Fame (2009)

An updated version of the musical Fame (1980), which centered on the students of the New York Academy of Performing Arts.

Director:

Kevin Tancharoen

Writers:

Allison Burnett (screenplay), Christopher Gore

Stars:

Kelsey Grammer, Bebe Neuwirth, Megan Mullally

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kay Panabaker	...	Jenny Garrison
Walter Perez	...	Victor Tavares
Naturi Naughton	...	Denise Dupree
Asher Monroe	...	Marco (as Asher Book)
Kherington Payne	...	Alice Ellerton
Collins Pennie	...	Malik Washburn
Kristy Flores	...	Rosie Martinez
Paul McGill	...	Kevin Barrett
Bebe Neuwirth	...	Ms. Kraft
Paul Iacono	...	Neil Baczynsky
Charles S. Dutton	...	Mr. James Dowd
Kelsey Grammer	...	Mr. Martin Cranston
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle	...	Joy
Megan Mullally	...	Ms. Fran Rowan
Debbie Allen	...	Ms. Angela Simms

Storyline

The four years in the lives of some students in one class, from their entrance audition to their graduation, at New York City's High School for the Performing Arts (P.A.) is presented. Upon their entrance, the disparate group have a few things in common: they've got "big dreams" and they "want fame". Some have natural talent, some have had to obtain talent through hard work and training, and some show only some promise which the teachers hope will materialize into true talent. Some have full support from their parents, some have support from their parents but only for the parents' specific dreams, and some have little or no parental support whatsoever. Some have formal training, some not. Some are confident of what they can do, some believe they are limited and are at school to expand those talents, while others have no confidence whatsoever. And some are clear about where they want to "be" after graduation, while some want to explore whatever other opportunities may arise for them ...

---

Plot Keywords:

teacher | school | performing arts | student | new york | 

---

Taglines:

I Feel It Coming Together

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Musical | Romance

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic material including teen drinking, a sexual situation and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [France]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 September 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Fama

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$18,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£2,408,242 (UK) (25 September 2009)

Gross:

$22,452,209 (USA) (4 December 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Lakeshore Entertainment, United Artists

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min 123 min (extended)

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

A photograph is shown of Ms. Kraft (Bebe Neuwirth) with Broadway stage legend Chita Rivera. Rivera notably played the role of Velma Kelly in the original 1975 Broadway production of Chicago. Neuwirth also played Velma Kelly when Chicago was revived on Broadway in 1996. Both actresses received Tony Award nominations for their portrayals of the same character, with Neuwirth winning the honor. Velma Kelly's signature song "All That Jazz" is performed by a male student early in the film.

---

Goofs

Mr. Cranston asks Denise to be the accompanist for the school's upcoming production of "Chicago". In the year 2009, this would not be possible since the licensing company which handles the theatrical rights for "Chicago" was restricting the show from being produced (even by amateur groups and schools) anywhere in the greater New York area while there was an open-ended Broadway production still running.

---

Quotes

Marco: She's hot, but she thinks she's like the most talented person in the school.
Victor Tavares: So maybe she is.

---

Connections

References The Bad and the Beautiful (1952)

---

Soundtracks

Fame
Written by Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford
Performed by Naturi Naughton
Produced by Raney Shockne and Damon Elliott

User Reviews

As to be expected

Tons of homogeneous talent -- the tooth bleach is blinding. No story, no rhythm (oddly enough), over-processed young actors with expensive haircuts and wardrobe.

This film isn't about a school with young hopefuls, it's about a fictitious institution packed full of painfully beautiful pimple-free young people.

In the original film, a handful of personalities burst onto screen and their characters were revealed as layers peeled away.

In this version, tons of hotties are thrown in and popped like corn. Nothing memorable occurs, no great songs or outstanding characters. This should have been called "Fame: Another High School Musical" Looked up the director on IMDb.com and he produced Briney Spears' tours -- talk about unoriginal, packed with fluff, and emotionally depthless. He brings all those qualities to this film.