Let’s Hear It For The Boy

Yes, that’s right. I just used a song by Deniece Williams for my post title. Make of that what you will.

Recently, news broke that tween idol Zac Efron has dropped out/been cut from the upcoming remake of FOOTLOOSE. I was actually quite happy to hear this news.

For starters, while Paramount are adamant that they are still going ahead with the production, ya gotta believe that this loss of star power just threw a serious wrench into the gears. It’s possible that they might think outside the box and try to cast a relative unknown in the lead (which worked pretty darned well for the original), but if I was a Jonas Brother, I might anticipate a call.

One can only hope that this re-hash gets shelved now that Efron has bailed. Moviegoers have already suffered through too many poor-imitation remakes (I’m looking at you PROM NIGHT).

Another reason that I’m happy to hear this news, is because it gives me hope that young Hollywood might actually start trying to broaden their range. While he won’t generate any Oscar buzz, Efron is pretty good in the yet-to-be-released ME AND ORSON WELLES. Is it possible that his work with a director like Richard Linklater plated a seed of ambition in his shaggy-haired-brain?

Is it possible that he may indeed want to leave his days of singin’ and dancin’ behind and attempt a bigger challenge?

Time will tell. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to cue Bonnie Tyler up on my iPod and sleep peacefully with the knowledge that at least one Hollywood remake is less of a reality.