I'm Gonna Live Forever

September 27, 2009

"You want fame? Well, fame costs. And right here's where you start paying...in sweat."
--Lydia (Debbie Allen), from the original Fame movie

I embraced my inner 80s child today--Bree and I went to see the new Fame, which opened in theaters this weekend. We've been counting down the days, believe me! When I was in high school the original movie came out. New to the world of dance, I was entranced. Not that I believed I'd ever make a career out of the performing arts, but I was fascinated by the journey, the drive, the ambition, the triumphs and heartaches. I loved Irene Cara as Coco, and Gene Anthony Ray as the amazing Leroy. Imagine my excitement when the movie was adapted as a weekly T.V. series. I never missed it.

While this new adaptation of the franchise hasn't been garnering particularly strong reviews, I really enjoyed it. Perhaps it had the nostalgia factor going for it. It wasn't quite as gritty as the original, but it was entertainment. The movie rating was watered down to a PG version, most likely to draw on the So You Think You Can Dance audience (as well as perhaps the High School Musical crowd), and I imagine that's the source of some of the criticism. My criticism would be more about the lack of depth of some of the primary characters. I just don't feel like we got to know them as well as I would have liked--always a challenge with larger ensemble casts.

I especially enjoyed seeing Kherrinton--a former So You Think You Can Dance contestant--shine in her role. The impressive roll call of the Performing Arts Academy faculty (Charles S. Dutton, Bebe Newirth, Kelsey Grammar, Megan Mullally, and of course, Debbie Allen) was a real treat. I enjoyed their performances at least as much as many of the kids who are just beginning to aspire to their own fame.

It was worth the wait--Bree and I are both already looking forward to seeing it again.