On CLIPS In November, 2011
FOOTLOOSE

Teens rebel against a small town ban on rock n' roll in this updated remake starring Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough.

TRIVIA: Who co-wrote and performed the song "Footloose" for the 1984 original film?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
       (3 CAMS)        RATED PG-13

A group of teenagers in the small town of Bomont, Georgia is killed in a car crash after partying. The Reverend Shaw Moore (Dennis Quaid), who lost his son in the accident, convinces the town to ban rock music and dancing. Three years later, new kid in town Ren McCormack (Kenny Wormald) is determined to get the ban lifted while trying to romance the preacher's rebellious daughter Ariel (Julianne Hough). Sparks fly in more ways than one. "Footloose" is an energetic, foot-stomping update of the 1984 classic. Director Craig Brewer ("Hustle & Flow") lights up the screen with plenty of song and dance, but doesn't shy away from plot and character development. Both accomplished dancers, Wormald and Hough also handle the dramatics well. Most of the acting honors go to Dennis Quaid, but a few scenes are stolen by Miles Teller as Ren's dance-impaired buddy Willard. New songs are mixed with remakes of tunes from the original, including a Blake Shelton country revival of "Footloose". Choreographer Jamal Sims provides some spectacular dance sequences to accompany the music. While not an improvement on the cinematic gem of the 80s, this version is a pleasant homage. The latest "Footloose" is a step up from recent dance flicks.