Fame
I took my fourteen-year-old daughter to see the remake of the 1980’s musical film “Fame”. The one thing I noticed in the audience waiting for the film to commence was the age make up of the audience. There were people my age, which had been bought up on the original 1980 film and subsequent “Fame” series from 1982 onwards. Then there were young people like my daughter from approximately fourteen to eighteen years of age, whom have been brought up on the “High School Musical” and “Hairspray” phenomenon.
I must admit for me this new version of “Fame” didn’t really offer anything new from the original in storyline. This version of “Fame” follows the lives, talents and struggles of a talented group of students attending the New York City High School for Performing Arts.
It follows the trials and successes of students both personally and professionally. Some of the dance scenes are absolutely fantastic; especially when the students starting “jamming” when having lunch in the cafeteria. There are quite a few young stars that emerge in this film that I have not heard of before. Naturi Naughton (Denise Dupree) performs quite a few songs in this film. None better (which was in the original 1980’s “Fame”); a beautiful, outstanding piano ballad “Out There On My Own.” Other young stars that we will definitely be hearing more of in the future are Ashton Book (Marco) and Collins Pennie (Malik Washburn).
Other well-known actors/actresses that are in this film are the unforgettable Debbie Allen (Principal Angela Simms). Megan Mullally (Ms. Fran Rowan), whom belts out an unbelievable song. She is a fantastic singer. And what film would be complete without Kelsey Grammer (Mr. Martin Cranston).
One fact that stays strong in this film as was in the original – “Fame Costs.” My daughter absolutely loved this film, which I think was a combination of the music and dancing. And I must admit for approximately one and a half hours I enjoyed being transported back in time to one of my favourite films.
