Footloose (2011)

Taking a beloved American film and revamping it for modern audiences is always tricky business - and quite frequently fails miserably. Thankfully, the producers of the re-imagined "Footloose" got it right with a well-shot, well-told, and finely acted version of the 80's staple. Starring newcomer hottie Kenny Wormald as Ren MacCormack (previously brought to life by a wee Kevin Bacon) and Julianne Hough (of "Dancing with the Stars" fame), the film is a faithful adaptation of the 1984 original - so much so that chunks of dialogue are actually left intact. While not a shot by shot remake, it is so reverential to the original that it's almost the same movie. Songs from the original film are interspersed with new versions including Blake Shelton's yee-haw take on the title track, and Ella Mae Bowen's lovely and lilting version of Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out for a Hero." Co-starring Dennis Quaid as the town minister, Andie McDowell as his quiet-ish wife, and newcomer Miles Teller ("Rabbit Hole") as Willard (previously played by Chris Penn), this is a nostalgic film that truly succeeds on all levels. Fans of the original will love spotting references to the '84 version such as Ariel's prom dress which is a slightly updated take on Lori Singer's, and the use of sparkly confetti during the end dance sequence.

This is truly a well-made film directed by Craig Brewer ("Hustle and Flow") - a long time "Footloose" fan. The Blu-ray is crisp and colorful and the sound is meant to be played at high volume. (Hellooooo, "angry dance!") While I wonder why Paramount didn't just film the Broadway musical version, this remake easily stands on its own.

Special Features are pretty standard, albeit fairly interesting.

�Commentary by director Craig Brewer offers insight on the reimagining process.
�"Jump Back:Re-Imaging Footloose" - a featurette on the remake itself.
�"Everybody Cut: The Stars of Footloose" - interviews with the film's stars.
�"Dancing with the Footloose Stars" - featurette on the choreography of the film.
�Deleted scenes with optional commentary - forgettable scenes best left cut.
�"Footloose" Music Video by Blake Shelton
�"Fake IF" Music Video by Big & Rich
�"Holding Out for a Hero" Music Video by Ella Mae Bowen
�Footloose Rap - a youtube fan does a rap live at a screening of the remake

"Footloose"
Blu-ray/DVD Combo pack
$29.99
www.paramount.com