Paramount Pictures
It's been 27 years since Kevin Bacon danced out his frustrations in an empty warehouse in 1984's Footloose. And, since 27 years is more like 100 in Hollywood terms, it should come as no surprise that a remake is set to dance-kick its way into theaters this October. Watch the trailer below!
The film maintains the same premise -- a charismatic outsider moves to a small town where dancing has been banned (because, apparently, it causes deadly auto accidents), falls for the preacher's rebellious daughter and spearheads a movement to have dancing legalized once again -- but it is now set in the present day and features a fresh-faced cast.
Little-known Center Stage: Turn It Up star Kenny Wormald takes over for Bacon as dance-ban-fighting outsider Ren MacCormack, Rock of Ages actress (and Ryan Seacrest main squeeze) Julianne Hough portrays saucy preacher's daughter Ariel Moore, and Dennis Quaid steps into the fun-loathing preacher role originated by John Lithgow.
Fans can also expect a few other updates in the 2011 film, which is directed by edgy Hustle & Flow helmer Craig Brewer. The action sequences, such as the game of chicken Ren plays, promise to be more visceral. Rather than abide the no-dancing law, those crazy small-town kids meet at an old drive-in theater for what appears to be some sort of dance-party Fight Club. And, in the biggest change, the dancing is less Flashdance and more Step Up.
But Footloose purists shouldn't fret too much over these changes. The theme song will still be featured. The dancing will be stupendous. And, judging by the trailer, the new version seems to ladle on the cheese just as generously as the original -- and we mean that as a compliment.
Footloose cuts loose in theaters October 14.
