Good movie with upbeat soundtrack

Rating: Null/10 (11 November 2001)

"Footloose" is the movie that jettisoned Kevin Bacon into stardom by his boyish charisma and the upbeat dance moves.
PLOT: However, this is not a hackeyed musical that doesn't give the starring roles a chance to dance and/or burst into song. It's a mainly serious drama about a Chicago teen (Kevin Bacon) who moves into a town where dancing/rock music is banned, thanks to a pastor (John Lithgow, of "Third Rock From the Sun" fame). Infuriated, he decides to rebel and make dancing and rock music legal, when he is helped by new friend (Christopher Penn) and the pastor's rebellious daughter (Lori Singer).
REVIEW: "Footloose" is a minor, simple story that, without the dancing and musical interludes, would probably be an unsavory and stuffy drama. But, the charming performances by Bacon and Singer (note that "Sex and the City" goddess Sarah Jessica Parker in a minor role as Singer's helpful friend) and the upbeat rock and dance sequences make it a light and entertaining drama/musical. It's also helped by a nice ending that the pastor finally understands why his daughter is so rebellious and decides to make things right.
REASONS FOR PG RATING: Four-letter words. Graituitous male shower scene with plenty of nudity. Some violence, only mild and non-gory.
RATING: **1/2 out of **** stars.