Footloose

Released 1984

It is a classic tale of teen rebellion and repression and features a enchanting combination of dance choreography and realistic performances. Its about a teenager ‘Ren’ and his family moving from big-city Chicago to a small town in the West, he's isn’t accepted easily and has a big culture shock. Though he tries hard to fit in, the streetwise Ren can't quite believe he's living in a place where rock music and dancing are illegal. Dancing and music was banned 2 years before when drunken teenagers were in a crash and so the minister and the police decided to prohibit what caused the event.

Ren cannot live without his beloved music and style and begins to rebel, the town doesn’t like him for mixing up the status quo and he is an outcast. But unbeknown to him the minister’s daughter ‘Ariel’ strives to be rebellious against her strict father and wants to join him in pulling the town back into colour. And bring back the art of dance and creativity, Ren has the courage to initiate a battle to abolish the outmoded ban and revitalize the spirit of the repressed townspeople.

This film is fast paced and concentrates on the ever-changing social acceptance of all walks of people, I think it tries to pick up on problems with the old American lifestyle of the era, but subtlety and not too abruptly to offend the viewers. It is very American in the way its directed but I just love the cheesiness of it all and how happy go lucky the ending is. I think Kevin Bacon is superb in his role, as he is not the typical ‘hunk’ we see nowadays, he was skinny and had a attitude problem but instead of being a ‘asbo’ riddled bad boy he shows his frustration through dance.

Ps I am So gonna learn the ‘footloose’ dance!