MovieChat Forums > Footloose (2011) Discussion > Whaaaa! WWhaaaaa! Whaaaaa!!!!!

Whaaaa! WWhaaaaa! Whaaaaa!!!!!

posted 13 years ago by larzhoban-930-720978
44 replies | jump to latest

That is all I'm hearing from this board.

I went into this movie with almost no frame of reference. My girlfriend was a HUGE fan of the original and she had me watch it once before we went to see the new one. In enjoyed the original very much. It had everything a good 80's movie should have, it was cheest, it was campy, Ren was cool as can be, Willard was hilarious, it has the unique character of a damsel who you are almost supposed to hate. It was terrific.

That being said. The remake: ALSO TERRIFIC. No, its not set in 1984, no it doesnt have all of the original 80's music (which by the way, is not the greatest music in the first place). Its a modern retelling. And what I dont think a lot of the haters realize is that in many scenes, it is a shot-for-shot remake.

Portions of dilalouge are identical. Set designs are modern, but are full of homages. The dancing is amazing (and in many ways an improvement). Many points in the story are improved upon.

This is a GREAT movie. And the only people who are bitching and making the rating go down (by the way, you should ONLY rate a movie if you've actually seen it...that'd be the honest thing to do) are the people who are so far up the other movie's ass that they are too afraid to let the next generation enjoy it.

Who knows? Maybe this remake will inspire people of a younger generation to watch the original. And instead of being pretentious just because you grew up with something, you should give it a try. I'd love to see something from my childhood retold in a modern setting.

POINT IS. This movie is actually good and I'm of the opinion that anyone who hasnt actually seen it should pull their panties out and quit whining.

And if you have seen it and hate it, than its possible to tell how you dislike something with intelligence...who knew right?

Go see Footloose! It's great!

[–] Roadghost69 13 years ago

I posted this on another thread........ Would you rather see a new type dance movie become popular on it's own merit? I know you said you liked it, but this new generation needs something entertainment wise to define itself. I was an 1980's teen. I was in high school when all those John Hughes films came out... The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, etc. those film's defined the 1980's, as well as those dancing films Footloose and Dirty Dancing.

They are even redoing TV series now Hawaii Five-O, and Charlies Angels (it got cancelled thank God). Wendy's is bringing back the old 1980's "Where's The Beef" slogan to sell their Hamburgers. We have seen them also redo the "We Are The World" (USA for Africa) song. Are our entertainment people really out of idea's?

Some of the Cars now days have the old 1960's-70's look to them. I see kid's wearing these throwback concert t-shirts for Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Beatles, etc. And t-shirts with peace symbols (1960's like). What defines this new generation?????? Should we call it "Generation Copycat" or "Generation No Originality"?

Should some of the people that work in the fashion, movie, & music industry take blame for these decisions? They are probably in their mid-thirties and forties and are not original either? Or is it because the market demands an "Old School" type style??

Last Friday I open up the movie section to see what's new at the show I see Footloose and The Thing two 80's movies. I almost had to check the date of my newspaper, LOL!!!!

[–] Defenseman13 12 years ago

"also terrific"?????

the original sucked. One or two mediocre songs by the guy that wrote some Top Gun songs.

Really???? You ranted that long and hard about... a crap 80's movie? I was there, BTW.... it really was lame.

http://us.imdb.com/name/nm2339870/

[–] cassmi87 10 years ago

The original The Thing is from 1951, so the 80s version could just as easily be called a product of "no originality", yet it turned out great.

[–] TheatreNachos 13 years ago

I went into this movie with almost no frame of reference. My girlfriend was a HUGE fan of the original and she had me watch it once before we went to see the new one.

(sigh)...I'm glad you liked it. Meanwhile, the rest of us who grew up with and love the original will continue to hate on the remake. I'm sure it's entertaining. But in OUR opinion, the original was fine and in no need of a remake. Now, is that OK with you? Or are we not allowed to hold anything sacred?

[–] Defenseman13 12 years ago

I loved the 80's.... but this movie sucked.

Yeah... that one movie with Kevin Bacon and the glitter and the slide.

Really. THE ORIGINAL FTW!!!!!!!!!

