Thirty years after the original Dirty Dancing movie became a cultural phenomenon, ABC decided to revisit Kellerman’s resort with a 2017 TV movie remake. For many who grew up with the iconic 1987 film, the announcement of a Dirty Dancing 2017 Movie was met with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Could this new version recapture the magic of Baby and Johnny’s summer romance, the coming-of-age story, and of course, the dancing? Unfortunately, for many viewers, the answer was a resounding “no.” While the dirty dancing 2017 movie attempts to loosely adapt the original screenplay and incorporate musical elements, it ultimately falls short of its predecessor, leaving fans questioning the purpose of this revisited classic.
One of the most perplexing choices in the dirty dancing 2017 movie is its meta-framing device. The film awkwardly jumps between 1975 and 1963, depicting a 30-something Baby reflecting on her summer at Kellerman’s while attending a stage musical adaptation of her own story. This nested narrative feels unnecessary and convoluted, adding little to the viewing experience. Instead of immersing the audience in the nostalgic summer of ’63, it constantly pulls us back to a less engaging 1975 setting. It’s a strange creative decision that raises the question: does this meta-layer truly serve any purpose other than to perhaps showcase some questionable green screen technology?
Green screen depiction in Dirty Dancing 2017 movie
Speaking of questionable choices, the costumes in the dirty dancing 2017 movie are a frequent point of criticism. Abigail Breslin, a talented and charming actress cast as Baby, is often dressed in outfits that are unflattering and anachronistic. Instead of embracing the flattering silhouettes of the early 1960s, the costume design seems to miss the mark entirely. Many outfits appear ill-fitting and fail to capture the youthful and evolving style of Baby’s character. It begs the question: did the costume designer have a particular aversion to Abigail Breslin, or was there simply a lack of attention to detail in recreating the period-appropriate fashion?
Abigail Breslin in an ill-fitting outfit from Dirty Dancing 2017 movie
Adding to the anachronisms, Baby’s hairstyles in the dirty dancing 2017 movie also feel out of place. While the original film took liberties, the remake seems to double down on hairstyles that wouldn’t have been common in the early 60s. It’s a minor detail for some, but for viewers who appreciate period accuracy, these elements can be distracting. However, in a slightly ironic twist, at least Baby’s hair isn’t as overtly 80s as Jennifer Grey’s perm in certain scenes of the original movie, showcasing a different kind of temporal dissonance.
Abigail Breslin with anachronistic hairstyle in Dirty Dancing 2017 remake
The dance sequences, a cornerstone of the Dirty Dancing legacy, are another area where the 2017 movie struggles. While Abigail Breslin is known for her performance abilities, and Colt Prattes as Johnny has dance experience, the chemistry and dynamism of the original dance scenes are noticeably absent. The choreography and direction often feel stilted, lacking the passion and energy that made the 1987 film so captivating. Even iconic scenes, like the log scene, fall flat in comparison, leaving viewers wanting more from the dance performances.
Interestingly, the dirty dancing 2017 movie dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to the marital struggles of Baby’s parents. While parental subplots existed in the original, the remake amplifies this aspect, perhaps in an attempt to add depth or appeal to a broader audience. However, this focus sometimes overshadows Baby’s own coming-of-age story and the central romance, diluting the core elements that made Dirty Dancing so beloved.
Abigail Breslin looking bemused in Dirty Dancing 2017 movie
Despite its shortcomings, there are fleeting moments in the dirty dancing 2017 movie that show potential. The scenes between Penny and Baby, for instance, offer a glimpse of genuine chemistry and warmth, arguably surpassing the romantic connection between Baby and Johnny in this version. The musical numbers, primarily consisting of oldies rather than original songs, are generally acceptable and avoid becoming a major distraction.
Another questionable outfit choice for Abigail Breslin in Dirty Dancing 2017 movie
However, even the ending of the dirty dancing 2017 movie fails to fully deliver. While it attempts to recreate the iconic mambo performance, the impact is diminished. The absence of the iconic lift and the overall execution leave the audience feeling underwhelmed. Ultimately, the dirty dancing 2017 movie struggles to justify its existence. It tinkers with the framing, missteps with costumes, and fails to capture the essential spark of the original.
Returning to the framing device in the closing moments, the dirty dancing 2017 movie brings us back to 1975, where Baby, now a 30-year-old author, encounters Johnny once more. This final attempt to tie everything together feels forced and uninspired. It reinforces the overall sense that this remake, while perhaps well-intentioned, ultimately misses the point of what made Dirty Dancing a timeless classic. Instead of celebrating the original, the dirty dancing 2017 movie serves as a reminder of its irreplaceable charm and enduring appeal.
