We have radio stations devoted entirely to the 80s. We’ve been remaking some of the best and worst movies of the 80s. Would I call the Footloose I saw as I was transitioning to high school one of the best of the 80s, nahhh, but it was one of the more fun films of the decade.
The story is virtually identical to the original; but let’s recap…shall we?
Ren (Kenny Wormald) is the big city kid who has come into a small town to stay with relatives. Coming from the city, he’s not familiar with the restrictions that the law has in place here. No loud music, no alcohol parties and absolutely no dancing. Laws that were enacted after a tragic accident seem outdated and out of place to all the kids in town.
The Reverend (Dennis Quaid) is trying to guide folks to the Promised Land. Little does he know, his daughter Ariel (Julianne Hough) might well be the wildest child in the town. These laws were in place to protect kids like her and yet all she wants to do is cut loose.
Ren leads the charge to get the law changed to let these kids experience all the dancing can be. But the battle won’t be easy; there are those in this town that don’t want to relinquish control. Will there be “Dancing in the Sheets” or anywhere?
Let’s face it, seeing an updated version of Footloose sends one to the theater with a bit of trepidation. But this film was released in 1984, so teenagers that grew up with it are now in the 40’s. Tastes evolve, music evolves and this film evolves; just a little bit. Director Craig Brewer keeps on a fairly consistent track and we have the same characters in virtually the same situations. And that’s not all bad.
Wormald seems a little too nice in his portrayal as Ren. I had a hard time buying the big city attitude he was to have. Julianne Hough has a look that just screams like she could be that wild child and she’s obviously got the dancing down, as does Wormald.
The dialogue is cheesy and out there, but it was in the 80s as well. The soundtrack uses many of the same songs that were made famous by the first film, with new and clever arrangements where possible. And before you get worried, Kenny Loggins is used…plus some of the others, in their classic form.
Here’s the thing about Footloose. This is a fun film for today’s generation. The story that is told doesn’t completely update to today’s standards, but it will have today’s kids tapping their feet just as those in 1984 did. Sure many expected me to “cut loose” on this one with a scathing review. But I can’t. It was fun and will have a new generation “kicking off their Sunday shoes”.
B
Paramount Pictures
Director: Craig Brewer
Cast: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowellRating: PG-13 for some teen drug and alcohol use, sexual content, violence and language..
Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar