“Jump back!” The 1980s classic dance flick about a small town’s ban on dancing is back in a big way. “Footloose” has been remixed to fit a world where “So You Think You Can Dance?” and “Glee” dominate TV screens. Craig Brewer directed the remake and co-wrote the film with Dean Pitchford, who wrote the original 1984 screenplay.
Ren MacCormack, played by newcomer Kenny Wormald, moves to a small town in Georgia. After a horrific car accident involving teenagers driving home after a party, dancing is banned within city limits. An unfortunate run-in with the local authorities for playing music too loud leads to Ren getting acquainted with the unique laws in Bomont.
The love interest, Ariel Moore (Julianne Hough), is Rev. Shaw Moore’s (Dennis Quaid) daughter with a rebellious side and a bad-boy boyfriend (Patrick Flueger). Ren has a passion for dance, and decides to start his own petition to remove the ban on dancing within Bomont’s city limits.
The remake of “Footloose” doesn’t try to break new ground. It is comfortable with its identity as a remake; it’s not trying to tell a brand new story. The film brings what fans and critics of the original enjoyed into a new, modern tale — One that involves rap music and cell phones.
The major difference is how the film is set up in the first few minutes. The new version does a more cohesive job of explaining why Bomont has the laws it does. It more or less simplifies the story line into a clear, flowing timeline as opposed to flashing back later to explain the laws to the audience.
The film also features several classic lines such as “Jump back!” and leaves iconic scenes such as the warehouse dance scene intact. The film’s highlights are in the quick-witted quips of the younger characters, the “Yankee sarcasm” of Ren and the southern charm of his friend Willard (Miles Teller). This integral piece is what separates the film from typical teen flicks that saturate the market.
The iconic “Footloose” soundtrack has had a makeover. The new country-influenced album fits the new film’s locale perfectly. Country singers Blake Shelton and Kenny Loggins take on the title theme, and Jana Kramer sings “Let’s Hear It For The Boy.” The soundtrack also features country artists Zac Brown, Big & Rich and Whitney Duncan.
“Footloose” was a favorite for generation X, and while the remake doesn’t quite live up to the original, it’s a fun and entertaining movie for those looking to enjoy a lighthearted, youthful night at the movies.
