By Emma Berkel

   Although Footloose begins with colorful shots of feet dancing to the upbeat theme of the 1984 original, the whole movie is jarringly shifted to a more somber tone within the first ten minutes. Tragedy strikes and the town of Bomont bans both music and dance. Flash forward approximately ten years and city boy Ren McCormick arrives on the small town scene with a music-blasting ipod in his pocket and the rebellious spirit necessary to shake things up. He’s quick to meet and befriend Willard Hewitt, a slow-witted cowboy that can’t dance a dime’s worth, as well as Ariel, the local reverend’s promiscuous daughter. With friends and family by his side, Ren stands to change Bomont forever.

   As a movie aimed to titillate today’s youth, Footloose succeeds with catchy tunes and awe-inspiring dance moves. Craig Brewer has effectively translated the 80s classic to the modern time so that it may be enjoyed by yet another generation.

   Moviegoers can expect to see a cast full of new and beautiful faces as well as settings loaded with a rich, southern flavor. The story tackles the issues of teenage rebellion, loss, and the difficulty of letting go, all of which develop into an uplifting conclusion that’s not surprising but sure to leave the audience satisfied.