Showing posts with label Footloose (2011). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Footloose (2011). Show all posts
Kick Off Your Expectations, Footloose Is Toe-Tapping Fun
Paramount Pictures
READ MORE
We have radio stations devoted entirely to the 80s. We’ve been remaking some of the best and worst movies of the 80s. Would I call the Footloose I saw as I was transitioning to high school one of the best of the 80s, nahhh, but it was one of the more fun films of the decade.
The story is virtually identical to the original; but let’s recap…shall we?
Ren (Kenny Wormald) is the big city kid who has come into a small town to stay with relatives. Coming from the city, he’s not familiar with the restrictions that the law has in place here. No loud music, no alcohol parties and absolutely no dancing. Laws that were enacted after a tragic accident seem outdated and out of place to all the kids in town.
The Reverend (Dennis Quaid) is trying to guide folks to the Promised Land. Little does he know, his daughter Ariel (Julianne Hough) might well be the wildest child in the town. These laws were in place to protect kids like her and yet all she wants to do is cut loose.
Ren leads the charge to get the law changed to let these kids experience all the dancing can be. But the battle won’t be easy; there are those in this town that don’t want to relinquish control. Will there be “Dancing in the Sheets” or anywhere?
Let’s face it, seeing an updated version of Footloose sends one to the theater with a bit of trepidation. But this film was released in 1984, so teenagers that grew up with it are now in the 40’s. Tastes evolve, music evolves and this film evolves; just a little bit. Director Craig Brewer keeps on a fairly consistent track and we have the same characters in virtually the same situations. And that’s not all bad.
Wormald seems a little too nice in his portrayal as Ren. I had a hard time buying the big city attitude he was to have. Julianne Hough has a look that just screams like she could be that wild child and she’s obviously got the dancing down, as does Wormald.
The dialogue is cheesy and out there, but it was in the 80s as well. The soundtrack uses many of the same songs that were made famous by the first film, with new and clever arrangements where possible. And before you get worried, Kenny Loggins is used…plus some of the others, in their classic form.
Here’s the thing about Footloose. This is a fun film for today’s generation. The story that is told doesn’t completely update to today’s standards, but it will have today’s kids tapping their feet just as those in 1984 did. Sure many expected me to “cut loose” on this one with a scathing review. But I can’t. It was fun and will have a new generation “kicking off their Sunday shoes”.
B
Paramount Pictures
Director: Craig Brewer
Cast: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowellRating: PG-13 for some teen drug and alcohol use, sexual content, violence and language..
Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutesSorry for the delay in posting -- been a bit under the weather here the last day and a half and hadn't already set this to post.
This Week’s Big ReleasesFootloose – Rated PG-13 (Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough)
Sure you’ve seen the classic with Kevin Bacon – or if you haven’t get back and see it. Here we get an updated look at the film that really made us want to dance. Most of the songs carry the same lyrics with a new arrangement. The storyline is almost identical with some minor updates. And the bottom line is, it was a lot more fun than I had imagined it would be.
Immortals – Rated R (Kellan Lutz, Mickey Rourke)
A king, a weapon, lots of fighting – do I need to say more? Wasn’t offered for theatrical review but looks to be the perfect rental.
Jack And Jill – Rated PG (Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes)
I like Adam Sandler – there I said it. I think he is usually funny in his own sort of way. Unfortunately in this film, where he plays a man AND his sister, he is not funny and the movie doesn’t work. I would, of course, watch it on Blu just to see what extras they’ve given us (hopefully more Dunkachino) and it could be one of the rare films where the deleted scenes are better than what was left in…or at least I can hope.
Like Crazy – Rated PG-13 (Anton Yelchin, Felicity Jones)
Two characters I just didn’t like in this one. They wanted to be the next 500 Days of Summer or something along that lines and instead it was just…well….there. One silly move cost them everything, so I could NEVER feel emotional about the characters.
Senna – Rated PG-13 (Ayrton Senna)
One of the best documentaries I saw in 2011. Didn’t screen during theatrical, but I caught up with it at the end of the year. Heartbreaking and emotionally charged this sports doc hits the nail on the head throughout. You don’t have to be a fan of Formula 1 racing to enjoy this, but if you are it will be that much better.
The Skin I Live In – Rated R (Antonio Banderas)
Pedro Almodovar’s new film starring Antonio Banderas as a plastic surgeon who has seen more than his share of situations. But his next creation is a skin that withstands all damage.
Also new this week…
Columbus Circle – Rated PG-13 (Selma Blair, Giovanni Ribisi)
Game of Thrones – The Complete First Season
The Lion King 1 ½ - Rated G (Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick) – on Blu Ray combo pack, get the third installment of the classic Disney franchise.
The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride – Rated G (Matthew Broderick, Neve Campbell) – Simba and Nala’s daughter comes front and center in this tale that has her wandering off into forbidden lands.
Mercenaries– Rated R (Robert Fucilla, Billy Zane)
New York Giants: Super Bowl XLVI Champions – As a GB Packers fan, it pains me to post this one.
Recoil – Rated R (Steve Austin, Danny Trejo) - It's a Steve Austin movie -- I have to post the trailer.
Wyatt Earp’s Revenge – Rated PG-13 (Shawn Roberts, Trace Adkins)
And Finally
Tooth Fairy 2 – Rated PG (Larry the Cable Guy)
Hmmm…Ok so we go from The Rock and Julie Andrews to Larry the Cable Guy. Ummm…here’s the trailer – you decide. You know I’ll watch it – so when I do, you’ll know.
Pick of the Week
Sennais the best movie released this week. But for repeated watching Footloose will do well. And for the bad movie collection – Jack and Jill is a winner.
Thanks!
Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!