Remakes. Some people love them, others bellow out George Lucas’ favorite adverb at even a rumor of one heading into production. Either way, they have been and always will be a very important part of the movie-making industry. At its core, a good story idea is usually time proof. And it’s a good idea to reintroduce that good idea to a brand new generation of viewers. However, if that good idea was to be branded a “classic,” then remaking that good idea could turn into a very bad idea. Speaking of bad ideas, even they get remade. And sometimes that’s a good idea too, that is if that original bad idea somehow morphs into a good idea over time while marinating in nostalgia and pop-culture references. Here’s a good idea, how about I just review the new Footloose movie.
When reviewing a film it’s best to let it stand on its own merit, without holding it up to past films of its genre. But with remakes, that becomes nearly impossible. The whole reason they get remade in the first place is to try and tap into the success of the originals by dusting off and updating previously lucrative scripts. But why in the name of The Solid Gold Dancers would anyone remake Footloose? Sure it’s a classic, but it’s a classic for all the wrong reasons – a ludicrous story, bad acting from now very respected actors, an unforgettable soundtrack and some iconic scenes that push an easy 10.5 on the Velveeta scale. Actually with that being said, perhaps the question should be, how can you not remake Footloose? Attempting to remake a true classic like Arthur or Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is quite dangerous, loyal fanbases are extremely sensitive. Select the wrong actor, skew the story too much or fail to revive the intangible aura from the original and it’s an instant disaster ready to mar the careers of all involved. But even a halfway competent crew, writers, and director could improve upon the film responsible for the two degrees of separation between Kevin Bacon and everyone who’s ever been on Sex and the City, couldn’t they?
It’s obvious Director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) was a big fan of not only the original film but its entire era as well. Brewer captures a specific quality with his new Footloose that’s becoming more and more scarce in films ever since the 1980s. It’s a feeling that most people don’t even know was missed until experiencing it once again. Footloose is not a film, it’s a movie. Somewhere along the way Hollywood started only producing either great films or mediocre to sub-par movies. The film industry seems to be mimicking our polarizing economy, fading out the middle class. What happened to the movie’s movie? You just go to the theater and enjoy yourself, not having to analyze everything so seriously, the story is coherent, the characters are enjoyable, and the writing is solid enough with some good laughs thrown in. Movies like Short Circuit, Dirty Dancing and Can’t Buy Me Love, are not great films, but they are great movies. With Footloose though, the laughable plot has always kept the original film on the awesomely-bad shelf. And in 2011, a story about a town in the United States where dancing is against the law would be viewed as infinitely more ridiculous. But is it really? Is it more ridiculous than not being able to carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket? Because that’s illegal in Alabama. Is it more ridiculous than declaring that dogs are not allowed to bark after 6pm? That’s on the books in Arkansas. And to propel Footloose into the “based on a true story” faction, in Delaware alcohol may not be served in nightclubs if dancing is occurring on the premises at the same time. Upon entering the screening of this film I too had the same concerns about the believability of a town in the United States in 2011 where dancing is illegal. Then I was told I would be arrested if caught with my cell phone out during the screening.
For good or bad, part of the original Footloose’s memory burn is the performance of a very young Kevin Bacon. In this new version, Kenny Wormald, a dancer since the age of 6, possesses that same raw charisma. In his first big-time acting role, Wormald’s inexperience does come through, but it’s obvious there’s a very talented actor underneath. Though in this reprised role as Ren MacCormack, his novice status works in his favor, resembling the fresh-faced and inexperienced Bacon.
Another dancer turned actor, Julianne Hough proves she was hired for more than just her looks and footwork. Hough and Wormald have pretty good chemistry on screen and it doesn’t hurt that they are both 10 times more talented in the dancing category than their original film counterparts.
But the habitual scene-stealer in this movie has to be Miles Teller (Rabbit Hole) as Ren’s rhythmically challenged friend Willard. Reprising and actually elevating the role from the late Chris Penn, Teller exudes instant likeability, delivering comedic lines with great timing and exhibiting the most polished performance amongst the younger members of the cast.
As for Dennis Quaid (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) in the role of Rev. Moore, he’s in a no-win situation. There are few who can go toe to toe with John Lithgow (Dexter, Footloose - 1984) especially when he’s the antagonist. But Quaid is certainly no lightweight himself, and if anything he actually brings more heart to the preacher character, possibly making his stance on the issues in the story more relatable to the audience.
The writing in the new Footloose may be mediocre at best, and the story certainly bangs the same drum for the entire movie, but those factors are secondary to the overall euphoric and nostalgic tone produced so accurately from an increasingly revered time period in film making. The dance scenes are unsurprisingly a stratosphere level more sophisticated than in the original and the great soundtrack is still in place, with only slight modifications. Also, it’s nice to see a remake that is actually a remake in the literal sense of the word. Footloose still follows the same exact storyline, has all of the most memorable scenes (yes even the warehouse dance solo) and Brewer integrates satisfying nods to some of the more cheese laced moments from the 1984 film without having to resort to obvious spoofing or parody.
As far as remakes go, 2011’s Footloose is one that actually builds upon the original source material, which may surprisingly be even more poignant today than it was 25 years ago. However, its biggest achievement is not the remaking of a story as much as it is the remaking of a style.
Story: 7.0
Acting: 7.0
Writing: 6.5
Captivation: 7.5
Replay Value: 7.5
Total = 7.1 out of 10
