experience of watching adaptations of beloved series or films. By advising viewers to approach the movie adaptation with an open mind, refrain from being overly critical, and manage their expectations regarding recapturing the same feelings from the original series, Goddard encourages a mindset of openness and enjoyment. His words serve as a reminder of the value in allowing new adaptations to stand on their own merits and in recognizing the generational differences in how audiences connect with media. Ultimately, Goddard's quote encourages a thoughtful and balanced approach to experiencing adaptations, one that acknowledges the influence of nostalgia while embracing the potential for new and unique experiences with the movie adaptation.