Footloose (1984) - 5 stars out of 10

Footloose (1984) - 5 stars out of 10

"Footloose" is good, but it isn't great.  I think that this story reached its maximum potential when it was turned into a Broadway musical in 1999.  While the dancing in this film is really good, there simply is not enough of it.  I realize that with this story, there isn't a lot of opportunity for these characters to dance which is why the musical version (with its allowance of the cast to spontaneously burst into song) captures the love of dance better than the movie version.  That being said, Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer are excellent in the lead roles.  The film certainly does not lack grit, particularly with Singer getting beat up.  For me, the highlight of "Footloose" is John Lithgow as Reverand Moore, interpreting the plight of a man who is torn between saving his relationship with his daughter and acting in the best interest of his community as their spiritual leader.  His performance has more emotion than the rest of the cast combined.  Dianne Wiest was well-cast as Vi Moore but was underused.  Her character plays a bigger part in the musical version (can you tell which one I like better?).  Despite the melodrama, it is an interesting story and the film is worth watching to experience it.  I can't wait for a remake of "Footloose" so that they can use the musical version and perfect this story for the screen.  Oh wait...