Dirty Dancing: A Review Of The ABC Remake | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Dirty Dancing: A Review Of The ABC Remake

Because no one puts Baby in a corner.

61
Dirty Dancing: A Review Of The ABC Remake
YouTube

In 1987, almost thirty years ago this August, Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze dazzled audiences as they told the story of an unforgettable summer of romance, carrying watermelons, and, of course, dancing. Set in the pre-turbulent year of 1963, the original "Dirty Dancing" touched on issues of class struggle and reproductive rights in a coming of age story that has grown to become a classic for movie-watchers of all ages. Due to its flawless dance numbers to its unforgettable soundtrack (who could stop thinking about that final lift to Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes' "(I've Had) The Time of My Life"?), it's not hard to understand why the film has retained its popularity for watchers of all generations.

Two weeks ago, ABC released an updated version of "Dirty Dancing" starring Abigail Breslin and Colt Prattes as the principal characters, Baby and Johnny, and featured popular actors like Debra Messing and Sarah Hyland. As to be expected, many viewers were skeptical for this remake and the day after it premiered, it seemed as if every social media site was flooded with reviews hellbent on tearing this new take on "Dirty Dancing" apart.

Being a huge fan of the original film, I, of course, had to get in on the conversation. So, without further ado, here is my own personal list of what worked in the remake and what didn't.

Let's start with the positives:

1. Abigail Breslin as Baby

A little disclaimer, obviously, no one can touch what Jennifer Grey did with Baby in 1987. She was the first actress to bring the character to life, setting the standard for all future actors playing Baby in staged adaptations of the movie. That being said, for all the criticism that Breslin received for not being the most "graceful" dancer, I thought she actually made a pretty spot-on Baby. Sure, she was a little awkward at times, and admittedly she is not a professional dancer, but in my opinion, she captured the spirit of the character. Breslin's Baby was a strong-willed feminist who was not without her own insecurities, as to be expected with most young women at the time in their life before they go to college. Breslin's enthusiasm for her role shined through in every scene, making her performance fun to watch.

2. Sarah Hyland as Lisa

In the original "Dirty Dancing", Baby's older sister, Lisa, is a ditsy 20-something that has her mind set on finding a wealthy husband and performing in hula skirts. In the remake, Hyland's Lisa certainly starts out the same way, but after a run-in with the less-than-charming waiter and med-student, Robbie Gould, Lisa changes her mind pretty quickly from chasing after Harvard boys. Instead, we see Lisa develop a friendship with Marco, a new character who plays with his uncle, Tito in his band, and instead of a cringy rendition of "Hula Hana', Lisa performs an acoustic version of Bob Dylan's, "Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright" with Marco.

3. Baby and Penny's Friendship

In the original, it's no secret that Penny initially isn't so warm to Baby and is quick to even brush aside Baby's sincere compliments. But in ABC's version, Penny, portrayed by professional dancer, Nicole Scherzinger, is eager to help Baby practice her moves and their number to "Whole Lot of Shaking Goin' On" was animated and entertaining.

4. Neil

Ah, classic Neil Kellerman. Fans of the original will remember Neil as Max Kellerman's awkward grandson that is heading to Harvard's school for hotel management. He plays with Baby's hair and demeaningly calls her, "kid." In the updated version, however, Neil, played by Trevor Einhorn, though still a bit of a stickler for the rules, also encourages Baby to pursue dance lessons and agrees to keep it a secret from her parents.


And now onto some of the not-so-stellar moments:

1. Baby's Parents

I can appreciate what ABC was trying to do here; they attempted to spice up the drama between the Housemans by creating a plot line in which we see Mrs. Houseman very frustrated after being taken for granted in her marriage to Dr. Houseman. Both Debra Messing and Bruce Greenwood gave solid performances in their own right, including two solo vocal performances. But ultimately, this added story didn't so much add depth to the Houseman family as it did add to the overall runtime of the movie.

2. Baby and Johnny Chemistry

I admit that I was a bit torn when it came to the romantic scenes between the two. On one hand, I understand that ABC is a more family-friendly channel, so the overall "sexiness" might've had to have been toned down a bit for younger viewers. However, unlike in the original, Penny's pregnancy was addressed outright by name, not with phrases like, "She got herself into some trouble," begging to question why the "Cry to Me" scene couldn't be more outwardly sexy aside from a few dips and a shirtless Johnny.

3. The Final Dance

This is it! This is the moment that everyone waits for when they watch "Dirty Dancing"! From the first few notes of, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" you know that you're in for a stellar show of partner dancing. In the original, Patrick Swayze effortlessly pulls Jennifer Grey close and they stun their audience of stuffy Kellerman's club members to a point where everyone joins in on the fun as the movie draws to a close. Unfortunately, although Breslin and Prattes' final dance is cute, it lacks the romantic energy of the original and they only dance for about a quarter of the song!

4. The Ending

Out of all the changes made to ABC's version, this one, in my humble opinion, was probably my least favorite. I always liked to think that at the end of the original "Dirty Dancing," Baby and Johnny ended up together even after the conclusion of their final dance. There's never any confirmation that they lived happily ever after, but hey, I'm an optimist. ABC's remake, however, did not leave anything up to the imagination and concluded the movie with a grown up Baby watching the Broadway adaptation of her book, (also entitled, "Dirty Dancing") for which Johnny was the main choreographer. Johnny tells Baby to "keep dancing" and she leaves the theater with her not-Johnny Castle husband and young daughter. Essentially, they broke my poor, little Dirty Dancing-fangirl heart!

Ultimately, ABC's remake doesn't touch the original, but I do think that they were able to create a solid tribute, though certainly not a replacement. It brought the characters and dance numbers back to life for a new generation of viewers, thus ensuring that no one puts 'Dirty Dancing" in a corner.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Sorority
Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break
Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less
Disney Princesses
The Odyssey
Tiana would no doubt be disappointed in the food our cafeteria has to offer.

And hopefully she would cook for everyone in her dorm.

She definitley would not take any 8:00 am classes because she would be up late baking and cleaning up the communal kitchen that are available in every dorm.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

1547
Michael Scott

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

1214
the office

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments