Remake filmed in Georgia instead of Utah.

Rating: Null/10 (27 March 2012)

To state the obvious there seldom is a need, from the point of view of the audience, to remake an old favorite. But old favorites are remade all the time so let's judge it on entertainment value, without regard to a possible comparison to the original.
The basic story is unchanged, a tragedy that kills a group of high school seniors in a small close-knit community sparks very restrictive laws on how you can play music and where you can dance. Plus a very early curfew. A teenager enters the community from a different background, takes an interest in the local preacher's daughter, then takes it upon himself to challenge the restrictive laws.
The main reason for the remake seems to be to showcase a couple of talented young actor/dancers. Kenny Wormald is Ren , the new guy from Boston. (He really is from Boston.) He likes to work on cars and when he gets frustrated he likes to work it out by very vigorous dancing. (He really is an accomplished dancer.) Julianne Hough, who has done so well with several partners on 'Dancing With The Stars' (a show I don't watch) and who has achieved some success as a singer plays the part of Ariel , the preacher's daughter. She really is a cutie pie, the camera just loves her, plus she has a very nice and natural acting style.
There are also several other good actors, like Dennis Quaid as the preacher, but the story revolves around Ren and Ariel. It is a pleasant enough diversion of a movie, my wife and I were entertained.
Did I mention that Julianne Hough is a real cutie pie??