Footloose (2011)

Sure, nothing can really compare to the 1984 Kevin Bacon classic dance flick Footloose, but the new 2011 modernization from director Craig Brewer certainly comes close.

Ren MacCormack has moved from big city Boston to small town Beaumont in the wake of family tragedy. With his father gone and his mother dead, Ren is taken in by his aunt and uncle and forced to adapt to the conservative, Christian ways of Beaumont. Ren quickly learns two things about Beaumont: he's falling for the preacher's daughter and dancing within city limits is against the law. As Ren navigates his way though a dangerous love triangle, new friendships and a new life, he sets his sights on having the law against dancing repealed.

Attempting to fill the shoes of the infamous Bacon is relative newcomer Kenny Wormald. Previously appearing in dancing roles in Centre Stage: Turn it Up and Clerks II, Wormald now boogies his way into leading man territory. It can be daunting to appear in a beloved remake, but Wormald does not fail to impress. With the same vim and vigor that Bacon originally brought to the role, Wormald gives an electric energy to Ren MacCormack, making every moment he appears on screen thoroughly entertaining.

Bringing life to the mischievous, rebellious preacher's daughter Ariel is another newcomer, Julianne Hough. Hough, who is best known for her amazingly talented performances on Dancing With The Stars, proves that she also has acting chops in her first leading role. Hough plays the rebel, the good girl and the activist all in one in the complicated role of Ariel. Hough never falls flat for a moment, and through her character's good times and bad, she draws the audience in and makes them care.

Dennis Quaid and Andie MacDowell play Ariel's parents, Shaw and Vi Moore. Quaid gives an adequate performance as the Southern preacher, but it feels more like he is simply reciting his lines than putting any emotion into it. MacDowell seems to simply fade into the background.

Fan favourite (and certainly my favourite) awkward Willard is played by the immensely funny and talented Miles Teller. Teller embodies the shy, awkward side of Willard as well as the inarguable attractiveness of the down home country boy.

All in all, Footloose is a good watch. It is not the original. It is not a total overhaul of the story. It is a tasteful, entertaining update to allow a more modern audience to identify with and enjoy the story. Although remakes are not always favourites of either fans or critics, this one is worth your time if you have any affection for the original.

The music, the dancing, the laughter and the well-intentioned rebellion against "the man" make for a fun-filled flick. A warning, though: if you intend to go into this hoping for an exact replica of the original, you may be well advised to skip it and save yourself agonizing over minor details that have been changed.

Rating: 4 out of 5