Dirty Dancing, a big television event, came to our screens with a new cast on May 24 on ABC. Did you know it isn't the first remake since 1987? Yet, people are so fired up about how it didn't live up to their expectations to the original Patrick Swayze - Jennifer Grey duo. Did you ever think that the cast and crew had big expectations to live up to because the original movie was incredible? They did indeed, playing characters already so established leaving no room, really, to build up the character anymore without offending fans. So, maybe they changed a few things and added a new beginning and ending. Why does that change your love for Dirty Dancing?
Twitter had a field day tearing down this new remake and the cast's singing, dancing, and acting abilities. If you don't like change or remaking of classics, why did you even watch it? It amuses me how people will watch something and nitpick every little difference from their expectations, it is truly a shame. Many directors, producers, and casts made more changes to the original before 2017 ever thought of the idea.
In the words of Shane Harper (Robbie), this remake was a tribute to a classic, as he plays the piano with co-star Sarah Hyland (Lisa). His Instagram post on May 25, tells a lot about what he learned from portraying a bad guy. His words show the true meaning of bringing this new movie back. I, for one, loved seeing actors and actresses from my generation. It takes a lot of bravery to take on such an incredible classic because there will always be haters.
Did you know this isn't the first Dirty Dancing Remake since '87? But, it is most likely one of the first to have social media comments about it. Most remakes or continuations of the story came before social media was invented and regularly used for commenting on shows and movies. The first "reboot" to follow the movie was a television series, by the same name, the following year. As the description says on IMDB, A continuation of the movie, where Frances "Baby" Houseman (Melora Hardin) falls in love with the dance camp counsel, Johnny Castle (Patrick Cassidy) (1988-1989). The 11-episode series ran on CBS from October 29, 1988 to January 21, 1989.
From movie to television series all the way to Broadway, Dirty Dancing is still very much alive in the entertainment industry! You read that right, the story is currently on Broadway tour with shows from May 23-28, 30-31, June 2-4, 6-11,15-18, and 20-25. Christopher Tierney (Johnny), Rachel Boone (Baby), and Jennifer Mealani Jones (Penny) star in the 2017 Broadway tour of the fan favorite Dirty Dancing in various cities.
Many people are upset over the changes and alternate beginning and ending to the classic 80's movie, but did you know it was re-imagined in 2004. Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, was released on February 27, with a different plot. In November 1958, the American teenager Katey Miller (Romola Garai) moves with her parents and her younger sister to Havana. They even changed the names and location of the original movie! The changes happened 13 years ago, are you really surprised it had a few changes in 2017? But, unlike 2004, this year the plot, location, and names stayed the same. They stuck close to the original movie more than viewers give them credit for.
Everyone should have done their research before bashing a cast that just did what every one else did. If I am being honest, I think it was bound to be remade again, this August will be the 30th reunion of Dirty Dancing 1987. All and all, the 2017 remake was actually pretty good. Abigail Breslin (Baby) and Colt Prattes (Johnny) had a lot of past performances to live up to, the whole cast did, but they really took care of this 1980's classic. As a die-hard fan of the original movie and cast, I enjoyed this remake very much and think it deserves a little more praise for taking on a well-thought out story.
Give this remake a chance, click play and see what it is all about! I promise it sticks close to the story you know and love, and keeps a new generation even more actors and actresses to look up to as they grow up.