The original sucked.

http://us.imdb.com/name/nm2339870/

[–] Asteri-Atypical 13 years ago

Just trying to paint all the complainers as crybabies doesn't lend legitimacy to your argument.

You're welcome to like it, if you wish. But the moment you try to dismiss the opinions of those who don't, as mere crying, JUST because they don't agree with you, you've crossed the line.

Entertainment and politics... I see Ellsworth Toohey is winning...

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] larzhoban-930-720978 13 years ago

(sigh)...I'm glad you liked it. Meanwhile, the rest of us who grew up with and love the original will continue to hate on the remake. I'm sure it's entertaining. But in OUR opinion, the original was fine and in no need of a remake. Now, is that OK with you? Or are we not allowed to hold anything sacred?

No its not. Because you yourself said in your post "I'm SURE its entertaining" which. Im sure is implying that you have not and refuse to see it. I'm sure their are a large percentage of people that grew up and loved the original that loved the remake...That's great. I'm sure their are also a large group of those same people who were apprhensive but gave it a chance and still didnt like it...that's just fine too. And Im also sure that their were fans of the original that were never going to give it a chance, that resigned themselves to hating it on the spot. And while I still disagree with that particuar notion (I view it as close-minded) They at least went to see it and can form an intelligent opinion. But NO. Its not okay with me that somebody is as ignorant as to form an opinion on something that they dont know. That's nothing but stuborn ignorance...A problem that particular generation is famous for.

[–] TheatreNachos 13 years ago

You're missing my point. You don't understand the point of view of people who grew up loving the original. You admitted that you didn't have any exposure to it yourself before you watched it once recently. I'm hating on it because there was no need for it in the first place (as you said, it's shot for shot in some places). So what's the point of a remake? My point of view leans more for the uselessness of Hollywood remakes than just hating on this film for no reason. But if you can't understand where I'm coming from, with my love for the original, how can you label me a crybaby? Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but to be lambasted for thinking the remake is pointless doesn't really make sense to me.

[–] Asteri-Atypical 13 years ago

To me, it just shows this generation is incapable of creating anything good and original to like on its own merit.

I wouldn't say the WHOLE generation is fully "incapable" of that.

However, I would certainly claim that they, largely, are far more willing to be "sold" on things which are lacking in originality and genuine quality (as long as it has energy and special effects). They seem to be less insistent on writing and stories being of quality.

What is clear, is that these remakes have very little to offer the generation who enjoyed them in their first run. There was the "curiosity factor", for a while, but it's become so much a trend, for them to be bad, that most of us aren't willing to even give them much a chance, no matter how open-minded we are.

I find it absolutely pathetic and insulting for remakes to be made for an ignorant generation. It never stops either. They keep remaking good movies that we already saw and slap the original film title on it,

I agree. This is the "reality TV generation". One fed on Jersey Shore and Kardashians. That is scary.

As for the remakes, some of the originals weren't even THAT great. But they had a certain je ne sais quoi. That "it" factor, which made them enjoyable. So most of those new versions, in the process, lose that "it factor".

and then we have idiotic kids like the OP, who will always think of the remake when the title is mentioned.

What I find most unfortunate about the OP-types, is that they don't seem to understand the complaints. OR - just completely ignore the reasons for them. Dismissing them as mere whining and crying. Some people might be doing that, but he paints with a big brush and dismisses them all.

While I find those who like remakes to be of dubious taste, most of the time, I would, at least, not paint with a large brush. I would listen to what they said as individuals, and see if there were solid reasons.

This generation has the attention span of a gnat and probably considers movies from the 80s and early 90s to be as old as black and white films from the 40s and 50s.

Funny, though... in my teens and 20s, I developed a genuine appreciation for many of the B/W gems from 20+ years earlier. I found myself a fan of Hitchcock at an early age.

I realize things change, but my feeling is, if you want to have something with the "modern generation's" mass tastes, let them make something new, not ruin classic after classic. Instead of "rapifying" the old music, come up with your own rap "music". Don't muck with enjoyable memories and then wonder why people complain.

Entertainment and politics... I see Ellsworth Toohey is winning...

