Footloose (1984) Review

Footloose

Release Date: 12th April 1984 - Australia

Production Companies

Paramount Pictures (presents)

Phoenix Pictures

IndieProd Company Productions

Distribution 

Paramount Pictures Australia

Genre: Drama/Music

Rating: M

Runtime: 106 minutes


Budget: $8,200,000

Box Office Gross: $80,040,027 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary

When city boy Ren

McCormack moves from
the big city of Chicago with
his family to a small
Midwestern town, he
discovers that the place he
now calls home has
outlawed dancing and

rock music. Ren's fight for

change is an uphill battle

as he struggles to fit in.

Helped by his new friend

Willard Hewitt and

rebellious teenager Ariel

Moore, he could shake up

this conservative town.

However, Ariel's powerful

father, Reverend Shaw

Moore, is blocking their

path.

Cast

Kevin Bacon - Ren McCormack 

Lori Singer - Ariel Moore

John Lithgow - Rev. Shaw Moore

Dianne Wiest - Vi Moore

Chris Penn - Willard

Sarah Jessica Parker - Rusty

John Laughlin - Woody

Elizabeth Gorcey - Wendy Jo

Sam Dalton - Mr. Gurntz 

Frances Lee McCain - Ethel McCormack

Jim Youngs - Chuck Cranston

Douglas Dirkson - Burlington Cranston

Lynne Marta - Lulu Warnicker

Arthur Rosenberg - Wes Warnicker

Timothy Scott - Andy Beamis

Alan Haufrect - Coach Roger Dunbar

Linda MacEwen - Eleanor Dunbar

Kim Jensen - Edna 

Michael Telmont - Travis

Leo Geter - Rich

Ken Kemp - Jeff

Russ McGinn - Herb

H.E.D. Redford - Widdoes

Jay Bernard - Harvey

Meghan Broadhead - Sarah Warnicker

Mimi Broadhead - Amy Warnicker 

Gene Pack - Bernie

Marcia Dangerfield - Virginia

Crew

Director - Herbert Ross

Writer - Dean Pitchford

Executive Producer - Daniel Melnick

Producers - Lewis J. Rachmil and Graig Zadan

Casting Directors - Mike Fenton,

Jane Feinberg and Marci Liroff

Casting Director: New York - Margery Simkin
Production Designer - Ron Hobbs

Set Decorator - Mary Olivia Swanson

Property Master - C.J. Maguire
Costumes - Gloria Gresham

Makeup Artist - Daniel C. Striepeke
Director of Photography - Ric Waite

Second Assistant Director - Robert Engleman
Choreographer - Lynne Taylor-Corbett

Stunt Coordinator - Max Kleven

Special Effects - Wayne Beauchamp

Editor - Paul Hirsch

Assistant Editors - David Handman

and Peck Prior

Supervising Sound Editor - Gordon Ecker

Sound Effects Editors - Robert Bradshaw,

Randy Kelly, Bob Newlan and

Wylie Stateman

Re-Recording Mixers - David E. Campbell,

John T. Reitz and Gregg Rudloff

Score Adaptation - Miles Goodman

Music Supervisor - Becky Shargo

Writer/Producer/Performer: "Footloose" 

and "I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man)" -

Kenny Loggins

Awards

1985 Academy Awards

Best Music, Original Song "Footloose" -

Kenny Loggins and Dean Pitchford (Nominated)

Best Music, Original Song "Let's Hear It for the Boy" -

Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford (Nominated)

Review

A straightforward and potent classic teen drama with a simple plot, FOOTLOOSE is an ageless classic, unforgettable and superior to the remake. It was in production when teen movies were a lasting trend in the 80s. Since its release in 1984, it's a heavily undisputed pop cultural touchstone referenced in many films such as Guardians of the Galaxy. It has also inspired an animated movie with a similar plotline aimed at younger audiences called Happy Feet. This film represents the values of teenagers fighting for their independence. To decide about what they will do with their lives and what journey they will take. FOOTLOOSE sends a message that teenagers will understand that when parents control them, they often rebel and have this innate need to achieve their greatest dreams and desires.

I didn't watch this movie for the dancing. Instead, I preferred the inspiring message the film communicates and the upbeat tunes that create energy to FOOTLOOSE. Kevin Bacon looked so young in the movie and nailed the role with a convincing performance that elevated his Hollywood fame. John Lithgow creates a sympathetic yet extremist character who pushes his religious views on those around him and believes dancing to be a sin. John crafted the role of a very strict and disapproving father figure.

Although it's aimed at a teen audience, FOOTLOOSE remains one of the best teen drama movies of its generation, and even to this day, its story and message are still very relevant. I strongly recommend viewing this fantastic movie. You won't regret it.

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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