Review: Footloose (1984)

Released in 1984, Footloose was perhaps the year's biggest surprise in terms of success. Going on to sell over 8 million dollars worth of film tickets (Impressive for 1984), Footloose became the seventh highest grossing film of the year, something, after seeing the movie, I just don't understand.

Footloose is set in the small town of Beaumont, located somewhere in middle-America. What sets this town apart from those similar to it is one thing: It has a ban, a genuine law, against dancing. When newbie Ren arrives in town, frustrated by all the restictions, he goes about organizing the first prom the town has seen in five years, which raises issues with Beaumont's highly religious residents.

"If our Lord wasn't testing us, how would you account for the proliferation, these days, of this obscene rock and roll music, with its gospel of easy sexuality and relaxed morality?"

I really wanted to like this movie. The 80's is probably my favourite movie decade, and Footloose is considered to be one of its biggest successes, but I couldn't tell you why. This movie did nothing for me. In fact, I found it rather boring. It was a real disappointment.

The only thing about Footloose that I liked, with the exception of its cast, was its soundtrack. Now, that was good; full of 80's hits, including the title song "Footloose". In fact, the only scenes in the movie that I did like featured the songs from the soundtrack.

 

"Hey, hey! What's this I see? I thought this was a party. LET'S DANCE!"

Despite my dislike of the movie, I did appreciate its cast. It was full of familiar faces. Kevin Bacon was very likable as Ren, the role that made him a star. Sarah Jessica Parker, who was far better than the leading female, provided a lot of the film's comedy (If you could call it that). Diane Wiest, who's been excellent in every movie I've seen her in, was a standout in a small role. I must, too, mention Chris Penn (Yep, that's Sean's brother), who's memorable as Ren's best friend, Willard.

I'm not quite sure how to rate Footloose. If I go by the story, which I liked about as much as Halloween II (2009), then I'd have to give it a 1/10. But, if I were to go by the acting and dance sequences, I'd probably give it a 4/10. Ugh... What to do? Footloose really was rather silly... 3/10

Trivia: Actor Chris Penn, who plays Willard in Footloose, did not know how to dance. To aid him in this, the filmmakers scripted a scene with Ren (Bacon) teaching Willard how to dance.