Fame (2009)

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

Director:

Kevin Tancharoen

Writers:

Allison Burnett (screenplay), Christopher Gore

Stars:

Kay Panabaker, Bebe Neuwirth, Kelsey Grammer

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kay Panabaker	...	Jenny Garrison
Walter Perez	...	Victor Tavares
Naturi Naughton	...	Denise Dupree
Asher Book	...	Marco
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

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

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Plot Keywords:

performing arts | new york | student | singing | halloween | 

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Taglines:

Remember My Name

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Musical | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [fr]

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 photo 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. Neuwirth went on to win the honor.

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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" restricts the show from being produced (even by amateur groups and schools) anywhere in the greater New York area while there is an open-ended production running on Broadway.

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Quotes

Mr. James Dowd: Everything you're ashamed of, all the parts of yourself that you keep secret, everything you want to change about yourself - it's who you are. That's your power. Deny it and you're nothing.

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Connections

Featured in Richard Roeper & the Movies: The Worst of 2009 (2010)

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Soundtracks

"Too Many Women"
(Damon Elliott Remix)
Written and Performed by Rachael Sage
Courtesy of MPress Records

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.