Footlose

Is Hollywood really running out of ideas when they have to stoop to producing remake after remake? Believe me, I saw the original "Footloose" back in the 80's and although it wasn't a terrible flick, it certainly wasn't anything to garner a remake.

This is a slightly different plot, but not a far cry off. Storyline as follows: Due to a fatal car accident three years prior, Rock 'n' Roll and dancing have banned in a small town. Enters Boston kid, Ren MacCormack (Kenny Wormald) who moves to this town after he loses his mom to leukemia and resides with his Aunt Lulu (Kim Dickens) and his Uncle Wes (Ray McKinnon). After finding out about the ban through classmate/buddy Willard (Miles Teller), Ren butts heads with the Rev. Shaw Moore (Dennis Quaid) who challenges Ren's rebellious spirit and also has a problem with Ren's intentions toward his daughter, Ariel (Julianne Hough).

Others to round out the cast are Andie McDowell as Vi Moore, Shaw's wife, Patrick John Flueger as Chuck Cranston, Ariel's boyfriend, Ziah Colon as Rusty, Ariel's classmate/friend, and Ser'Darius Blain as Woody, Ren's boss at the gin mill.

The film was adequately directed by Craig Brewer ("The Poor and Hungry" 2000, "Hustle & Flow" '05, "Black Snake Moan" '06, and some TV) and it was written by Dean Pitchford and Brewer based on a story by Pitchford. There were some differences in plot, as aforementioned, between the original and this, but not enough to have this screenplay be based on a story. 
The real star here is Jamal Sims, the choreographer. The choreography was so absolutely superb, that if this film was judged solely on the dancing, it would receive a 4-star rating.

As with the original, this "Footloose" wasn't a great film, but certainly wasn't an awlful film either. Other than a rendition of the song Footloose at the opening which showed some good dancing and action, it did take a while for this story to get off the ground. But once it did, it became more interesting especially when Ren was trying to teach Willard how to dance as in the original. This film could've been 10 minutes shorter and still had the same flavor as with the original.

If you're a dancer or are fascinated with dancing, you'll love this, however if you're looking for a tightly written script, this really won't fill the bill. But, in any rate, even if the script is questionable, you'll have fun anyway while you're dancing down the aisle.

Out of 4 stars: 2.5                    Rated: PG-13                      113min.