Fame: Energetic, but Not Immortal

Unlike the 1980 original, this movie comes at a time when interracial romances, substance abuse, and “coming out” are no longer taboo subjects arching eyebrows and raising questions amongst filmgoers. Without the grit and moxie of its precursor, the film caters to High School Musical lovers, would-be American Idol contestants, and yes, artistic nerds.

This revamped version of the undying, moon-catching Fame still spans four years at a New York performing arts school and follows the experiences and friendships of several talented teenagers, each facing unique struggles such as simply letting loose in acting class or daring to go for a dream, even if it means disobeying Dad. While original sequences such as the exhilarating cafeteria dance jam remain intact, the film’s stories are fresh, albeit muted, portraits of challenges adolescent audiences can surely relate to. And though these conflicts reek of clichés worn ragged, you’ll forgive the unoriginality once you hear Denise (Naturi Naughton) sing her heart out or watch Alice (Kherington Payne) dance the Rockettes to shame – well, almost.

The characters of the students are just interesting enough to keep us alert until the next engaging monologue or toe-tapping musical montage. Marco (Asher Book) is the bona fide troubadour who falls for the reticent, yet ready-to-bloom Jenny (Kay Panabaker). Yawn. Alice is an upper-crust dancer who fancies working-class, Latino producer Victor (Walter Perez). Gasp! Malik (Collins Pennie) is the cinematically hackneyed angry actor who learns to separate his troubled past from the “theatre.” Unlike her cast mates and despite the restraints of the script, Ms. Naughton certainly does light up the screen… “like a flame.” I couldn’t help quietly applauding after her first solo alone at the piano.

The rich dexterity of the cast’s aptitude for a myriad of creative gifts is pure entertainment; the sloppy storytelling and lackluster relationships only serve as a feeble skeleton holding the vital, vibrant flesh of the performing arts together. One thing this movie hits spot-on is the commendable casting of the teachers. Bebe Neuwirth effortlessly portrays a no-nonsense ballet instructor – she looks fantastic, by the way. Megan Mullaly encourages her students with tough love and karaoke. Kelsey Grammer teaches music by supporting one’s individual style and flare while simultaneously asserting that “the only thing of value you can bring to Bach is your respect.” Actress-choreographer Debbie Allen returns for the remake, this time playing the strict yet accessible principal. Charles S. Dutton reaches out to his acting students, shaking them free of their shells and spurring them to reckon with personal hardships for the sake of their craft. It’s ironic that much of his character’s advice is completely ignored by the filmmakers.

Fame will not go on forever, but its efforts to do so shouldn’t go unnoticed. And for anyone with an aspiring Yo-Yo Ma or Lady Gaga in the family, this film will inspire them to keep at it – or maybe just show off a little.

3 stars out of 5