Kelly & I went to see Footloose Sunday.  I'll admit that I was a little apprehensive about the remake of a film that one: had a killer soundtrack and two: made a star out of Kevin Bacon. I have to say the new Foootloose is really well done.  The story line remains virtually the same with little tweaks here and there to give it an updated feel.  For example I-pods replace tape decks, dueling schol busses instead of tractors and the dancing styles are as modern as they can be including a crunk dance off at the drive-in.  What remains the same is Ren McCormack (Kenny Womald-a former dancer for Justin Timberlake) and the preacher's daughter Ariel (Julianne Hough) falling in love in spite of daddy's (Dennis Quaid) objections.  The uncle character is nicer, the ex-boyfriend Chuck is as nasty as ever and Willard...well Wilard, played by Miles Teller, nearly stole the movie.  He was really funny and charming as Ren's new friend (a role originally played by the late Chris Penn).  What really stood ought was seeing the beautiful and talented Julianne Hough (DWTS) on the big screen.  We'll see her in big movies again, I'm certain.

     The new Footloose recreates most of our favorite scenes from the original. again with a few updates.  I was glad to see Ren driving the old VW Beetle, running afoul with the local cop, Ren teaching Willard to dance, Ren blowing off steam via dancing in the warehouse, Ren convincing the city council to allow the dance, the fight scene with Chuck and his boys and of course the school dance with Ren in his red tux jacket and Ariel in her pink dress (I think identical to the 1984 movie garb) and many of the same dance movies we saw in the original.

    One doesn't have to know the original to enjoy this update. As much as I loved the 1984 version, I'm glad I saw this and I'll watch it again when it comes out on DVD.  looking forward to picking up the soundtrack as well.  Rating:  4 of 5 stars