ABC’s 2017 remake of “Dirty Dancing” arrived with considerable anticipation, but unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that this reimagining was a misstep from the very beginning. Far from enhancing the beloved 1980s classic, this TV movie, clocking in at over two and a half hours, serves as a prime example of how a well-intentioned remake can go terribly wrong. It’s hard not to wonder if the creators had forgotten the lessons of cinematic misfires like “Havana Nights” before embarking on this lengthy and ultimately listless endeavor. The misguided decision to add a framing narrative around the core story of Baby and Johnny only exacerbates the issues, signaling a fundamental misunderstanding of what made the original so captivating.
Abigail Breslin and Colt Prattes in Dirty Dancing 2017 remake looking awkward during dance scene
Overly Long and Pointless Additions
One of the most glaring flaws of “Dirty Dancing 2017” is its bloated runtime, padded with unnecessary subplots and narrative detours. The added story frame, intended to provide context, feels forced and ultimately detracts from the central romance. Furthermore, the writers chose to burden the remake with several extraneous storylines that struggle to find their place within the already stretched narrative. We are subjected to the marital woes of Baby’s parents, a subplot that feels both underdeveloped and distracting from Baby’s coming-of-age journey. Similarly, the inclusion of Baby’s sister Lisa’s interracial romance with a resort singer, while aiming for progressive themes, feels shoehorned in and lacks genuine emotional depth. Even Johnny’s affair with a middle-aged resort guest, portrayed by Katey Segal, feels like a gratuitous attempt to inject drama without meaningfully contributing to the overall story.
A Verbatim Remake Gone Wrong
Beyond the unnecessary additions, the core narrative of “Dirty Dancing 2017” largely attempts to mirror the original film, often scene for scene. While paying homage to the source material isn’t inherently negative, in this case, the verbatim approach highlights the remake’s shortcomings. The familiar plot points, including Baby’s personal growth and her burgeoning relationship with Johnny, are presented in a manner that feels hollow and devoid of the charm and emotional resonance of the original. The musical numbers, a crucial element of “Dirty Dancing,” also fall flat. Instead of creating a vibrant and engaging musical experience, the remake serves up a series of “forgettable tunes,” often consisting of uninspired covers of the original soundtrack and other classic songs, failing to capture the spirit of the era or the energy of the dance sequences.
Katey Sagal performing Fever in Dirty Dancing 2017 remake looking sexually suggestive in family resort
Misunderstanding the Original’s Essence
Perhaps the most significant failure of “Dirty Dancing 2017” lies in its fundamental misunderstanding of the original film’s appeal. The remake seems to “dumb down” the material, stripping away the subtle nuances and emotional depth that made the 1987 movie so beloved. The iconic dance sequences, intended to be passionate and liberating, are instead presented as overly sexualized and almost vulgar. The depiction of Johnny’s world as a secret haven for the lower class is replaced with scenes of writhing dancers in what the reviewer describes as an “orgy sans sex,” lacking the romantic and rebellious undertones of the original. Adding to the baffling choices, Katey Segal’s character delivers a sexually charged performance of “Fever” in front of resort families, a scene that feels jarring and tonally inconsistent with the supposed family-friendly atmosphere. Technical mishaps, such as the poorly executed green screen during a scene set in 1975 New York, further contribute to the overall impression of a rushed and carelessly produced remake.
Casting and Chemistry Failures
The casting choices in “Dirty Dancing 2017” also contribute to its downfall. Abigail Breslin, while a capable actress, appears miscast as Baby Houseman. Her portrayal lacks the naiveté and transformative arc that Jennifer Grey so effectively embodied in the original. Breslin’s Baby comes across as awkward and unconvincing, failing to capture the character’s blossoming self-discovery. Similarly, Colt Prattes, tasked with stepping into Patrick Swayze’s shoes as Johnny Castle, falls short of expectations. Prattes lacks the charisma and smoldering intensity that Swayze brought to the role, and his on-screen chemistry with Breslin is virtually nonexistent. Instead of a palpable connection between Baby and Johnny, the remake offers a series of scenes where the actors seem to be merely going through the motions, mumbling their lines and failing to ignite any romantic sparks.
Botched Nostalgia and Character Betrayal
Ultimately, “Dirty Dancing 2017” not only botches the nostalgia associated with the original but also betrays the very spirit and heart of Baby’s character. The remake attempts to modernize Baby by initially portraying her as a feminist, seen reading “The Feminine Mystique.” However, this progressive starting point is undermined by the film’s conclusion. In a misguided attempt to provide a sense of closure, the remake tacks on an epilogue where Baby is depicted as a conventional wife and mother, a stark contradiction to her earlier feminist leanings and her transformative summer romance with Johnny. This altered ending feels like a forced attempt to appease a broader audience, sacrificing character consistency and narrative integrity in the process. The attempt to emulate the prologue and epilogue structure of “La La Land” further emphasizes the remake’s lack of originality and its reliance on superficial trends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “Dirty Dancing 2017” remake serves as a cautionary tale in the realm of cinematic reboots. Instead of honoring and enhancing the legacy of the original, it delivers a bloated, misguided, and ultimately disappointing rendition. Lacking the charm, heart, and authentic chemistry of its predecessor, this TV movie is best avoided. For those seeking the genuine “Dirty Dancing” experience, revisiting the original 1987 film remains the most rewarding and sensible choice. Spare yourself the time and frustration of this remake and rediscover the magic of the classic that continues to captivate audiences decades later.
