The song Footloose was made famous after the namesake movie featuring Kevin Bacon made a stir in the 1980s.

On October 14th, the remake of the 1984 dance classic will hit the big screen for the second time in a contemporary recreation of the story of youth, repression, rebellion and, of course, dancing.

The film follows the story of city kid Ren McCormack, who relocates to the rural town of Bomont, Tennesse to live with his uncle following the death of his beloved mother.

McCormack, played by Boston native Kenny Wormald, arrives in quaint Bomont  where he meets a town living under a string of repressive laws, including to McCormack’s horror, a ban on public dancing.

In the opening scene audiences glimpse the reason for the implementation of the harsh laws - a horrifying car crash which claims the lives of five local students on their way home from a high-school dance.

The tragedy rocks the smalll community and leads to the enactment of a number of repressive measures, led by the town’s respected Reverand Shaw Moore, whose only son was the driver of the doomed vehicle.

When McCormack arrives three years later, he causes a stir among Bomont’s student populace and takes a shine to the Reverand’s only daughter Ariel, played by former Dancing with the Stars professional Julianne Hough.

After clashing with the local authorities, the rebellious McCormack sets about challenging Bomont’s laws and changing the mentality of the small, religious town.

Director Craig Brewer took the reigns of the remake in 2010 and began production on an old classic with a contemporary, edgy twist.

The 2011 version encapsulates the country charm of the small, rural town but with a sex appeal and modern edge that will appeal to those who were not around for the original version.

Veteran actor Dennis Quaid impresses as the strict, old-fashioned but infinitely caring reverand, while Andy Mc Dowell fits nicely into the role as his supportive and caring wife.

Julianne Hough is convincing as the rebellious, out of control reverand’s daughter whose promiscuous, bratty behaviour brings a modern edge to the film’s more wholesome image.

Kenny Wormald secured the part of Ren McCormack, the rebellious protagonist made famous by Kevin Bacon, as a replacement for Zac Efron and later “Gossip Girl “ actor Chace Crawford after both pulled out.

However, Wormald, who auditioned with little acting experience, makes the part his own and delivers a believable performance as the charming McCormack with a rebelious yet honest nature; a boy that loves to dance but does not loose any street cred for it.

The film has certainly lost its innocence and may have fans of the 1984 original wondering just where all the dancing has gone. 

But when the dancing is there it’s there and the chemistry between Hough and Wormald is a backdrop to the exuberent and well-choreographed moves that set the orginial alight.

While fans of the orginal have criticised the attempt at a remake, the modern version of Footloose offers up a healthy serving of teenage fun and rebellion.

The result is an ultimately feel good and thoroughly enjoyable watch, a welcome distraction at the height of a period plagued by economic woes and in dire need of some carefree fun.