Footloose

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RICHARD H i saw it years ago and wanted to compare it to the newer version Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/19/24 Full Review Paul Aaron Always loved the original. Made me feel like a teen again. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/25/23 Full Review Joshua Coleman This movie still holds up 40 years later. Only annoying thing is that Fathom films start exactly on time and most people anticipate trailers so more then half the audience walked in late to the movie. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/13/23 Full Review Lynn H A true classic. Will always choose this one over the new one. Kevin Bacon is great. If you haven't watched either, definitely watch this one first. It's so good. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/24/25 Full Review Robert T A lot better than people give it credit for. Takes on deeper themes about grief, loss, censorship, and growing up Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/19/25 Full Review BRizz 2 The 1984 classic Footloose starring Kevin Bacon is one of those films that truly defines an era. It’s a movie that blends small-town drama, rebellious spirit, and the pure joy of dance into something unforgettable. I honestly thought this was a really good film—one that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences decades later. Kevin Bacon as Ren McCormack is absolutely iconic. He brings the perfect balance of defiance and vulnerability to a character who just wants the freedom to express himself in a town where dancing is literally outlawed. Watching him clash with the older generation, led by Reverend Shaw Moore (played with gravitas by John Lithgow), gives the film a strong emotional core. Their dynamic is more than just teen vs. adult—it’s a reflection of generational divides, personal grief, and the struggle to hold onto tradition in a changing world. Then there’s Lori Singer as Ariel, the preacher’s daughter, who perfectly embodies the tension between rebellion and expectation. She adds heart and edge to the story, and her chemistry with Bacon helps ground the movie’s romantic angle. Christopher Penn as Willard is another highlight—his awkward but endearing journey to learning how to dance provides both humor and heart. His scenes with Bacon are some of the film’s most memorable because they showcase friendship and growth, not just romance and rebellion. What makes Footloose truly special, though, is its energy. The dance sequences are electric, with Bacon giving some of the most iconic moves in movie history. Even though this version doesn’t break into full musical numbers like later adaptations, it doesn’t need to. The choreography and the soundtrack carry everything. Songs like “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and of course, Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose,” are absolute anthems. The soundtrack became just as legendary as the film itself, elevating the entire experience and cementing its place in pop culture. Thematically, the movie explores grief, repression, and the need for joy and self-expression. The Reverend’s ban on dancing stems from tragedy, but the story reminds us that art, music, and movement are necessary parts of healing and community. By the end, when the town finally lets go and embraces dancing again, it feels both earned and triumphant. From start to finish, Footloose is beautifully put together. It may have some ’80s cheese by today’s standards, but that’s part of its charm. It’s one of Kevin Bacon’s defining roles, a film that helped shape teen rebellion stories in cinema, and ultimately a timeless celebration of freedom, expression, and youthful energy. It’s not just a cult classic—it’s an ultimate classic. Footloose is the kind of movie you watch once and never forget. And honestly? Definitely one I recommend revisiting, especially if you want to experience a movie that captures the joy and spirit of dancing against the odds. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/18/25 Full Review Read all reviews

Footloose

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