To remake or not to remake

I haven't been to the movies in ages, well it has felt that way at least. This is not due to lack of movie options, but more so due to lack of opportunity to undertake one of my favourite past times. Therefore, it was only a matter of time before I found myself back in a somewhat comfy seat with popcorn in hand and movie trailers screening before my eyes. This brings me to last night because who doesn't like to take advantage of the cheaper ticket price on a Tuesday night, as I know I do. It had been decided a little while ago that the movie of choice would be that of Footloose, a remake of the 1984 movie bearing the same name. This movie choice was courtesy of last week's birthday girl and most enthusiastically supported by another friend. I must confess that I was very reluctant to see this movie, but it was agreed that each of us were entitled to a birthday movie choice with no questions asked and so a deal was a deal. I can't really say exactly why I didn't want to see it, I guess partly because I haven't quite gotten on board with the whole concept of remaking a film, as they say if it ain't broke don't fix it. Also, there are some movies that many people would consider timeless and part of their all-time favourites including the likes of Footloose, Pretty Woman, Top Gun, Ghost and Dirty Dancing, of which I have never quite seen the appeal. I know this will probably leave some readers dismayed or even appalled, but this is why there is such a vast library of movies out there so as to cater for everyone's diverse likes and dislikes. Anyway I have digressed, but I would like it stated for the record that the remake of Footloose, except one particular dance sequence, was surprisingly a most entertaining movie and definitely held a captive audience with me. Possibly even enough to make me watch the 1984 version at some point in the near future, which goes to show that sometimes it is worth trying to tinker with the original.

The original (image courtesy of IMDb)

The remake (image courtesy of IMDb)