Footloose (2011) - Same Tune, Slightly Different Steps

The original Footloose, released in 1984, wasn't that bad of a movie, but it isn't exactly something I would watch very often. When I heard there was to be a remake, I wasn't exactly sure how it would work, considering the product they were dealing with, but I decided to see it anyway. It was better than I thought it would be, but like a good cover to a classic song, not much is different about it.

If you've seen the original Footloose with Kevin Bacon, then you already know what happens in this new version. The only major changes, aside from the new actors of course, are that the event leading up to the ban on dancing is actually depicted rather than being revealed through dialogue, the time span is set to 3 years instead of 5, and a few scenes were either changed a little or switched around. Otherwise, it is essentially the same movie, including dialogue, with (sort of) updated technology (for instance, characters are seen to have iPods).

Though the music is generally the same from the original, it still manages to hold up well and gives you the feeling that you're still watching Footloose. The new actors pull off rather good performances and provide noticeably more racial diversity than there was previously. Plenty of homages are made to the original Footloose as well, such as the iconic yellow Volkswagon Beetle and red boots used by the characters Ren (Kenny Wormald) and Ariel (Julianne Hough) respectively. However, the large number of these nods to the source can bring to question why the remake was created in the first place.

Overall, the Footloose remake isn't a bad movie, but it isn't much different from its predecessor. However, it's still structurally sound and for the most part simply updates the setting. Whether you watch this film or the the original, you're guaranteed a good time and a very catchy song.