Footloose Review

Footloose Review

Cast: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Dennis Quaid
Director: Craig Brewer
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Musical

Synopsis: Writer/Director Craig Brewer ("Hustle & Flow", "Blake Snake Moan") delivers a new take on the beloved 1984 classic film, "Footloose". Ren MacCormack (played by newcomer Kenny Wormald) is transplanted from Boston to the small southern town of Bomont where he experiences a heavy dose of culture shock. A few years prior, the community was rocked by a tragic accident that killed five teenagers after a night out and Bomont's local councilmen and teh beloved Reverend Shaw Moore (Dennis Quaid) responded by implementing ordinances that prohibit loud music and dancing. Not one to bow to the status quo, Ren challenges the ban, revitalising the town and falling in love with the minister's troubled daughter, Ariel (Julianne Hough) in the process.

Verdict: The opening sequence of this Footloose, similar to the original, is fuelled with action which will captivate audience and shock those who have not seen the original. Footloose tells the story of small town Bomont where, as a result of an accident, dancing is illegal and an 11pm curfew for those under the age of 18 is implemented.

After the death of his mother Ren McCormack (Kenny Wormald) heads to Bomont to stay with his Uncle and as a dancer and ex-gymnast he is shocked to hear it is illegal to play loud music or even dance in public. Ren begins a petition in hopes of changing the law to allow dancing and bring some life back into the highly religious and mourning town of Bomont. In the meantime he attracts the interest of the Reverend's daughter, Ariel (Julianne Hough) who is also a dancer.

Footloose is an entertaining drama about change which explores issues that confront teenagers, issues that are still and always will be relevant, from curfews, fast cars, drinking, drugs, partying and relationships.

The dance scenes of Footloose are impressive and filled with passion, aggression and desire, my only complaint is there wasn't enough dancing! Footloose mixes modern hip-hop with the classics Let's Hear It for the Boy, Holding out for a Hero and of course, Footloose.

The Footloose remake will be enjoyed by all audiences as it is perfect for both those who have seen the original and those who haven't.

Fun fresh take on the original.

Rating: ***
-Brooke Hunter

Release Date: October 6th, 2011