Corny but classic

Rating: 6/10 (18 March 2005)

Footloose was such a popular movie when I was growing up. I just had the opportunity to see it again the other day. I'm a bit mixed on this movie because I did indeed find the corniness undeniable but the overriding message was so sweet and this such an ultimate feel good movie I really would have a hard time completely ragging on this movie.
My problem with this movie isn't that I find it corny now, it's that I didn't like it then either-and I am a big fan, both of musicals and teen movies. I also like feel good movies and appreciate the message of the movie. Still-Footloose never captivated me as did so many other teen movies of this time period. After viewing it again, I find my feelings have not gotten fonder or lessened-it's pretty much stayed the same.
I think the reason why it never captivated me is the music pure and simple. With musicals, one has to like the music being played because the music is as important as the overall message. Phantom of the Opera is a great example, you can't dig the story if the music doesn't grab you. The music in Footloose never got me so I didn't enjoy the musical numbers. Many musicals can be corny while still having remarkable elements to them. I do, however know that so many DID find this remarkable. I have friends who are Footloose purists. In my case, It's not that I liked it and then changed my mind, it's that I never liked it at all. The movie really bored me at times and I found a lot of it cheesy yet I could still appreciate the underlying theme of it all.
I think a 6 is an appropriate rating for Footloose, I'd never rank it below average because I do not think it could be considered dreadful. But I do think it's quite over rated and the comparisons to Grease I find a bit baffling because I don't think it can begin to touch a movie like Grease. Still, I could see where Footloose would be an appealing choice to some and it is considered by many to be a teen classic. This definitely isn't the worst of the genre but it isn't the best either and my rating is 6 of 10.