[–] ADawn07 13 years ago

"paint with a large brush"
My goodness...you and the person you replied to just did that to this generation. Huh. A bit hypocritical.

Okay, so what, in your opinion, makes a remake necessary? You talk about alot of remakes as being unnecassary...what makes them unnecessary?

I don't mind a good remake, personally. It is fun to compare and contrast with the original. Whether it is an older movie being remade for a new generation like True Grit (an amazing remake, btw), or a foreign film being remade in the US like Let the Right One In into Let Me In...both incredible movies.

There are definitely remakes that are utter rubbish....The Thing, for example. But that doesn't take away from the original...neither does a good remake do that.

Also, I know you didn't say this, but did anyone ever think that kids wear the throwback band tees because that is the music they like? what is wrong with that? It just proves that some music is truly timeless. But, for every kid who is wearing a Led Zepplin tee, there is another one wearing Justin Bieber or Arcade Fire. So what? That doesn't prove that this is a generation of copycats....it just proves that there is a good amount of variety in what kids like. And good on them, I say. Why should their likes or dislike fit inside a box?

At the end of the day, the Footloose remake is technically a better movie. It takes the time to develop the situation, characters, and relationships that the original didn't. BUT, that is only technically. It is obviously not going to have the impact on this generation that the original did on that generation. That is okay though. Now we have 2 incredibly entertaining Footloose movies. :)

Good day to you.

[–] Asteri-Atypical 13 years ago

"paint with a large brush"
My goodness...you and the person you replied to just did that to this generation. Huh. A bit hypocritical.

Maybe you should read more of my post, again. Note that I said, right up front in my previous post:

"I wouldn't say the WHOLE generation is fully 'incapable' of that."

Okay, so what, in your opinion, makes a remake necessary? You talk about alot of remakes as being unnecassary...what makes them unnecessary?

I would tend to avoid the term "necessary". But I would tend to say most of them are pointless, and superfluous.

Why? Because most of them are disgraces, in the face of the original. Even those which do ONE thing "better", they often fail to lose the certain "IT factor" which made the originals valuable in the first place.

I don't mind a good remake, personally.

I wouldn't mind a GOOD one, either. But the track record is that there has been remake after remake (this goes for TV shows, too) which have been awful.

Whether it is an older movie being remade for a new generation like True Grit (an amazing remake, btw),

Alas, I can't speak to that one. But there is the occasional good one which slips in.

There are definitely remakes that are utter rubbish....The Thing, for example. But that doesn't take away from the original...neither does a good remake do that.

No, they don't "take away", but it's more of a groaner to see the parade of abysmal remakes filling the theatres, simply trying to capitalize on the original. No, it might not take away from the original, as long as the people still associate the title with the original, not the remake, but too many bad remakes take away from the tapestry of movies and movie quality as a whole. Good, original writing, for example, becomes devalued, while cheap smut is considered the norm.

But, for every kid who is wearing a Led Zepplin tee, there is another one wearing Justin Bieber or Arcade Fire. So what? That doesn't prove that this is a generation of copycats....

Not sure what point you're trying to make, there. Bieber, e.g., is not a nuevo Zeppelin.

...it just proves that there is a good amount of variety in what kids like.

I'm not sure it insinuates that, or that I would agree. There's a lot of rubber-stamp music out there. However, there's still some variety, so I won't bemoan it, entirely.

At the end of the day, the Footloose remake is technically a better movie. It takes the time to develop the situation, characters, and relationships that the original didn't. BUT, that is only technically.

I can't speak to that aspect. It would be nice to think that it would have at least something on the ball, otherwise, why bother. And I agree, the characterizations or plot were NOT the strongest aspect of the original. It was the general vibe, situation, and, of course, the music. If the music weren't what it was, the original could be, arguably, quite forgettable.

It is obviously not going to have the impact on this generation that the original did on that generation.

Which is why a movie like this is hard to remake. We have to consider WHY the original had such an impact. Why? The MUSIC! It was iconic for 80s music culture. It also was somewhat an original.

The only way to trump that would be to have an INCREDIBLE screenplay, with INCREDIBLE acting talent; enough to overshadow the fact it was a remake, without the impact of the music. Also, the new music seems OK, but certainly not BETTER than the original. And it's always hard to remake music, especially music characteristic of another time, without being BETTER.

