I've got an assignment for you. It's optional, mind you, but I'd like you to hear me out:

At some point in the next few weeks, go see Craig Brewer's remake of Footloose. And once you've got your popcorn and you're sitting in the theater, I want you to give it a fair chance.

Here's why I want you to give it a chance:

- Memphis-based Craig Brewer is a huge fan of the original "Footloose", so he's taken great care to make a film that fans of the original will enjoy. The remake doesn't copy the original line for line, but some of the original script, music and scenes (like the angry dance) are there. It's just been updated a little bit - there are iPods, higher stakes and about half of the music is current. Time (and a remake) doesn't change the themes of loss, protest, parenting and growing up in the least.

- "Footloose" is unlike anything Craig Brewer's ever made. His previous films have been gritty and artistic, but haven't done well at the box office. "Footloose" is a total turn for him in subject matter and, to a lesser extent, style.

- There are lots of big, sexy dance scenes.

- The remake's cast is so much more diverse (and thus, more realistic) than the original. It's so cool to see the aforementioned big sexy dance scenes include people of all colors and body types having a good time.

- The lead actors - and their sidekicks - are great. They're also very pretty. When Kenny Wormald (who plays Ren) walked onto the screen, I'm pretty sure most of the women in the pre-screening audience swooned. Julianne Hough is believable as Ariel, the preacher's rebellious daughter. However, Ren and Ariel's best friends Willard and Rusty have a few scene stealing moments of their own (see: Willard's dance montage set to "Let's Hear it for the Boy").

- It's one of those rare movies that really has something for everyone. For fans of the original, it's a chance to relive a classic (and see if you love it or hate it). For "Footloose" newbies, the story is complete even if you haven't seen the original. "If the movie didn't work, people who didn't know the original wouldn't get it," Brewer told me.

"Footloose also manages to be a great date movie (love story!), a buddy flick (the friendship between Ren and Willard is kind of adorable), identifiable for parents and teenagers, and somewhat inspirational. At it's core, it's about individuality and standing up for the things that you feel are right, no matter what side you're on.

- It's fun. The cast is having a blast, and it shows.

Watch the trailer, and - if you're willing to give it a chance - see "Footloose" in theaters nationwide starting tomorrow (Oct. 14).

Check these listings to find out where it's playing in Memphis.