directed by Herbert Ross
It’s hard for me to believe there’s an adult on this planet who doesn’t know this film or at least the most popular song used in it. In case you’re an alien who hasn’t heard of “Footloose” or, even worse, you’ve learned about it just because of the 2011 remake, this post is for you. I’m not saying remakes are always Devil’s work, but I believe one should know the original film to appreciate its remake. Especially since the main character in the 1984 version is played by Kevin Bacon. And it’s a musical, so… think. Young Kevin Bacon playing a bouncing rebel. Doesn’t it sound perfect? But okay, for those who have no idea about the story, let me explain it from the beginning. Ren McCormack (Kevin Bacon) is a teenager who has just moved to a small town from Chicago. Soon he realises that the reality in Bomont is totally different from what he’s used to. Dancing and listening to rock music is banned by the city council. Obviously, it doesn’t stop Ren from doing what he wants, so he tries to find ways to keep having fun. He meets Ariel (Lori Singer) who pretends to be an angel around her strict father (John Lithgow), but in the evening she turns into a party animal. But dancing should be done in groups and music should be loud, so how can they keep doing what they love in a town where it’s illegal? You may be smiling because of such a silly story, but it’s actually happened. Okay, maybe not exactly like it’s presented in the film, but in Elmore City, Oklahoma, they also banned dancing. They did it because of heavy drinking and to prevent young people from having sexual intercourses with each other. So we may be laughing at this now, but people used to think this way. Some of them still do. Somehow dancing and listening to loud music is automatically associated with alcohol and sex. I’m not saying those things don’t go together sometimes, but it’s not a rule. That’s why we need more rebellious films like “Footloose”, but until then, let’s enjoy this oldie. However, to finish the post with an interesting fact I can tell you that it was possible for Tom Cruise and Madonna to play the roles of Ren and Ariel. Can you imagine that? Maverick with “Like a Virgin” in the background… that should be banned forever.
My rating: 7/10
S.
I have nothing to watch 