If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s the mantra of director Craig Brewer, who updates the storyline of this toe-tapping remake to present day Georgia but retains the familiar characters and plot of the 1984 classic, which immortalised Kevin Bacon.

Opening to the infectious twangs and beat of the Kenny Loggins title track, Footloose doesn’t put a heel or toe out of place in the energetic dance sequences to funky new versions of Deniece Williams, Shalamar and Bonnie Tyler.

The good-looking, athletic cast kick up their heels with gusto and choreographer Jamal Sims melds line-dancing with hip hop and street, always harking back affectionately to the earlier version.

Ren McCormack (Wormald) arrives in the God-fearing town of Bomont three months after the deaths of five high school students on their way home from a dance.

Local minister Reverend Shaw Moore (Quaid), whose son perished in the wreck, persuades the council to pass new laws imposing a 10pm curfew on minors and banning dancing. Determined to dance, Ren vows to revive dancing in Bomont with the help of his buddy Willard (Miles Teller), the Reverend’s daughter Ariel (Julianne Hough) and gal pal Rusty (Ziah Colon).

It’s all predictable yet huge fun right down to Ariel whispering seductively, “You want to kiss me?” and Ren replying staunchly, “Some day.” His resolve weakens before the 100 minutes are up but we gladly dance to director Brewer’s tune.