Movie Review: Footloose
Yes, it’s true. Footloose is back. Believe it or not, it’s actually entertaining. All of you lovers of the Kevin Bacon cult classic, I understand why you might be skeptical. A town that bans dancing? That plot element was farfetched even way back in 1984. Well, farfetched or not, the film’s original storyline remains intact in the new 2011 version, along with Bacon’s role of rebellious Ren McCormack, which is now played by newcomer Kenny Wormald. If you are still thinking cheesy musical, put those fears to rest. Although there is plenty of music and dancing, Footloose is not just a musical, nor is it simply a dance movie. So what is it then? It’s actually a respectable remake that is capable of bringing the original Footloose experience to a new generation.
This new version of Footloose is actually refreshing because it is not just a teen movie featuring horny high-schoolers getting drunk and trying to lose their virginity or some other tedious agenda. Instead, the teens in the new Footloose (just as in the original) are preoccupied with their town’s reaction to the fatal car accident that claimed the lives of their fellow students. The students, lead by Ren, take on the stuff-shirted townspeople and fight for their right to have a senior prom despite the town’s dancing ban. Their cause actually proves to be more about their right to just be normal teenagers, than the dancing itself, although these teens seem to have more of an affinity for freestyle dance-offs in parking lots than the atypical teenager (or in the original film).
The new Footloose cast is undoubtedly the highlight of the film. Previously mentioned dancer- turned- actor Wormald is a good fit as Bacon’s replacement and actually makes the role somewhat his own. His dancing is compelling on the screen and his performance is believable as the perfect gentleman with a tough-guy exterior. His dance partner and love interest is played by Julianne Hough who has wild streak of her own as the daughter of Reverend Shaw, played by Dennis Quaid. Quaid gives a great performance as the small town preacher and loving father completely devastated by the loss of his son. The supporting cast is also clutch with Miles Teller as Ren’s best friend, country boy Willard Hewitt, and Andie MacDowell in the admirable role of Reverend Shaw’s wife Vi.
Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough in Footloose. © 2011 – Paramount Pictures.
If you are still not a believer, I get it. Especially if you thought the original Footloose was corny and clichéd. But I’ll challenge you to put your reservations aside and give this new version a chance. It is definitely entertaining, and I admittedly could not help tapping my feet to the Footloose anthem, as it played during the film’s opening scene. If nothing else you’ll leave the theatre in a good mood, possibly even singing a few lines of that famous Kenny Loggins song on your way home.
