While I have to be honest and say that I have not seen the original Footloose, I have to say that I enjoyed this remake quite a bit. Though Kenny Wormald is no Kevin Bacon, I commend director Craig Brewer for highlighting an up-and-coming artist such as Bacon. Bacon’s talented and flawless footwork along with fine acting skills allowed Footloose to transform into the work it is today. While these skills are seen throughout the film, they are definitely featured during Kenny’s superb solo.
Originally Zac Efron was casted as Ren McCormack, the protagonist; however, I believe Bacon’s more skilled dance moves proved to be a better match. Efron has been featured in too many films lately, which would have made the film too flashy. Plus, this allowed the chance for Kenny to gain his first fifteen minutes of fame.
While I have to be honest and say that I have not seen the original Footloose, I have to say that I enjoyed this remake quite a bit. Though Kenny Wormald is no Kevin Bacon, I commend director Craig Brewer for highlighting an up-and-coming artist such as Bacon. Bacon’s talented and flawless footwork along with fine acting skills allowed Footloose to transform into the work it is today. While these skills are seen throughout the film, they are definitely featured during Kenny’s superb solo.
Originally Zac Efron was casted as Ren McCormack, the protagonist; however, I believe Bacon’s more skilled dance moves proved to be a better match. Efron has been featured in too many films lately, which would have made the film too flashy. Plus, this allowed the chance for Kenny to gain his first fifteen minutes of fame.
While most films can be dwindled down into a key phrase, I would have to say that this film presented the rebellious newcomer teenager within a small town in such a way that is realistic and quite relatable.
Since the town’s hero must get the girl in the end, I would have to say that Kenny’s character in conjunction with Julianne Hough’s made a great on-screen match. Although Julianne’s dance moves were not as impressive as Kenny’s, her acting skills compensated for her lack of stunning footwork. Julianne’s damsel-in-distress role paired with the rebellious “independent woman” was an interesting dynamic to watch, especially when she alluded to her position as the “preacher’s daughter.”
In every, if not most, films there is the antagonist or the reason this story is so peculiar. As Dennis Quaid’s character, Revered Shaw Moore, made it difficult for the teenagers in the town of Bomont, Georgia to express themselves through dance and social gatherings, his duties as a father justified his institution of the extreme laws within the town limits.
Having lived in Georgia for almost two decades, I have to say that it interesting to have a movie filmed in Bomont, Georgia, a place I have never heard of before. Furthermore, being an Oxfordian, it also intrigues me to know that a courtroom scene was filmed at the Newton County Historic Courthouse in Covington, Georgia.
Although I would not consider this movie a “must see” film due to its lack of CGI, Hollywood drama, A-list actors, and flashiness, I would have to say that this is a cute and pleasant film. If you’re looking for a low-key evening with some wicked dance moves featured, then this would be one of my top suggestions.