Fame [2009] #1: If they've really got what it takes, it's going to take everything they've got

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lennie1984
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I just got back from the movie, and I'm surprised to say I loved it! Most of the reviews I read trashed it, and even moviegoers were pretty harsh. After seeing it, I think the hate going around is mostly from fans of the original that were bitter over the remake or expecting a better homage to the 80s version. And that's understandable, but I always felt like the original was slightly overrated anyways, so I wouldn't include myself in that group. I also think people should just look at Fame 2009 as it's own movie, really.

Anyways, back to the film. I agree with others who are complaining about the lack of character development. There were some characters I really enjoyed (Malik, Jenny, Marco, for instance), but even they weren't especially dynamic. However, some of the acting performances were great (especially Collins Pennie and Naturi Naughton), and the teachers really brought a legitimate performing arts pedigree to the movie (Megan Mullally was especially great!) The singing and dancing was better than I thought it would be, because lately I've been sorely underwhelmed by the numbers in dance movies. "Hold Your Dream" was so enjoyable, and I really got into every aspect - the singing, the instruments, the ballet/hip-hop/modern...I mean yeah, it was corny as hell, but what did people expect?

The storylines were a lot different than the original in the way that they weren't very gritty or controversial. But the reasoning behind that I think is that our generation is already pretty well-exposed to topics like sexuality. It was such a poignant thing in the 80s because audiences hadn't seen those types of situations before on screen, necessarily. I definitely wouldn't have minded some touchy subjects being in Fame 2009, because I think movies that challenge audiences are always more respectable and interesting. But I kind of accepted the fact that we wouldn't really be getting much of that in the new movie. Also, I think there was a gay character in the movie named Kevin, but it was never made official. (THIS IS ALL SPECULATION, BY THE WAY) And honestly, I found that kind of refreshing that the movie wasn't forcing the subject by making him the poster child of homosexuality by giving him an, "I'm Gay!" sticker on his head. He was just another character among the rest of the cast, given storylines that outlined issues other than his orientation. Not enough films or TV shows do this with their gay characters.

What I really liked about the 2009 version was the almost reverent portrayal of performing arts. The general messages of the movie are ones we've heard before, yes, but the way they were explored felt (surprisingly) unforced and real. I think that's due to the teachers in the movie, who really nailed their parts and seemed touchingly sincere about what they believe being an artist really means. I think if anyone enjoys dance, theater, singing, etc., then they should appreciate this movie. Don't think because this is a long review, I took the movie really seriously. It was pretty fluffy, but I just wanted to defend it because it's been getting somewhat undeserved bashing. It's not Oscar stuff obviously, but it's fun, and there's definitely talent to be found.
 
I searched for it in the internet but couldn't find anything about the soundtrack or when it will be released. :( I think we'll have to wait a bit longer... Sorry that I don't have better news.
 
I just got back and I have to say I'm kind of on the fence about it. The talent is great. I just think the way they edited it together wasn't that great. I felt you got to know the characters which is great. But the problem is you don't get to know them enough.

I've seen the old Fame and this one and I have to say it was put together a lot better - you got a sense of the character's talents and how they could be used. I loved how they got together at lunch and broke out in song, music and dance. That was one of the big highlights.

As for characters, I was left wanting for more. We got a lot of Jenny's character (Kay Panabaker). I thought she felt really young, which is good I guess. But I really think they would have been better off giving the love interest to say Katie (I think that was the character's name - the asian girl). I don't know. I just really couldn't get into Jenny's character just because you never saw her improve. You never saw her grow. She seemed like the pointless character in the movie which is kind of sad.

I loved Asher Book in this movie. His voice is awesome. He's cute, let's just be frank. All around loved him.

Kherington could have been left out of the movie and I wouldn't have noticed. As well as Victor. Both these characters didn't seem to add anything. I wish they would have given them something interesting about their character to make us care.

Kevin was awwwwww, but cliche. I would have loved to have seen him prove them wrong. But meh. That's RL I guess.

I loved the black girl. The hiphop was 'whatever'. But I loved that solo at the piano. She was superb singing that song.

Overall I liked the movie. It just felt really disjointed. I think I might have to go back to watch the original to see if it was as disjointed. But I don't know.

I would have loved for the finale to have been more spectacular. Better in all aspects as in music soloists, dancers and singers. But what can you do.
 
I have also not seen the old one, i dont mind old movies but i dont think i will watch the old onev as well
 
fame_poster01.jpg
 
Thanks for adding it. :D

I've not even seen the original version of 'Fame'. I'm in general not a fan of older movies. :look: That's why I'm so looking forward to it. I assume if I had seen the original I wouldn't be excited for the remake as well. :shrug:

And somewhere I read that it shouldn't really be a remake, that means not the same characters and so on... It's a new dance movie which takes place in the same school...
 
Kay Panabaker: New Fame Stills!

Kay Panabaker and Asher Book look to be in good company in this new still from their upcoming flick, Fame.

Asher, with costars Kherington Payne and Naturi Naughton, is promoting the flick in London and he can’t get enough of the city. He tweeted, “seeing buses with me on it is a trippy experience! never thought that would happen ha london is amazing!!

Remember to tune into the 2009 MTV VMAs to see the new Fame Music Video tomorrow night @ 9PM ET/PT on MTV!

Fame hits theaters on Friday, September 25.


kay-panabaker-fame-stills.jpg
 
Thanks for the info about the soundtrack! :flowers:

I didn't even recognize it because the soundtrack from the original Fame looks almost the same. :lol:
 
I don't know how I feel about them remastering the original. The pictures of FAME 2009 look like coke ads. I love originals and I wish at times they would keep it original, but apart me me wants to see it. Whenever originals are changed it can either be a huge success, or a huge flop.. I just love how the 80's feel is with the original. It's one of my favourites.
 
Looks good the soundtrack does

It says its coming out next tuesday - Amazon.com: Fame: Original Soundtrack: Music
 
:yay: I'm very excited for this movie! :D

They advertised it like crazy when I went to Six Flags last week and showed some BTS stuff and I think they're having a talent search as well :lol:
 
I still have no clue when the soundtrack will come out but I found this on YT :)

Fame 2009 Soundtrack preview
 
Hey everyone. :wave: I'm really curious about 'Fame' and I love the trailers!

Btw - There's a new one out: Fame official trailer 2 Maybe you would like to add it to the OP. :) Enjoy! :D
 
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