Movie Primer: Fame

This is a short primer for musical remake of Fame. If you can't remember its name at least remember the release date, which is September 25th 2009. The trailer for this film can be found at http://www.apple.com/trailers/mgm/fame/

The Plot: It might have the same name but this movie is not a remake. It's more like an update of sorts. It takes place in the same main location the New York City High School for the Performing Arts. This time though a whole new batch of kids are trying to live their dreams of being performers. There are a whole lot of different characters in the film but they are all kids with talent trying to figure out what to do with that talent and coping with the struggle of making it in school where everyone is a potential star.

Star Power: There are a lot of fresh faces when it comes to the student roles in this film. There will only be a few you recognize. One of the kids you might be able to remember is Naturi Naughton who was one third of the pop group 3LW but is now working on an acting career. Kay Panabaker has had small roles in film and TV for years but this movie will provide her with her big break. Anna Perez, who has roles in both Hannah Montana and Camp Rock, will also be playing one of the students. When it comes to the teachers there will be many more faces you recognize. Kelsey Grammer, Charles Dutton and Megan Mullany all play teachers at the art school. Debbie Allen, who is best known for her role in the original Rent, will play the principal of the school.

Behind the Screen: It takes a brave soul to take on a beloved musical and try to make something new out of it. Kevin Tancharoen is the director of the new Fame and while he lacks a lot of experience (this is his first feature film) he does have a passion for dancing and the project. Allison Burnet wrote the updated screenplay. Burnet's last screenplay was the thriller Untraceable. This might seem like quite the leap but Burnet has written more emotional works like Resurrecting the Champ and Feast of Love.

What to expect: There has been a surge in dance movies over the last ten years. I have to admit I consider them a guilty pleasure. None of them have been amazing and yet all of them had a little something. The spark of a really good story was hidden inside of them and it wasn't until recently I realized they were all trying to recapture the feeling of Fame for a new generation of performers. Many might of scoffed at this movie as a remake or just another dance movie. Still I am not so sure. Fame was something special; it tapped into the thrill and drama of performing. Perhaps if we are lucky the new Fame will do just that but make it fresh for a whole new group of people to enjoy. I am going to go out on a limb and say this movie will be worth taking a chance on.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1016075/
http://www.apple.com/trailers/mgm/fame/