The 2017 remake of Dirty Dancing was met with considerable anticipation, given the iconic status of the original 1987 film. However, upon release, it quickly became apparent that the remake failed to capture the magic of its predecessor, drawing criticism across the board. A significant point of contention for many viewers was the 2017 Dirty Dancing Cast, who, despite their efforts, couldn’t replicate the chemistry and charisma that made the original movie so beloved. This article delves into the key casting choices and performances that contributed to the remake’s downfall, analyzing why the 2017 Dirty Dancing cast failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
One of the most debated casting decisions was Abigail Breslin as Frances “Baby” Houseman. While Breslin is a talented actress, known for her roles in films like Little Miss Sunshine, her portrayal of Baby was starkly different from Jennifer Grey’s endearing and somewhat awkward charm. Critics noted that Breslin, despite not needing to match Grey’s body type exactly, lacked the dance experience and the inherent vulnerability that made Grey’s Baby so relatable. This sentiment was echoed by many viewers who felt that Breslin’s performance, particularly in dance sequences, appeared forced and lacked the necessary grace.
As one online commentator aptly stated, during the iconic lift scene, Breslin seemed to “charge” her partner like a “linebacker,” highlighting the awkwardness and lack of fluidity in her movements. This observation encapsulates a broader issue with Breslin’s casting: she seemed miscast in a role that demanded a certain level of dance proficiency and a natural screen presence that mirrored the original Baby’s journey of self-discovery. Furthermore, the costume choices for Breslin, often resembling Jennifer Grey’s outfits, inadvertently accentuated the differences between the two actresses, making Breslin appear less flattering and reinforcing the feeling that she was not the right fit for the role.
Equally criticized was Colt Prattes, who stepped into the shoes of Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle. While Prattes possessed the physique for the role, his performance was widely described as lacking charisma and emotional depth. Viewers and critics alike pointed out his “blank” expressions and lack of chemistry with Breslin, a stark contrast to Swayze’s magnetic screen presence and palpable connection with Jennifer Grey. Even when Johnny was meant to be intrigued or annoyed by Baby, Prattes’ portrayal failed to convey any genuine emotion, leaving audiences disconnected from the central romance of the story.
The absence of charisma was particularly evident in the romantic scenes, which felt “awkward” and devoid of the sensuality that defined the original film. Swayze’s Johnny, even when initially distant, always hinted at an underlying attraction and connection with Baby, which was crucial to the narrative’s emotional core. Prattes’ Johnny, however, came across as emotionally flat, failing to capture the nuances of the character that Swayze so effortlessly embodied. The remake’s failure to find a leading man with comparable charisma significantly weakened the central relationship and, consequently, the overall impact of the film.
Even in supporting roles, casting choices drew criticism. Nicole Scherzinger as Penny Rivera, while a capable performer, was deemed too old for the part. Some suggested that Julianne Hough, known for her dance background and younger appearance, would have been a more suitable choice. Scherzinger’s performance, including her “embarrassing” accent, further contributed to the overall sense that the 2017 Dirty Dancing cast was misdirected and unable to recapture the spirit of the original characters.
Beyond the main cast, the remake expanded storylines for supporting characters, notably Baby’s parents. However, these additions were largely seen as unnecessary and distracting from the central plot. The altered backstory of Vivian Pressman, making her divorced, and the softened portrayal of Neil Kellerman, diminished the original characters’ complexities and added little value to the narrative. These changes, coupled with the casting issues, contributed to a widespread feeling that the remake fundamentally misunderstood what made the original Dirty Dancing so special.
In conclusion, the criticism surrounding the 2017 Dirty Dancing cast is a major factor in the remake’s failure. While Abigail Breslin, Colt Prattes, and Nicole Scherzinger are individually talented performers, their collective performances did not gel, and they struggled to embody the iconic characters they were tasked with portraying. The lack of chemistry between the leads, the perceived miscasting in key roles, and the inability to capture the inherent charm of the original characters all contributed to a remake that, in the eyes of many, was significantly “worse” than the beloved 1987 classic. The 2017 Dirty Dancing cast, ultimately, could not dance their way out of the shadow cast by the original film’s unforgettable stars.