Lastly, I'll just point out that the long line of awful remakes, means that ANY remake, today, has a lot of stigma to overcome. Blame that stigma on the litany of terrible remakes in the last 10-15 years. But it is a fact; any remake has to be truly outstanding and stellar to break that stigma.

Entertainment and politics... I see Ellsworth Toohey is winning...

[–] ADawn07 13 years ago

I guess I think that the few really good remakes make watching the not so good ones worth it. So, it doesn't phase me that this is the fad of US filmmaking at the moment.

I wasn't comparing Bieber to Zepplin, lol. I was just pointing out that not all kids wear throwback tees...little Beaver was just an example of that. And that it shouldn't be looked at as a negative thing that this generation still enjoys that music. Ya?

The rubber stamp thing is pretty true for the past 30 years or so. It has just become a little more prevalant in the past decade I would say. It is just like anything else....they sale what people are buying. So, you don't get any heart in alot of the stuff coming out...music, movies, etc.

Anyway, I probably responded in the first place because I think that Footloose is a pretty solid remake. :)

Anyway, good day to you.

[–] Asteri-Atypical 13 years ago

I guess I think that the few really good remakes make watching the not so good ones worth it. So, it doesn't phase me that this is the fad of US filmmaking at the moment.

If you have the time, then fine, go for it. I, personally, don't. Not when truly awful remakes have to outnumber the good ones by at least 10:1.

That's why I go by recommendation.

The rubber stamp thing is pretty true for the past 30 years or so. It has just become a little more prevalant in the past decade I would say.

That's true for a lot of things. But sometimes things which were at an endurable level, before, pass a point where they become annoying. Not to mention that I'm older now than 20+ years ago, so I'm not as easy to impress, and I've seen more of the common themes, archetypes and situations.

It is just like anything else....they sale what people are buying.

I agree with you. Although, it's a bit cyclic, as people buy the best of what is available. If people buy Whoppers over Big Macs, but there is not much available OTHER than fast food, it's not an indication people wouldn't buy better food if it were more widely available.

Also, it's a matter of pandering to the majority ONLY, while the 25% or fewer goes hungry.

Anyway, I probably responded in the first place because I think that Footloose is a pretty solid remake. :)

Which is a fair statement. There are bound to be exceptions.

If I heard more such endorsements, I would probably go see it, for the story. I'm OK with the music but not overly impressed. Why I would be less likely to run to see a decent remake of Footloose, though, is that its appeal was primarily the music, to me. It would have to not just be a better story but a MUCH better story to really impress.

That being said, I'll probably catch it when it comes on late night TV sometime, regardless

Anyway, good day to you.

You too

Entertainment and politics... I see Ellsworth Toohey is winning...

[–] brookselliott-327-719808 13 years ago

I know this is an old post but I wanted to reply anyways, I have a question for you, you wrote "If I heard more such endorsements, I would probably go see it" does that mean you always wait and see what others think, or do you ever just see for yourself? if I took everyone else's advice every time I wanted to watch or listen to something, I would never like anything. someone somewhere always has something negative to say about everything, not everyone is going to like everything. so why not see for yourself and not worry about other peoples opinions?

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] cassmi87 10 years ago

*faze

[–] larzhoban-930-720978 13 years ago

[quote] To me, it just shows this generation is incapable of creating anything good and original to like on its own merit. They go to places like Hot Topic and buy up merchandise of movies and shows that they weren't even alive for when they originally aired.

I find it absolutely pathetic and insulting for remakes to be made for an ignorant generation. It never stops either. They keep remaking good movies that we already saw and slap the original film title on it, and then we have idiotic kids like the OP, who will always think of the remake when the title is mentioned. I mean, they are now remaking films that only came out 20 years ago. This generation has the attention span of a gnat and probably considers movies from the 80s and early 90s to be as old as black and white films from the 40s and 50s.[/qute]

You ALMOST make a fair point in the beginning of your post.

Its true, my generation has seen a HUGE influx of remakes/reboots/retellings. Some of this I'm sure, is because its a hell of alot easier than coming up with a new story. But not all. Filmmakers from what you would call YOUR generation are in on the trend as much as anyone else. Maybe you should look at it less as a generational thing when really its just a trend in filmmaking itself.

