Stop being cynical and just enjoy it for what it is

Rating: 8/10 (26 November 2014)

When you hear the premise of "Footloose", it's easy to assume that it will be filled with broad cartoon characters, but it isn't. A town where dancing is outlawed?! What kind of madness, is this? I actually found that despite the somewhat contrived premise, the movie really works as a way of showing how dancing is a liberating experience. The main cast is well developed and we can sympathize and understand who they are as they experience growth and change. The dance sequences are full of energy and will make you want to get up and imitate Kevin Bacon's fast feet, while the music and dialog are sure to make you remember what it was like to be a teen in the 80's (or just a teen in general). I also really admired the film's attempt to have its characters solve problems in an intelligent way. A lot of the teenage rebellion movies I've seen go for either a comical resolution, or an overly sappy one, but it's neither here. The rebellion consists of debate and talking, instead of vandalizing and violence. I did have a problem with a scene towards the end that doesn't follow with the non-violent approach, but otherwise I felt like it did try to make a movie about teenage rebellion that has a brain. I think it's very much a product of its time, and it works because watching it today, it is kind of dated, but in a good way, in a way that's simpler than today's overly cynical views. "Footloose" isn't perfect but it's a great time at the movies. (Theatrical version on the big screen, August 15, 2012)