Film Reviews

Footloose (2011)

• Rating:
• Director: Craig Brewer
• Starring: Andie MacDowell
• Details: US/T112mins 12A

Differentiating itself from the recent slew of dance flicks by having an actual plot - all be it a regurgitated one - this remake of the 1984 Kevin Bacon starrer manages to (mostly) compliment the original flick by not changing too much. Those worried about a lack of Kenny Loggins have no need to fret; his feet stomping title tune is used nicely in the opening frames and again over the end credits.
Wormald is big city boy Ren McCormack, a teen who moves to his mother's old town to live with his Uncle when she passes away. Three years previous in the same town a car accident took place when a group of drunk teens were involved in a head on collision and all perished. In response the powers that be, including Denis Quaid's preacher (who lost his son), introduce a strict curfew and ban dancing in public for anyone under the age of 18. Ren doesn't take too kindly to this dance ban, and neither does the preacher's wild daughter, Ariel (Hough). Much dry-humping/body-popping in secret ensues.
As remakes go, Footloose is actually a pretty decent one. Brewer was a wise choice as director, and doesn't overdo the dancing scenes too much. The only point where someone bursts randomly into a dance number is taken directly from the original - when the main character shakes off his Sunday shoes to let off some steam. It's still silly, but it's also kind of fun - it helps that Wormald is actually a professional dancer. He hasn't acted much before and isn't a patch on Bacon, but he can certainly bust a move and looks the teen idol part.
Of course Footloose didn't need remaking - what film does? So a plot about a town where dancing is outlawed seems inherently ridiculous. That said, if you watched Fox News at any point, or listened to some "Tea Baggers" it becomes surprisingly more likely. Quaid actually gives the strongest performance in the entire film; there's a reason his character does what he does and he's far less fire and brimstone than Lithgow's creepy 80s version. Also impressive is Miles Teller who follows up an excellent performance in Rabbit Hole with another solid turn.
The soundtrack is great, the kids can all dance and it's actually fun in parts. Fans of the original and newbies alike should enjoy it.

Review by Mike Sheridan