But granted, using that phrasing does aid in your misguided point that its just a bunch of "idiotic kids" such as myself that are the reason behind the bastardization of your beloved film.

If I have the attention span of a gnat, you sir have the forsight of one, because its nothing short of pretentious of you to say "How dare they like this. It wasnt even out when they were born". You should wish for the things you loved to be passed on so that we can learn. What I'm hearing is you encouraging my generation to become more ignorant of the history of things but than insulting us for it...Am I getting quite to the bottom of the hole in your argument yet?

And for the record, I'm well aware of the generation distances between movies of the 80's and the classics of the 40's and 50's. In fact a good friend of mine (part of your so called ignorant generation) Is in college studying films of the latter because she wants repair and introduce those films to this generation. She doesnt own a film from after 1960 and could, I'M POSITIVE, school you on any film from that generation.

I'd like to end by saying that Im not defending every individual. Im sure some guy has gone to Hot Topic and gotten a "Where's The Beef?" t-shirt ans has NO idea of its meaning. But who are you to regard that as ignorant? Maybe he thought the t-shirt was cool and someone will explain it to him. But I wonder if you would where that same shirt since you're so damn proud of it. Things become retro and skip full generations

NOR am I defending the act of remaking things. There have been some AWFUL ones. But have not and REFUSE to see the new movie, im sure. So please dont form ignorant opinions when you have no basis.

Open your mind a little bit...and then when you see the movie, come back and have an educational argument with me about it...and guess what? If you dont like it because of its changes to the old one. THAT'S OKAY TOO!!! *gasp*

But what I cant stand hear is "These damn kids are ruining my childhood. Is nothing sacred anymore? Nothing can be better than my beloved 1980's cheesy teen flicks!"

THAT is idiotic....not me.

[–] gone19 13 years ago

You make it sound like it's the new generation making decisions at the movie studios to remake movies. It's not. It's actually the people who watched those movies when they were younger and loved them and think they are a safe bet to make money.

[–] larzhoban-930-720978 13 years ago

Just trying to paint all the complainers as crybabies doesn't lend legitimacy to your argument.

You're welcome to like it, if you wish. But the moment you try to dismiss the opinions of those who don't, as mere crying, JUST because they don't agree with you, you've crossed the line.

Perhaps I didnt make my argument clear enough, I'm sorry.

The true problem I have is that formation of an opinion of something when you havent seen it. I may disagree with anybody forming an opinion based on lack of knowledge. I dont care how in love with the original you are, if you havent seen this one, you have no right to form an opinion. It DOES add legitimacy to my argument because it points out the illigitimacy in theirs.

[–] Asteri-Atypical 13 years ago

The true problem I have is that formation of an opinion of something when you havent seen it.

Ah, OK, well, I can certainly appreciate that.

However, you must realize that this remake doesn't exist in a vacuum. It's come out as the latest in a LONG LINE of remakes, most of them dreadful. When a remake comes out, it makes many of us cringe. So at least try to understand that people aren't just slamming a movie they don't know, but a trend.

I dont care how in love with the original you are, if you havent seen this one, you have no right to form an opinion. It DOES add legitimacy to my argument because it points out the illigitimacy in theirs.

Not the "waaaa" part, but if you SPECIFICALLY say "they are knocking it without seeing it", then you have a modicum of legitimacy.

Still, though, you can't say they have NO right to ANY opinion. While it's true, we should all keep an open mind, until we learn for ourselves, there is the fact that there has been a HUGE line of god-awful remakes, and it means that this one is very very PROBABLY bad, too, as a result of the trend (and since the people jumping on the "awful remake" bandwagon in Hollywood are probably of a similar mindset).

Sure, this movie COULD be the ONE exception to that trend... but how likely is that?

I know I was willing to try to hold off my prejudice, formed by the long line of awful remakes.... BUT... I have seen a couple previews. I didn't like the music AT ALL. It was "rapified", as a term I have coined. And the music was the MAIN reason to like that movie in the first place. It wasn't a great MOVIE... but it had classic music that became iconic in the 80s. If that is turned to the typical 10's hip-hop, then it loses the factor which made that movie lovable, 30 years ago.

