1. Sir_Brandon

   7

   When you think of Footloose, you can’t help but remember the song and, of course, Kevin Bacon. It is an 80′s classic that many probably feel should never be touched, but Hollywood just can’t help itself. Now should Footloose have been remade? Probably not. But I do bring some good news: It is actually pretty entertaining and still makes you want to move your feet. Just like the original, this Footloose has the same story and themes, but contains a modern sensibility for the world we live in now. The dance moves are far from the 80′s and the radios have been replaced by iPods. The culture has changed along with the dancing and technology, however, the message of the young wanting their freedom is still alive and kicking. Newcomer Kenny Wormald takes over the role of the rebellious city boy Ren MacCormack in this modern-day Footloose. And while he does a nice job dancing for a new generation, Bacon will forever be remembered as the only Ren MacCormack and it’s not really fair for Wormald but it’s true. MacCormack doesn’t have a great reputation and has had his run-ins with the law, and adds one more to the list while playing his music a little too loud in the small southern city of Bomont. Once he finds out there is a law against dancing, he takes it upon himself to change it. As the story goes, he clashes with the preacher (Dennis Quaid), but finds romance with his wild, troubled daughter (Julianne Hough). With a terrible tragedy keeping their small town on lockdown, it is the outsider MacCormack who has to open everyone’s eyes to by not letting their children be able to express themselves is hurting more than helping them. The parents needed a wake-up call and whether they liked it or not, the kids had to stand up and be heard. It’s their time now. Director Craig Brewer (Black Snake Moan, Hustle & Flow), knows about making movies where the music is very important to telling the story. Everything about the original Footloose is included in this one. It still tackles rebellion, parent/child relationships, and religion. For the most part, the story is the exact same, so if you have seen the original then there will be no surprises for you. Brewer does show his love and respect for the 1984 classic by having some of the original music in this one. Also, at the very beginning of the film, we get to witness the actual accident that killed Ariel’s brother. Now some of the things that have been changed or “updatedâ€� do not work that well. The scene in which MacCormack loses his cool and goes to a warehouse and dances to blow off some steam comes off as weird and almost creepy in a way. It does not have the impact that it did in the original. Also, instead of MacCormack and Ariel’s abusive ex Chuck Cranston (Patrick John Flueger) racing on tractors, the farm machines are replaced by school buses. Now that is just lame. Overall, Brewer still keeps the heart and spirit of Footloose intact. Wormald and Hough do their best to represent teens in angst and they sure as hell can dance. But the performance that stands out in my mind the most is Miles Teller as Willard, the rough-neck cowboy who learns how to dance. Teller brings a lot of energy to this Footloose and plays a big part when it comes to the humor and passion that makes this movie what it is. Your favorite music and dancing is all still there, and the ending is almost identical. Brewer and the talented, young cast took on a huge responsibility and all of them came out looking pretty good. Personally, I thought it was going to be a lot worse. It is a new version for a new audience. This Footloose is harmless entertainment that will still make you want to move and sing along. I just don’t know if it is needed or necessary.… Expand

   • Helpful?

     1 of 1 users said yes
2. jdmarc

   5

   With such a weak, outdated story, I thought they might rely on more dancing. But unfortunately no. More music and more dancing would have been the only way to save this.… Expand

   • Helpful?

     1 of 2 users said yes
3. LeahAndNic

   2

   I rarely find a reason to log on and give my opinion about movies. But I was so bored and disappointed by this version of Footloose I had to. I went with my wife, my nieces (11 & 12) and my 8 & 11 year old daughters. I had high hopes. I did not for one second think it would be better than the original which I felt was fun. Well about 20 minutes in I thought I might fall asleep. The same movie but with less dancing, more talking, bland acting and bad music. They added all this rap and made the town dancers look too professional and the girls like Pole dancers. The character of Ren did the same dance over and over and over again. The movie was slow. And too long. And just not fun. The only improvement I saw was making Ren's uncle a good person instead of the bible thumping jerk in the first. This was a bad remake. And all 6 of us agreed.… Expand

   • Helpful?

     0 of 1 users said yes

See all 18 User Reviews