Fame Review
“Fame” is a remake of the 1980 film. This movie is very similar to the original story in that it follows a group of dancers, singers, actors and artists over their 4 years at the NY City High School of Performing Arts, a very competitive school, with students from all walks of life. In addition to viewing all their wonderful artistic skills, the audience sees the students dealing with normal teenage issues such as schoolwork, friendships and romance.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: January 12, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 9+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Talking Points:
The movie emphasizes that hard work and dedication lead to success. A lot is expected of the students, they have their music and dancing classes in the morning, and traditional school in the afternoon. I read that one of the actors said:
“There is the realism of what artists go through and the work ethic involved, what it’s like to be rejected, and not giving up afterwards.”
The students are very supportive of one another, while the instructors are very supportive and encouraging as well. The teen audience may pick up on some of the instructor’s valuable lessons to their students. When one of the students refuses to play Bach the way its written for the piano, the professor says, “traditional techniques do not stifle talent, they free it.”
The students are mostly unknown actors, though most of the instructors are played by familiar TV stars, such as Megan Mullaly, Kelsey Grammar.
Debbie Allen, was in the original film as a dance teacher, and she returns as a school principal in this film.
I loved the music, which I think most kids will like, however it was disappointing that the title track “Fame” is not in this movie until the end credits.
Sexual Content: Mild
- A girl flirts with a graduate student to try to get a part in a TV show. He tries to make out with her, and pushes her on the couch.
Violent Content: Mild
- When a student realizes he won’t make it as a dancer, he tries to commit suicide by stepping in front on an oncoming train.
- There are a couple of disturbing parts when some of the students get into trouble because they’re obsessed with fame.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- Many characters swear throughout the film. The a-word, d-word, b-word and h-word are used.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate
- Students attend parties where there is alcohol.
- One student gets drunk and throws up.
Young viewers in the audience that are passionate about anything, whether it be in the arts, sports or academics, will relate to the dedication and work ethic that the students portray in the film.
Overall it’s an entertaining, fun movie!
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