Footloose 1984 vs 2011

[Drunk Monk]

T's school musical is Footloose, so we watched both versions back to back. It's eerie how closely the '11 version follows the 84 version, mostly in homage, with only a few key twists. Of course, the original is much better - Bacon and Lithgow knock it out of the ballpark, and Singer, with her outrageously broad shoulders, tops the 'where are they now?' list. It feels more authentic, more in touch with the issues. And it's an amazing portrayal of white people dancing (no offense there, DOOMbros). The new version adds colored people and the dancing is far better. Scenes are copied almost line-for-line, with tiny tweaks to update the story. I'm not sure if it's homage or just laziness, but it's better than making a whole new thing like Godzilla '14 or '98. Quaid can't hold a candle to Lithgow. Wiest and McDowell push (preacher's wife is a somewhat negligible character anyway). The new Rusty is better than Sarah Jessica Parker, just because SJP annoys me. And the leads, well, I can't remember who played the leads in the new version.

T still likes the new version better. I understand why. Like with Pink Panther, the update speaks to her gen better.

[Drunk Monk]

The high school play was last weekend. I sold concessions on Friday - about a hundred cakes and assorted pastries - and watched the show from the back. Sunday we had front row tickets with my mom. I drove to s'vale, then to mt. mad then back to s'vale. The show was fun. Mt Mad's productions are over the top for a high school of only 60+ students. The set construction alone is impressive. It was fun. T played Cindy Lee Rider, a cheerleader with no lines. The sophomores seldom get lines. Only three of her classmates had lines (although one was a supporting character with several lines).

[El Dingo]

'so we watched both versions back to back'

Holy Christ you must love your daughter so much.

All I can think of is having my eyelids held open ala 'A Clockwork Orange'.

[Drunk Monk]

At least we got past all of those Barbie movies....