Film Review - Footloose (2011)

The original '80s Footloose was more of a guilty pleasure than a cinematic classic, remembered far more for its soundtrack than the film itself. In the intervening years it has become a full-blown stage musical, and rumour had it that this was to be a film version of that. Several cast changes later, it was not to be, and we are hereby presented with a more straightforward remake instead. The dancing has been updated to a more modern crunk/street dance vibe and, quite frankly, loses some charm in the process. The ever-so-slightly ludicrous plot is given some attempts at weight and credibility, as we are shown the accident and emotional fall-out that causes the infamous dancing ban. Dennis Quaid's performance goes a long way in this respect, especially with what could be a villainous role. (The less said about Andie MacDowell, the better.) But the biggest problem lies with the two leads. Kenny Wormald does a decent job as lead Ren, although he just doesn't have Kevin Bacon's charisma or screen presence. But it's Julianne Hough who has the toughest job making wannabe-slutty-rebel Ariel even the slightest bit sympathetic, and I'm still not convinced she succeeded. I couldn't help but feel that Ren's pursuit of her is wholly hormonal, rather than anything to do with his intuitive insight into buried traits of her personality. On the plus side, the ludicrous tractor scene has been replaced with something with a more genuine sense of peril, even if we have to lose Bonnie Tyler's dulcet tones in the process. And a special mention must go to up-and-comer Miles Teller, heartbreaking in Rabbit Hole, here flexing his comedic and dancing muscles to equally impressive form.