Entertainment and politics... I see Ellsworth Toohey is winning...

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] monkey-B 13 years ago

Just trying to paint all the complainers as crybabies doesn't lend legitimacy to your argument.

You're welcome to like it, if you wish. But the moment you try to dismiss the opinions of those who don't, as mere crying, JUST because they don't agree with you, you've crossed the line.

/thread.

He tried to stage dive and hit his head on the edge of the bed! Damn!!

[–] littlebecc 13 years ago

LOL, OP makes a good point.

Love how people are saying it's crap when they haven't even seen it. It's a great movie, personally i'm going to see it again soon.

If you like the original go see it. It's certainly giving the original movie more exposure.

http://i45.tinypic.com/ifsysx.gif/

[–] FizzyGillespie 13 years ago

First, I have no feelings on the original. I'm not one of those people who grew up loving it. I saw it when I was a kid, and it didn't do much for me. I was a "Stand by Me"* and "The Goonies" kind of guy.

That being said...

And what I dont think a lot of the haters realize is that in many scenes, it is a shot-for-shot remake.

Portions of dilalouge are identical. Set designs are modern, but are full of homage.

Then why bother remaking it at all? There was a film that came out in 1998 that was a shot-for-shot remake of another film. And it was atrocious. Do you know what that film was? You'd be a "psycho" not to.

Just make a new movie.

I won't see it because of fierce devotion to the original; I won't see it because I see it as nothing but what it really is: a cynical cash-in (looking at you "Karate Kid").

*yes, I realize that "Stand by Me" was based on a story. But so was "The Godfather," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," and "Gone with the Wind."

[–] larzhoban-930-720978 13 years ago

Then why bother remaking it at all? There was a film that came out in 1998 that was a shot-for-shot remake of another film. And it was atrocious. Do you know what that film was? You'd be a "psycho" not to.

Just make a new movie.

I won't see it because of fierce devotion to the original; I won't see it because I see it as nothing but what it really is: a cynical cash-in (looking at you "Karate Kid").

You make a good point. Let me expound on mine:

This truly IS a new movie. Its just FULL of homages. If it wasnt that would sour the haters on even more. There are not two minutes in this movie that you wont think "Oh I remember/ that reminds me of this part in the original"...but there are also not two minutes where you might not think "Oh that's different"

For instance. The very opening is the same idea. Its just shots of people's feet dancing. but its at a kegger instead. Same with the Warehouse scene. That scene follows almost identically the same camera movements as the original...but the dancing (while full of little nods) is entirely modern and its set to a White Stripes song.

My point is, they couldnt get away without making massive homages to the original. The haters would be throwing an even bigger bitchfit ("They just SLAPPED they name Footlose on it! It's NOTHING like the original"). But what they were trying to do was introduce this classic to a new generation...and Its inspired a TON of people I know to go back and enjoy the original either before or after seeing the new one.

THAT was the director's intention, in fact, he declined the script several times because he felt that it was too much of a classic...because originally the studios had some Step Up-esque, rap filled script, but he said NO, he wanted to introduce Footloose to kids with the same ideas as the original.

I dont think there's anything cynical about that...And if wanting to make money off a film is cynical than every filmaker is.

[–] Roadghost69 13 years ago

Like someone said on another thread..... "It's not 1984 anymore!" and I said that's CORRECT!!!! that's why we need new ideas and move forward.

[–] Miss_gene_hunt 13 years ago

I liked parts of the remake ... It was Great but it wasnt the worst film i seen . I do prefer the orginal movie better though . The Dancing in the movie was good . The guy who Played Wilbert as best in the movie

I love... I love... I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on"

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] vega-37 13 years ago

OP, I agree agree agree! Just saw it and loved it, and I LOVE THE ORIGINAL.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] MzForza 13 years ago

Oh, shut the *beep* up you little *beep* Go take a *beep* and eat it for breakfast. I hope your car brakes down in the middle of nowhere and you get donkey raped and trampled to death then eaten by a pack of menstruating vultures. *beep* YOU!!!