There are a flurry of new dance movies coming out in the next couple of years. Footloose has been on the books for a few months now; Fame comes out in a little awhile as well; and just recently we got word of a Dirty Dancing remake in the works. This summer, Dance Flick tried it’s best to make fun of all the dance films that came before it, and to some degree it succeeded.
Now comes the news from Variety that Warner Bros. has hired Malcolm Spellman to pen a script for the ultra-cool, highly popular, TV show Soul Train. That’s right, grab your platform shoes, pull out your 8-tracks, and put on your coolest outfit because it’s time to get on board the SOUUUUL TRAIN! Don Cornelius, the man with the smooth deep voice of cool, will produce along side with Darryl Porter (Dead Presidents) and Aaron Geller.
Spellman has quite the catalog to pull from because Soul Train was on TV for 35 years, running from 1971 – 2006, however, he has said the film will be set in the 80′s. Said Spellman:
“All of the hip-hop street dances you see today were born during that time period and were first seen on that show, and I remember doing all of them when I was a kid.”
Spellman says the story will revolve around a young man with penchant for the dance style “popping,” using his skill to pull himself out of a bad L.A. neighborhood while trying to join the Soul Train national tour. The story is not new or fresh; young urban kids trying to use their talent to better themselves have been done to death, and the whole feel is very Hairspray with a hefty helping of funk/soul. Spellman added:
“This guy is a serious popper, with street edge, and he wants to get on that tour, with the hottest of the hot. Writing with Don involved is quite an experience. He’s still the godfather of cool.”
Now comes my favorite part: the music. I so can’t wait for the soundtrack for this film. Soul Train was always known for its fantastic selection of live performers and its extremely gorgeous (read: scantily clad) female dancers. I can’t dance, but damn if I didn’t just want to go there and watch (and yes I know it sounds creepy). This would be a great opportunity to bring back some 80′s funk from Prince, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire, and of course, Michael Jackson.
Don Cornelius and dancers Cheryl Sung and Denise "Neicey" Payne
What do you think about a Soul Train movie? Is it worth the time and effort to put a movie like this out? Or are you just getting plain sick and tired of TV show adaptations?
No release date for Soul Train has been announced, but until then, as Don Cornelius would say “… you can bet your last money, it’s all gonna be a stone gas, honey! … and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!”
Source: Variety
‘Anchorman 2′ Trailers Tease the Return of Ron Burgundy’s News Team [Updated] 
Hugh Jackman Reveals Summer Start Date for ‘Wolverine 2′ 
Chris Hemsworth Talks ‘Thor 2′; Mads Mikkelsen Circling Villain Role [Updated] 
‘Walking Dead’ Season 3 Preview Reveals The Prison & Michonne [Updated] 
Loading ...
Growing up watching Soul Train on Saturday morinings,all I can say is,why?
Longshanks, I think it was because it came on before that Supey Sales show. I can’t remember the name. And after that was Land of the Lost. Heeheee.
Paul where did you get that photo of Don? I’ve never seen him that young. I’ve actually worked for the guy and with all his faults I wish him the best on this,,,
This is just dumb, much like the Fame, Footloose, Dirty Dancing remakes on the way. While this isn’t a remake per se, it is a regurgitation. I gave up on the show in the early 90s, funny how you seem to loose interest when you get out of your teens. While not mentioned I know Tyler Perry must be in this somewhere, I can see Madea breaking through the Soul Train line. I’ll pass on this and you can bet your last dollar this isn’t going to be a stone gas.
It’ll be a stone-cold grove, jack! Don’t trip on tha brotha’s fro’; the cat’s go it goin on!
Oh, wait a minute, that’s from the 70′s. Uh, that’s radical due! No, that doesn’t sound right eith. Oh, never mind.
I may get the soundtrack but why not do an original story? I thought that’s what they were going to do when I first saw the title, showing how it all came about.
The cat’s got it goin’ on.
That’s radical dude.
Haven’t had my coffee yet.
Man, although the story line isnt new, if done right this could be a really good movie…. it all depends onthe writing.
this movie will be hot you just need the right cast soundtrack and costumes.let diddy be don have wutang,mary j,faith evans,bobby brown,chris brown,missy elliot,big ski etc.
I remember Don well he produced my first album it was the first album ever recorded at sea on RCA produced by Don Cornelius and Dick Griffey for Griffey Entertainment with a full cast of famed musicians under the direction of Bob Johnston
They gave me the opportunity to write a song for Soul Train Gang entitled I Can Do This All Night , Steve Wonder was part of that production . Then another opportunity was offered to write the album title cut by the Whispers entitled Love Is Where You Find It on Solar Records which went to Billboards number 1 R&B chart in 1983
That was a wonderful time in my career . Don I wish you the best with the new Soul Train Movie and all your creative adventures to come .
Old friend in music
Mickey
Mickey Carroll
http://www.motherj.com
http://www.mickeycarroll.com
Will flop. Everyone knows the seventies shows made soul train. It was playing out I. The eighties. Don Cornelius has no clue.