Is there a remake of Footloose? If you’re a fan of the classic 1984 movie, this question has probably been on your mind. Well, the answer is yes! Footloose was remade in 2011 with a fresh new cast and updated soundtrack. But before you break out your dancing shoes, let’s take a closer look at what this remake has to offer.
The 2011 version of Footloose follows much of the same storyline as the original, a city boy moves to a small town with strict laws against dancing. However, the remake is not simply a carbon copy. The characters have been given a modern update, and the soundtrack features a mix of old classics and new hits. So, if you’re a fan of Kenny Loggins’ iconic “Footloose” song, don’t worry, it’s still in there!
The remake of Footloose has received mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike. Some praise the updated version for its energetic dance scenes and young, talented cast. Others feel that it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the original. So, is there a remake of Footloose? Yes, but whether or not it lives up to the hype is up for debate. Regardless, it’s still a fun movie to watch and maybe even inspire you to get up and dance.
Footloose Remake Casting
When it was announced that “Footloose” was getting a remake, fans were eager to hear who would be cast in the leading roles. The original film, released in 1984, starred Kevin Bacon as Ren McCormack, the rebellious teenager who moves to the small town of Bomont where dancing and rock music are banned. So who were the lucky actors who landed the highly coveted roles in the “Footloose” remake? Let’s take a look.
- Kenny Wormald – Ren McCormack: In the remake, Kenny Wormald takes on the role of Ren McCormack, a Boston boy who moves to Bomont. Wormald is a trained dancer who got his start as a backup dancer for Justin Timberlake and has appeared in several dance movies and TV shows.
- Julianne Hough – Ariel Moore: In the original “Footloose,” Ariel Moore was played by Lori Singer. In the remake, Julianne Hough takes on the role of the rebellious preacher’s daughter who falls for Ren McCormack. Hough is best known as a professional dancer and as a judge on “Dancing With the Stars.”
- Dennis Quaid – Reverend Shaw Moore: In the original film, Reverend Shaw Moore was played by John Lithgow. In the remake, Dennis Quaid takes on the role of the strict preacher who led the charge against dancing. Quaid is a veteran actor who has appeared in a variety of films and TV shows throughout his career.
The casting of “Footloose” has been praised by both fans of the original and newcomers to the story. The actors bring a fresh energy and talent to their roles, and their chemistry on screen is undeniable. With their impressive dance skills and acting chops, Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough are the perfect choices to lead the “Footloose” remake.
Original Footloose film
The original Footloose film launched the careers of Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer and has been beloved by fans since its release in 1984. The movie was directed by Herbert Ross and written by Dean Pitchford. It tells the story of Ren McCormack, a city boy who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music are prohibited. Ren becomes determined to bring dance back to the town and overcomes various obstacles to do so.
- The film was a commercial success, grossing over $80 million worldwide.
- The soundtrack, featuring songs by Kenny Loggins, Deniece Williams, Bonnie Tyler, and more, also achieved great success, with the single “Footloose” reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- The film was also nominated for numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song, which it won for “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” by Deniece Williams.
Footloose became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring fashion trends, dance moves, and even a Broadway musical adaptation. Its popularity has endured over the years, with the film remaining a staple of 80s nostalgia.
With such a strong legacy, it’s no surprise that there was a lot of excitement around the announcement of a Footloose remake. Fans were eager to see how the film would be updated for a modern audience while still honoring the original’s timeless themes of rebellion, self-expression, and the power of dance.
| Original Release Date | February 17, 1984 |
|---|---|
| Director | Herbert Ross |
| Writer | Dean Pitchford |
| Stars | Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, Chris Penn, Sarah Jessica Parker |
Overall, the original Footloose film remains a classic of the 80s era and a beloved favorite among fans of dance movies and coming-of-age stories.
Updating Footloose for modern times
When Footloose was first released in 1984, it was a movie that perfectly captured the spirit of the time. The music, the dancing, and the fashion were all iconic elements that have stood the test of time. However, with the remake of Footloose, the filmmakers had the task of updating the movie for modern audiences. Here are some of the ways that they accomplished this:
- The music: The original Footloose soundtrack was filled with classic pop songs from the ’80s. For the remake, the filmmakers chose to incorporate elements of modern pop, rock, and country music to appeal to a wider audience. They kept some of the classic songs, but added new covers and remixes to the mix.
- The dancing: The choreography in the 1984 version of Footloose was groundbreaking for its time. However, with the remake, the filmmakers wanted to take things to the next level. They hired top choreographers from around the world to create modern, high-energy dance routines that would appeal to a younger audience.
