'Footloose (1984)' very much follows in the footsteps of 'Flashdance (1983)', designed specifically to trap teens in a cycle of pop songs and popcorn as the film sells the soundtrack and the soundtrack sells the film. Unlike that earlier piece, though, this actually seems to have had some effort put into its narrative. The story is set around the overtly religious residents of a small town who believe rock music, dancing and, even, certain books to be the work of the devil. It focuses on a transfer student who tries to rally against the system and legalise dancing - because, yes, dancing is literally illegal - so that he can host an end-of-year prom. The set-up is promising, a tried-and-tested 'young against old'/ 'boy against the system' sort of thing, but it isn't really capitalised on. The meat-and-potatoes of the picture doesn't start until far too late, meaning that the movie only really picks up towards its final movement. It's not bad but it's all rather basic, with simple characterisations and no real sense of elapsing time. It doesn't feel like a high-school movie. It doesn't feel like a dance movie, either, because there are actually only a few proper dancing sequences (including a montage that may just be the most singularly eighties thing I've ever seen). The segments in which John Lithgow's reverend has to contend with the fact that his daughter is growing up are probably the most engaging, even if they aren't exactly deep and don't really entertain. As a whole, the film is just fine. It has a few enjoyable moments but it's typically a rather passive experience. There are a number of genuinely great songs on its soundtrack, which are easily the best thing about the entire affair. It's just a shame that the film itself can't live up to these. 5/10
Review of Footloose
