The 2017 remake of the iconic movie Dirty Dancing was met with considerable anticipation, but for many, the final product fell drastically short of expectations. A significant point of criticism centered around the Dirty Dancing 2017 Cast, with many viewers finding the casting choices detrimental to the film’s overall impact and charm. This article delves into the major casting concerns voiced by audiences and critics alike, examining why the Dirty Dancing remake failed to capture the magic of the original, particularly in its lead roles.
One of the most prominent issues raised was the casting of Colt Prattes as Johnny Castle. While Patrick Swayze’s portrayal of Johnny exuded charisma and a captivating intensity, Prattes’ performance was often described as lacking depth and emotional range. Viewers noted a distinct absence of chemistry between Prattes and Abigail Breslin, who played Baby Houseman. Where Swayze’s Johnny, even when initially aloof, hinted at an underlying connection with Baby, Prattes’ Johnny often came across as blank and unengaging. This lack of on-screen connection made the romantic and sensual elements of the story feel forced and unconvincing. As one viewer succinctly put it, “Abs alone do not make a leading man.” The charisma vacuum at the heart of the film significantly hampered its ability to resonate with audiences familiar with the original’s passionate core.
Abigail Breslin’s casting as Baby also drew mixed reactions. While some appreciated the attempt to move away from casting a lead actress with a traditionally petite physique, many felt that Breslin was miscast for the role for several reasons. Firstly, her dance experience seemed noticeably limited, which was particularly jarring in a movie centered around dance. The iconic dance sequences, crucial to Dirty Dancing‘s appeal, suffered from a lack of fluidity and grace in Breslin’s performance, especially when compared to Jennifer Grey’s portrayal, which, while not flawlessly professional, conveyed a passionate commitment to the movement. Furthermore, some viewers felt that the costuming choices for Breslin were unflattering and, unintentionally or not, highlighted the differences between her body type and Grey’s, drawing unwanted comparisons. Beyond physicality, Breslin’s acting in the role was also criticized as being underwhelming, with some describing her facial expressions as bordering on “pathetic,” failing to capture Baby’s blend of naiveté and burgeoning self-discovery.
The supporting cast also faced scrutiny. Nicole Scherzinger as Penny Rivera, while possessing dance experience, was deemed by some as too mature for the role. The character of Penny is typically portrayed as younger and more vulnerable, and Scherzinger’s casting, according to some viewers, missed this mark. Suggestions that Julianne Hough, known for her dance background and younger appearance, might have been a more fitting choice for Penny, further underscored the casting concerns. Scherzinger’s performance, including her accent, was described by some as “embarrassing,” although others found her acting to be better than anticipated, highlighting the generally low expectations surrounding the remake.
In conclusion, the criticism surrounding the dirty dancing 2017 cast points to a fundamental misstep in the remake’s production. The lack of chemistry between the leads, coupled with casting choices that seemed to prioritize factors other than suitability for the roles, ultimately contributed to the film’s failure to recapture the magic of the original Dirty Dancing. While intentions may have been to modernize and diversify the casting, the execution, in the eyes of many viewers, fell flat, leaving the 2017 remake as a pale imitation of its beloved predecessor, particularly when it comes to the performances delivered by its cast.
