Footloose (1984)
★★★ 1/2
From the moment that this movie opens up with the closeups of the various dancing feet, I was automatically charmed by this '80s classic. It's true, I have somehow never seen this Kevin Bacon treasure, but I thought that its 40th anniversary was a better time than any to catch up with this beloved dance film. Somehow amongst the many, many cheesy scenes, its earnestness is what makes it shine through. For every scene where two tractors are playing a game of chicken, there are thoughtful explorations of faith, small-town politics and friendship.
I had always known Footloose was revered as having one of the best soundtracks ever, but I was unprepared for how amazing it is. I pretty much sang along with every song that was played as my daughter looked at me in what I would like to think was amazement, but was more of a gasp of embarrassment. Though the script should have gone through some more rounds of edits to fix all the plot holes, director Herbert Ross made a solid film that is tight, well edited and filled with an impressive all-star cast that includes Lori Singer, John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, Chris Penn and Sarah Jessica Parker.
I can easily see why Footloose has been adored for this many years. It's so '80s but is timeless in how its energy and ambition have transcended the decade's style and all the glitter. So. Much. Glitter.
