The 2011 version of Footloose is a contemporary remake of the classic with Kevin Bacon, but it stands well as an individual work, holding its own merits.
Evaluating this new version, Footloose is well-balanced between dancing and cinematic plot points. MTV Films has made a hilarious and foot-tapping film that deserves its place among many great dance flicks, including Dirty Dancing. For those who were skeptical about the remake, fear not, for whatever changes made to the original were made up for with witty and intelligent dialogue accompanied by great acting and dancing.
One of the best qualities to this film, however, is in fact the dedication and resemblance to the classic. Footloose faithful will be ecstatic when the opening credits roll and hear that familiar song by Kenny Loggings, and see the dancing shoes.
The film opens with a car crash and death of five kids from Bomont, Ga., which shakes the small community to its core. After their deaths, Bomont decides to outlaw lascivious and public dancing. Three years later, Ren MacCormack, played by Kenny Wormald (Center Stage: Turn It Up), comes to Bomont to live with his uncle. Ren’s move to this small time city is hard on this rambunctious teen.
Appreciators of the classic will miss Kevin Bacon as Ren, though Wormald does an exceptional job on his own here. His passion is captivating as his determination for dancing to not be abolished is portrayed. Although his determination is met with some opposition, especially from the town’s Reverend and board member, Reverend Shaw Moore, who is methodically and enigmatically played by Dennis Quaid (Parent Trap). Quaid perfectly portrays that of a concerned father and valued member of a small town. His emotional and highly provocative speeches leave you breathless. Quaid’s character is constantly bumping heads with Ren. The conflict stems from Ren’s love interest in the reverend’s daughter Ariel, who is played by Julianne Hough (Burlesque). The chemistry established by these characters practically sets the screen on fire.
Let’s not forget the bumbling sidekicks, Rusty and Willard, played by Ziah Colon (Road Trip: Beer Pong) and Miles Teller (Rabbit Hole). These characters demonstrated the originals perfectly, however culturally diverse, right down to the scene of Ren teaching Willard how to dance. As far as the music is concerned, it’s a little more contemporary, as is the dancing, except in parts that were too important to change (i.e. the prom dancing and the song Footloose). The choreographers took great creative liberties making the movie more contemporary, however it gave this installment a refreshing and youthful feel that I think didn’t translate well in the 1984 version. The prom is still the best scene throughout, as far as dancing is concerned, and what makes it even better is they kept the outfits from the original—Ariel in the pink dress and Ren in the red jacket. Everything was how it should have been and the filmmakers kept and added just the right amount, making this adaptation one of the best I’ve ever seen.
Being skeptical and downright mad that they were remaking this classic, I have to admit Footloose ultimately won me over. For those who love the original—don’t be afraid to go. This movie is a remarkable tribute to the first, with parts that would qualify it to be even better. This is one remake that doesn’t feel like a remake at all, but a new classic that will get you footloose.
Critic’s Review: 4 out of 5 stars