- The storyline: While the basic storyline of Footloose remains the same, the remake incorporates elements of modern society that were not present in the original. For example, the filmmakers addressed the issue of texting and driving, which is a major concern for young people today. They also updated the way that the characters communicate with each other, incorporating social media and smartphones into the story.
The impact of updating Footloose for modern times
By updating Footloose for modern times, the filmmakers were able to appeal to a wider audience. The new music, dancing, and storyline elements made the movie feel fresh and exciting, even for people who were fans of the original. The movie was a hit at the box office, grossing over $60 million worldwide. It also spawned a successful soundtrack album, which featured new covers and remixes of classic Footloose songs.
The legacy of Footloose
Footloose is a movie that has stood the test of time. It has become a cultural touchstone for people who grew up in the ’80s, and it continues to be beloved by new generations of fans. The remake of Footloose was a success because it was able to capture the spirit of the original while updating it for modern audiences. By doing so, the filmmakers were able to create a movie that is both nostalgic and relevant.
The updated Footloose soundtrack
One of the most successful elements of the updated Footloose movie was the soundtrack. The album featured new covers and remixes of classic Footloose songs, as well as new tracks from popular artists like Blake Shelton and Zac Brown Band. The soundtrack was a hit, peaking at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over a million copies in the US alone.
| Song Title | Original Artist | New Version Artist |
|---|---|---|
| Footloose | Kenny Loggins | Blake Shelton |
| Holding Out for a Hero | Bonnie Tyler | Ella Mae Bowen and Bonnie Tyler |
| Almost Paradise | Mike Reno and Ann Wilson | Vicci Martinez and Hunter Hayes |
| Let’s Hear it for the Boy | Deniece Williams | Jana Kramer |
In conclusion, the updated Footloose movie was a successful remake that managed to capture the spirit of the original while updating it for modern audiences. The new music, dancing, and storyline elements made the movie feel fresh and exciting, and the updated soundtrack was a hit in its own right.
Differences between the Original and Remake
The original “Footloose” was released in 1984, while the remake was released in 2011. There are a number of differences between the two movies, including:
- The main character – Kevin Bacon played Ren McCormack in the original film, while Kenny Wormald played the same role in the remake.
- The setting – The original film was set in a small town in Oklahoma, while the remake takes place in Georgia.
- The music – The original “Footloose” had a hit soundtrack, featuring songs like “Footloose” and “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”. The remake has a more updated soundtrack, featuring songs like “Almost Paradise” and “Fake ID”.
One of the biggest differences between the original and the remake is the way the story is told. The original movie focused more on the personal relationships between the characters, while the remake focuses more on the dancing itself and the competition between the different characters.
To see the differences between the two movies for yourself, take a look at this table:
| Original “Footloose” (1984) | Remake (2011) | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Character | Ren McCormack (Kevin Bacon) | Ren McCormack (Kenny Wormald) |
| Setting | A small town in Oklahoma | Georgia |
| Soundtrack | “Footloose”, “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”, etc. | “Almost Paradise”, “Fake ID”, etc. |
| Main Focus | Personal relationships between characters | Dancing and competition between characters |
While both the original “Footloose” and the remake have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, it is clear that the two movies are quite different in many ways.
Music and Choreography in Footloose Remake
When it comes to remakes, Footloose certainly made its mark in the entertainment industry. The 2011 version of the classic film saw a few changes, particularly in its music and choreography.
First and foremost, the film’s soundtrack was updated to cater to the current generation. While the original 1984 version featured iconic tracks like “Footloose” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” the remake’s soundtrack included new versions of these classics as well as contemporary hits like “Fake ID” by Big & Rich, “Almost Paradise” by Victoria Justice and Hunter Hayes, and “Holding Out for a Hero” by Ella Mae Bowen. The new soundtrack breathed new life into the film and appealed to younger audiences.
As for the choreography, the 2011 version relied on more modern dance styles, including hip hop and breakdancing. The dance sequences were more energetic and visually impressive, making them more engaging for the audience compared to the original’s simpler and straightforward movements.
Furthermore, the remake’s choreography was more gender-inclusive, with both male and female characters given challenging dance routines instead of the traditional separation of roles. This move was welcomed by modern viewers who appreciate more diverse and inclusive representation in entertainment.
Overall, the music and choreography in the Footloose remake contributed to its renewed popularity and made it accessible to a wider audience. Through its modernized soundtrack and more diverse choreography, it bridged the generational gap and endeared itself to a whole new era of viewers.
