Footloose (1984)

There's something about dance movies that makes them incredibly joyful. Whether they're musicals or pure dance movies like this one, there's a beautiful freedom in a good dance scene. And there are a LOT of them in here. From the classic warehouse scene where Kevin Bacon dances out his frustration, to the prolonged ending dance montage where the students finally can celebrate their right to dance. But it's not even just a "good dance movie" - it's actually a fairly decent movie as well. There are very few easy caricatures among the characters, even though the story itself may be a bit cliched. Even the conservative reverend is an honest, real character who is just trying to help hold his town and his congregation together. Great performance from John Lithgow, great dancing from the entire cast, and overall an ultimate feel-good movie. 4 stars.