As I watched movies on TV this afternoon, I was struck again with this reality: There are no more original ideas left.

First up was 2001's "Not Another Teen Movie," a fun spoof of all those '80s teen flicks I grew up with. Of course, it took place at John Hughes High School, where the tour guide was helpful enough to split prospective students into cliques right off the bat.

I enjoyed the movie for being as clever as it was -- I don't think it left one stereotype out -- even going so far as too have cameo appearances by the library, principal and bologna slice from 1985's "The Breakfast Club." I especially enjoyed the updated versions on '80s pop tunes. Of course, it did give an end-credit tip of the hat to a more recent but of teen fare, 1999's "American Pie."

Later on, I caught "10 Things I Hate About You," the 1999 retelling of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." Julia Stiles and Larisa Oleynik starred as the Stratford sisters, Katarina and Bianca. Health Ledger was Patrick Verona, the bad boy who was paid to take Kat out so pretty boy Joey Donner could have his way with Bianca. Of course, everyone who's ever read Shakespeare knows that Kat and Patrick are going to fall in love. This does not ruin the movie, as I found it charming throughout. Heath Ledger's performance was pitch-perfect. And they all lived happily ever after.

But, back to my point: There are no original ideas out there anymore. On my recent trip to New York, I saw four Broadway shows -- all revivals. Of the four musicals nominated for Best Musical this year, only two were truly original efforts. That's a sad commentary on the up-and-coming arts community. Not that I'm one to talk. I couldn't create an original concept if my life depended on it. I guess I'm just a little sad that there's no one out there who can.