Reception and Reviews of Footloose Remake
The Footloose remake was released in 2011 and directed by Craig Brewer. The film aimed to introduce the classic story to a new generation while keeping the spirit of the original intact. While some fans were hesitant about the remake, it managed to garner a mix of positive and negative reviews.
- Positive Reviews:
- The New York Times praised the film’s ability to capture the original film’s charm and energy.
- Roger Ebert, film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, called it a “bright, energetic movie that’s a lot of fun to watch.”
- Entertainment Weekly gave it a B+ rating and noted that the film was a “surprisingly effective remake.”
- Negative Reviews:
- The Los Angeles Times felt that the film was “a pale imitation that lacks the exuberance and heart of the original.”
- The Hollywood Reporter criticized the film’s pacing and lack of emotional depth, saying that it was “just a dance movie, without the heart or the smarts.”
- The Village Voice called it a “cheap and shoddy remake.”
Despite the mixed reviews, the film managed to do well at the box office, earning over $60 million worldwide.
| Review Site | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes | 71% |
| Metacritic | 58/100 |
| IMDb | 5.9/10 |
Overall, the reception and reviews of the Footloose remake were mixed. While some fans appreciated the film’s reimagining of the classic story, others found it lacking in the heart and charm of the original. Nevertheless, the film’s success at the box office proved that the story of Footloose continues to draw audiences and inspires filmmakers to keep the legacy alive.
Legacy of Footloose franchise
The original Footloose movie was released in 1984 and became an instant hit. The movie was directed by Herbert Ross, written by Dean Pitchford, and starred Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, and John Lithgow. The story follows a teenage boy named Ren McCormack who moves from Chicago to a small town where dancing and rock music are banned. Ren sets out to change the town’s strict rules and bring dancing back to their lives.
Since then, Footloose has become a cultural phenomenon and its legacy continues to live on today. Here are seven reasons why Footloose franchise has stood the test of time:
- Soundtrack: The music in Footloose is memorable and iconic. The title track “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins is still a classic and gets people dancing whenever it comes on. Other popular songs on the soundtrack include “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” by Deniece Williams.
- Dance scenes: The dance scenes in Footloose are legendary. From the warehouse dance to the prom dance, each scene is choreographed to perfection and showcases the talents of the cast. The final dance sequence is especially memorable and has become an iconic movie moment.
- Casting: Kevin Bacon’s performance as Ren McCormack is one of his most iconic roles. His youthful energy and dance moves made him a breakout star and helped to launch his career. John Lithgow also gave a standout performance as the strict Reverend Shaw Moore, who ultimately changes his stance on dancing.
- Message: Footloose has a powerful message about standing up for what you believe in and the importance of self-expression. Ren’s journey to bring dancing back to the small town is a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and challenging authority.
- Influence: Footloose has influenced countless movies and TV shows since its release. The concept of a rebel teenager fighting against an oppressive system has been used in many other coming-of-age stories. Footloose also inspired a Broadway musical, which premiered in 1998.
- Remake: Footloose was remade in 2011 with Kenny Wormald in the role of Ren McCormack. The movie was directed by Craig Brewer and featured a new soundtrack with updated versions of the original songs. Although it was not as successful as the original, the remake helped to introduce Footloose to a new generation of viewers.
- Nostalgia: For many people, Footloose represents a nostalgic moment in their lives. Whether it reminds them of their teenage years or a specific moment in time, the movie has become a cultural touchstone for a generation of people who grew up in the 80s.
Overall, the legacy of Footloose franchise is one that will continue to endure. Its timeless message, iconic music and dance scenes, and unforgettable performances have made it a classic movie that will always be remembered.
FAQs: Is there a remake of Footloose?
Q: When was the remake of Footloose released?
A: The remake of Footloose was released in 2011.
Q: Who directed the remake of Footloose?
A: Craig Brewer directed the remake of Footloose.
Q: Who played the lead role in the remake of Footloose?
A: Kenny Wormald played the lead role of Ren McCormack in the remake of Footloose.
Q: Was the original music from Footloose used in the remake?
A: Yes, several of the original songs were used in the remake, including “Footloose” and “Holding Out for a Hero.”
Q: Did the remake of Footloose receive positive reviews?
A: The remake of Footloose received mixed reviews from critics.
Q: Is the remake of Footloose available to stream?
A: Yes, the remake of Footloose can be streamed on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
Q: Is there a sequel to the remake of Footloose?
A: No, there is no sequel to the remake of Footloose.
Closing Remarks
Thanks for taking the time to read about the remake of Footloose! Whether you’re a fan of the original movie or a newcomer, the remake offers a fresh take on the classic story. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check it out on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and come back again for more entertainment news and updates!