The way I look at it, the difference between a story that's been influenced by something else and one that's a total rip-off is this...
A story that borrows another's main idea, (or core concept, if you prefer), has been heavily influenced by it.
A story that takes another's concept but also takes entire scenes from the story with little or no alterations is a total rip-off.
A story that borrows another's main idea, (or core concept, if you prefer), has been heavily influenced by it.
A story that takes another's concept but also takes entire scenes from the story with little or no alterations is a total rip-off.