 Review by Chris Keller
“I’m gonna live forevvveeeer” – so goes a line from the world-famous title track to Fame, one of the most influential movie-musicals of the past half-century. And many people would argue that Fame HAS lived forever, creating and reinvigorating many musicals plots and tactics that are still used today. But alas the executives at MGM Studios seem to think differently, thus we are presented with a seemingly timely “reinvention” more than 20 years after the original hit theaters back in 1980. The original Fame followed 4 theater-loving teenagers on their paths, collectively and individually, through But surely, in a musical such as this, the plot takes a backseat to the lavish musical set pieces and catchy show tunes, right? Well, this has been the case in other recent musicals, such as Hairspray, Mamma Mia! and Rent. And, if anything, Fame does have an overflowing supply of famous and catchy songs in its catalog, anywhere from the soaring ballad “On My Own” to the booming titular pop tune. Some of these get the respect and detail they deserve (Naturi Naughton’s version of the former is beautiful); others are thrown in for nostalgia’s sake (the latter only plays over the end credits). But other than a wonderful, groovy (but totally unrealistic) impromptu cafeteria jam session, none of the music is upbeat, happy, or catchy – surely a prerequisite to entice audiences to dance in the aisles. And this cast of mostly young, unknown singers and dancers bring their A-game to the performances, but they often falter whenever the moment calls for some true acting chops – sometimes even in the movie’s acting class! But if you walk into the theatre thinking only of seeing spectacular singing and breathtaking dance moves, you’re “gonna fly hiiiigh” - much like the songs promises. But if you would like a little substance to go along with the theatrics, it looks like Fame (2009) comes very close to crashing and burning. 2 / 5 stars |
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