THERE COMES A TIME TO CUT LOOSE.

Teenager Ren MacCormack (Kenny Wormald) moves from Boston to a small Southern town that recently banned public dancing; he becomes interested in the pastor’s daughter (Julianne Hough). A surprisingly successful remake of the 1984 film. Craig Brewer combines the musical energy from his Hustle & Flow (2005) with the Southern heat from Black Snake Moan (2007) and delivers a treat for teen audiences. The formula offers no surprises, but the script is actually better than the original. Wormald is likable in the lead, Dennis Quaid effective as the grieving pastor and the dancing is fun.

2011-U.S. 113 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Craig Brewer. Screenplay: Craig Brewer, Dean Pitchford. Cast: Kenny Wormald (Ren MacCormack), Julianne Hough (Ariel Moore), Dennis Quaid (Shaw Moore), Andie MacDowell, Miles Teller, Ziah Colon.

Trivia: Zac Efron was originally cast as Ren, and Kenny Ortega was selected to direct.

IMDb