2011
“Footloose,” an ‘80s classic, has recently been revamped into a film fit for this generation’s standards. The original, starring Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer, was a successful box office hit, but it is still too early to tell how well the new one compares in the box office.
The new storyline begins with a fatal car crash that kills five teenagers who were going home from a party. As a result, a parent of one of the victims, a respected reverend in the fictional small town of Bomont, Georgia, sets a strict ban on music and public dancing. Although moving to a small town where dancing is outlawed is a bit outlandish, the new “Footloose” does a better job at making it believable while in the 1984 version it takes a while to set in. Three years later, Ren McCormack, played by Kenny Wormald, is in for some problems after he moves to Bomont from Boston when he sets up a reputation as a “troublemaker.” Luckily, he gains two helpful friends, Willard, played by Miles Teller and Woody, played by Ser’Darius Blain, who both add humor to the plot.
The characters in the 2011 version are more likable and moments such as Willard’s inability to dance are some of the best parts in the movie, making him the star for a good portion. However, there is a greater emotional aspect in the first movie that goes beyond the teen angst and fear. Both stories reveal the true character of Ariel, the preacher’s rebellious daughter, as she tries to deal with the strict rules imposed on her, but the new film adds the grief of her brother’s death, as well. Julianne Hough, who plays Ariel, is known for being on “Dancing With the Stars” and her country music career, although she only dances in the movie.
The audience can be satisfied that the storyline has not changed drastically, although new scenes were added and others were taken away, as was bound to happen. The new “Footloose” is a lot more vibrant, and scenes move at a quicker pace, preventing any boring or lengthy parts. Also, humor plays a larger role and what’s not to love about that? Although character development was not excellent, the remake was easier to get into and packed with a lot of energy that outdid the original. Also, for actors with not much acting experience, it held up for an enjoyable 113 minutes. So if you’re willing to watch it, watch it for Willard and Ren’s incredible dancing.
”I can promise Footloose fans that I will be true to the spirit of the original film. But I still gotta put my own Southern grit into it and kick it into 2011,” said Craig Brewer, writer and director, in a recent interview.
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