Hairspray (2007) ain’t even in theaters yet, but there’s already another movie-to-musical-to-musical-movie boomerang making the Hollywood rounds. According to Variety, a remake of Footloose (1984) is afoot, har har, but with actors actually singing and dancing (instead of, you know, simply DANCING THEIR ASSES OFF).
Anyone who’s watched the Footloose DVD commentary with writer Dean Pitchford knows the original film was conceived as a spin on the musical, where the characters didn’t actually croon but let the soundtrack do the talking: Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero” during the tractor chicken race; Shalimar’s “Dancing in the Sheets,” featuring my favorite Footloose character, the groovy diner cook who’s not too busy flippin’ burgers to DANCE HIS ASS OFF; Deneice Williams’ “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” as Willard (Chris Penn, RIP) learns to boogie so he can impress Rusty (Sarah Jessica Parker); and Moving Pictures’ “Never” as tortured soul Ren McCormick (Kevin Bacon) works out his high-school angst by, ahem, DANCING HIS ASS OFF.
Anyway, the new version — to be produced by the guys who made Chicago — is set to star Hairspray/High School Musical heartthrob Zac Efron. High School Musical helmer (and Dirty Dancing choreographer) Kenny Ortega will probably direct it. And — since I’m obviously a fool for Footloose — I’ll probably go see it. Though I may not be DANCING MY ASS OFF about it.