ABC’s 2017 телевизионный remake of “Dirty Dancing” attempted to recapture the magic of the iconic 1980s film, но instead delivered a widely panned and poorly conceived rendition. Far from enhancing the original story, this lengthy remake, clocking in at over two and a half hours, comes across as listless and, at times, ridiculous. It’s a film that arguably no one asked for, especially considering the lukewarm reception to previous attempts to revisit the “Dirty Dancing” universe, such as “Havana Nights”.
One of the most significant missteps in this Film Dirty Dancing 2017 adaptation is its convoluted narrative structure. The writers opted to frame the central story of Baby and Johnny with an unnecessary and distracting prologue and epilogue. Within the main timeframe, the movie awkwardly juggles a near-verbatim retelling of the original plot with superfluous subplots. These include a strained marital drama involving Baby’s parents, a forced interracial romance for Baby’s sister, and a bizarrely emphasized affair between Johnny and a middle-aged resort guest.
While each of these subplots might have the potential to be explored in separate, more focused projects, cramming them all into a single remake dilutes the core narrative. The film dirty dancing 2017 struggles to maintain a coherent focus as it shifts between these various storylines, resulting in a monotonous and somewhat grueling viewing experience. Instead of deepening the characters or themes of the original, the remake dumbs down the material, opting for surface-level melodrama and a series of forgettable musical numbers.
The musical aspect, a cornerstone of the original “Dirty Dancing”, also falters in this remake. Rather than creating a fresh sonic landscape, the film dirty dancing 2017 relies heavily on covers of the original soundtrack, interspersed with random classic songs. The depiction of Johnny’s world of dance loses its intimate and passionate feel, morphing into scenes of overly sexualized and sweaty dancers, often resembling an “orgy sans the sex” as described by some critics. Adding to the tonal confusion, Katey Segal’s character delivers an overtly sexual rendition of “Fever” to a family resort audience, a scene that feels jarring and out of place.
Casting choices further contribute to the remake’s shortcomings. Abigail Breslin, as Baby, is widely considered miscast. Her portrayal lacks the naiveté and transformative journey that Jennifer Grey so effectively conveyed in the original. Breslin’s performance comes across as awkward and unconvincing, failing to capture the essence of a conservative young woman blossoming into her own. Similarly, Colt Prattes, stepping into the iconic shoes of Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle, falls short. Prattes, while a capable dancer, lacks the charisma and screen presence of Swayze. His portrayal feels too mature, diminishing the crucial dynamic between Johnny and Baby. The chemistry between Breslin and Prattes is noticeably absent, making their supposed passionate connection feel forced and uninspired.
Moreover, the film dirty dancing 2017 stumbles in its attempt to evoke the nostalgia associated with the original. Instead of enhancing the spirit and heart of Baby’s character, the remake appears to misunderstand it. While the original Baby was a feminist in the making, this version makes her initial feminist stance feel more like a superficial character trait. The ending, a significant departure from the original, sees Baby conforming to traditional societal expectations, a jarring contradiction to her supposed character arc and a move that feels like a forced attempt to appease a broader audience. This narrative betrayal not only undermines the original film’s message but also feels tacked-on and unearned.
Technically, the film dirty dancing 2017 also exhibits flaws. A scene featuring Baby in 1975 New York is marred by noticeably poor green screen effects, highlighting the rushed and somewhat low-budget feel of the production. This visual misstep further detracts from the overall viewing experience.
In conclusion, the 2017 remake of “Dirty Dancing” fails to justify its existence. Overburdened with unnecessary subplots, miscast leads, and a fundamental misunderstanding of the original’s charm, this film dirty dancing 2017 is a pale imitation. Instead of revisiting this flawed remake, audiences are far better served by revisiting the original “Dirty Dancing”, a film that continues to resonate decades later due to its genuine heart, memorable performances, and timeless soundtrack.
