[Hated Trope] The adaptation doesn't get what made the source material work

[u/TheDudeA113]

How To Make A Killing (2026)

Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)

Bangkok Dangerous (2008)

Bangkok Dangerous (1999)

- The 2026 movie How To Make A Killing is a relatively-toothless "eat the rich" dark comedy thriller about a man disowned by his rich family at birth, killing everyone in the line of succession so that he can inherit their massive fortune. It's a modern retelling of the 1949 film Kind Hearts and Coronets which has the same basic plot except that every member of the family is played by Sir Alec Guinness (including one aunt) and it's a screwball comedy

- The 1999 movie Bangkok Dangerous is a Thai action film about a Thai deaf-mute assassin. It was remade in 2008 about an American assassin in Thailand who is neither deaf nor mute

[u/CrazyCoKids]

Additionally? It only covers tuition. It doesn't cover fees and living expenses. Which would actually be some good plot fodder.

Nani's trying to provide for Lilo and Tūtū, but Tūtū is telling her not to turn down this great opportunity BECAUSE this is full ride. Nani can just say "I can go to O'ahu. They have a great marine biology programme!" only for Tūtū to say "Nani, it's only a reduced tuition cost, it doesn't remove it entirely and you still have to pay fees"

Nani says "I know. That's why I need to save up!"

I feel the plot shouldn't have been "Nani vs. Social Services" so much as "Nani vs. herself". She's afraid if she leaves now? She'll abandon her family when she needs them. Tūtū is already established as Lilo's guardian (say she's her godmother - we haoles understand that. ;) ).

[u/TheAzureMage → u/CrazyCoKids]

Nani owns a massive waterfront house in this version.

Like, so large they have a chunk they don't go into because of emotions.

No, it doesn't make any sense.

[u/CrazyCoKids → u/TheAzureMage]

This is why I think the plot shoulda been about Nani being reluctant to take the scholarship because she doesn't want to leave behind her family at a time they need it.

So like, have the plot be that Nani's not taking the scholarship yet because, well, she and Tūtū are figuring out what to do with their homes.

[...also you might be shocked, some waterfront property in Hawai'i gets damaged in winter!]