Last summer, while helping my dad and stepmom move, my younger brother and I decided to sift through the attic. We uncovered an array of treasures: old notebooks, letters, crumpled school projects, dusty books, and other delightful remnants of our childhood. At the very bottom of one box, I stumbled upon a dusty VHS tape of Dirty Dancing.
“Look what I found!” I shouted, holding up the tape triumphantly.
“Actually, that’s mine,” my brother replied.
“Wait, don’t you remember? I watched it religiously after school. You were too little then,” I insisted.
“Well, you moved on, and so did I,” he shot back, but we soon reached a truce. Somehow, I managed to sneak the tape back home (big sister privileges still apply; he can borrow it anytime).
I’ve always been a fervent admirer of Dirty Dancing. Baby’s iconic denim cutoffs, those sultry summer nights spent dancing (the kind of dancing that truly felt rebellious to my 11-year-old self), and the unforgettable romance between Baby and Johnny are etched in my memory. With its incredible soundtrack, the film is pure gold for those of us who grew up in the ’80s.
In the wake of Patrick Swayze’s passing, nostalgia for the film has intensified. Many fans remember him as the strong, charismatic Johnny—his absence feels surreal.
When I first heard about the film’s remake, I was thrilled. Who wouldn’t want to revisit such a classic? But as I delved deeper into the details, I began to feel, well, rather ancient.
First off, the cast. The actress taking on Jennifer Grey’s role as Baby is Abigail Breslin, a name I only vaguely recognize from Little Miss Sunshine back in the 2000s. As for the rest of the cast, they’re unfamiliar faces to me. While Colt Prattes, who will portray Johnny, has a striking presence, it’s hard to imagine anyone stepping into Patrick Swayze’s legendary shoes. No disrespect to Prattes—a talented Broadway performer—but the original’s legacy looms large.
There is one familiar name: Debra Messing. Many will remember her from Will & Grace, but guess what role she’s taking? Baby’s mother. In a few short years, my own child will be a teenager, leaving me to ponder where the time has gone—and praying he’s not out doing something scandalous, like dirty dancing.
The remake is set to air on ABC, which is a pleasant surprise. I remember when made-for-TV movies were a staple of childhood. However, I can’t help but wonder when I’ll find the time to watch it. My life revolves around my kids’ bedtime routine, and although I’m aware of DVR options, our finances don’t allow for any extra expenses right now.
And did I mention the remake will run three hours long? How is a busy working parent like me supposed to carve out that much time?
It seems clear that the film’s revival is aimed at a younger audience, which is fine; I genuinely hope the next generation embraces this classic. But the whole scenario drives home the fact that I’m feeling older than I’d like to admit.
Considering that Dirty Dancing was released in 1987 (next year will mark its 30th anniversary), it’s hard to believe it’s been so long since I rushed home from school, eager to watch Johnny lift Baby effortlessly. So, I guess it’s time to officially acknowledge that I’m getting old, even though it feels like just yesterday I was 11.
Regardless, I fully intend to watch the remake and am looking forward to its release. In the meantime, I’ll be dusting off my old VHS of the original, curling up with my partner after the kids are asleep, and joyfully revisiting my youth.
And yes, we still have a VHS player and a collection of tapes because, well, we’re old. Did I mention that?
In summary, while the Dirty Dancing remake brings forth a wave of nostalgia, it also serves as a reminder of how quickly time passes. As I anticipate the new film, I’ll cherish the classics that shaped my childhood.