Footloose (2011): Mormon Movie Review

Quality:

When I saw the previews for this remake with crunk dancing and the booty grinding, I thought it was just Step Up 4 with a Footloose label pasted over.  I was pleasantly surprised that it was not!  It has been some time since I saw the original, but the new version seems to take the heart of the original and updated it a bit.  I wasn't hoping for a shot for shot remake, but I wanted to feel like it was the same movie.   
    The story line is strong.  For those of you born after 1985, it takes place in a rural town where a teenage boy from the city named Ren McCormack (Kenny Wormald) comes to live with his aunt and uncle.  Being from the city, it creates a classic fish out of water scenario.  As well, he learns that dancing has been outlawed by the city council.  Ren fights for the right to have fun and express himself and takes on the system.  Many great themes can be found in this story; redemption, self worth, freedom, peer pressure, & friendship. 
   What was the same? The story line is just like the original, with many scenes right from the 1984 film.  Including the scene of  Ren dancing off some steam in an abandoned warehouse.  Some of the dance steps were pulled from the original, but some moves were amped up for McCormacks incredible skills as a dancer.  I know it is funny, but I was actually hoping for Zac Effron would get the role of Ren, but I am just as pleased with McCormacks' acting skills as well as dance.
   For the changes, they modernized it a bit.  You see iPods instead of record players and walkmans, a few hip hop tunes added, and styles have been updated a bit.  But don't worry; everyone still wears Converse All-Stars.  

Content:

The language was good for a PG-13.  Although I wouldn't say it was clean, they did feel they were above the obligatory F-Bomb most PG-13 movies seem to flaunt.  I spoke earlier of the theme or redemption.  This theme is seen mostly in the character of Ariel Moore (Julianne Hough).  In the beginning she makes some very poor decisions.  The movie is not graphic, but you know it has happened.  Her outfits are completely inappropriate, but it is not gratified.  The movie instead shows the hard consequences of her choices and over time her wardrobe and her attitude change. (see, it is related).  As she gravitates to good friends, she is able to increrase her self esteem and change who she wants to be.

    There is also some teen drinking, seen as socially acceptable, but unless you read the can you would have no idea and could pretend it is Sprite.  If your Bishop is friendly enough, you wouldn't uncomfortable sitting next to him in the theatre.

   The shining example in this movie is Ren though.  When Ariel tries to seduce him he dismisses her quickly.  It even eludes to the fact that he is chaste.  Something not seen in many teen protagonists.  He is honorable and of high moral character and a defender of virtue.  Although there is some PG-13 content, the lesson taught is that those who make poor dessisons face tragety and those who choose the right are happy. 

Robin Hood (2010): Mormon Movie Review

Quality:  

   I think, like most of you, I have fond memories of Brian Adams singing "Everything I Do" as Kevin Costner slowly descends from a tree house with his Maid Marion in his arms.  I was a little concerned how this reboot of the classic story would confound my personal canon.  I came open minded and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the story unfolded.  The heart of this movie really lies in the period toward the end of the Crusade and Robin Lonsgstide's (Russell Crowe) home coming and the events and lead him to become Robin Hood. 

   Character growth is slow and most of the focus is put on character depth.  You begin to really understand the thoughts and feeling of the main characters, yet leaving the character of some of the others to be developed and explored later.  The goal appears to be to make this movie the first part of a new franchise.  It really had the feel of the first act of a play.  Robin's companions of Little John (Kevin Durand), Will Scarlet (Scott Grimes), and Allan A'Dayle (Alan Doyle), leave a lot to be revealed in later releases. Grimes is a great fit for Scarlet who played Sgt. Donald Malarkey in HBO's "Band of Brothers." 

   The movie begins in ways like you are used to with Robin in the tail end of a Crusade led by King Richard (Danny Huston).  Then the movie takes a hard left and I thought someone had changed reels on us.  Towards the climax of the movie I thought that the story seemed so far off the other Robin Hood movies I had seen it seemed they had just slapped the Robin Hood name tag on there to get some attention.  Similar to how all the posters and ads try to make sure you know Ridely Scott also directed "Gladiator."  But this story line change compared to if someone made a remake of the "Conan the Destroyer" where Conan tried to work out his issues with crazy cultists with diplomacy and lavish gifts of soaps and cheese.  Then at the denouement, as the movie is wrapping everything up in a nice bow (redundant I know), the story we know and love falls into line and we see how Robin and his Merry Men came to be outlaws and freedom fighters.

Content: 

Robin Hood fits in it's PG-13 niche very nicely.  There is some sexual content that is used to set up the despicable nature of Prince John (Oscar Isaac) and a quick flash of boobage that would make a Bishop blush.  Foul language is no where to be seen in the realm, but there are a few scenes of drunken merry making with wenches and revelry.  There are some great battle scenes that look real, but don't have the gore and graphic close ups via "Braveheart." The camaraderie of Robin's men make it a great flick to use as an Elder Quorum team building activity.

What is Mormon Media Reviews?

   Mormon Media Reviews is blog that reviews movies, music, books, and TV shows from an Latter-day Saint (Mormon) perspective.  It can be hard sometimes to know what movies are quality anymore, or if they are appropriate for your family, spouse, Young Men's group or personal entertainment.  Our goal is to make it easy for you to make sure you are spending money on what will be good wholesome entertainment.


   So to my new friends, welcome.  If you are like me you love Good movies and TV.  Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or simply a Mormon, I try to seek out entertainment that is both enjoyable and virtuous.  Like Paul says, "...whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,think on these things."


   Our blog's purpose is to inform you of what shows and movies are Quality and what sort of Content to expect.  We had a dear friend go to see the Musical, Jersey Boys.  She loved the soundtrack, but was so embarrassed when between the songs the dialogue was entrenched with foul obscenities.  Our goal is to help you avoid situations like this!  Feel safe to let your kids watch that show, or take you sweetheart our to that movie for date night.

So we invite readers of all faiths.  Even if you aren't Mormon, but you like movies you wouldn't mind seeing with your mother our blog is for you!

Oh, and say hi even further below before you go!


We have two rating styles.  For example these apply to movies as follows:
Quality:
5 Stars ***** - See it opening weekend
4 Stars  **** - Wait for the crowds to die down
3 Stars   *** - Wait for DVD
2 Stars    ** - Watch if it is on TV and you have nothing else to do
1 Star      * - Don't waste your time.  90 minutes of your life you can never get back!


Content:
5 Stars ***** - You can see it with your Stake President
4 Stars  **** - Go with your Bishop
3 Stars   *** - Good one to take your Elder's Quorum President to
2 Stars    ** - Maybe take your Home Teacher to this one
1 Star      * - Go alone.  Maybe to a theater outside the Stake boundaries


Have you seen a movie recently or other media?  Want to contribute?  Become a co-author! Just message us for more details.
 
-Grady