Directed by:
Kevin TancharoenScreenplay:
Allison BurnettCinematography:
Scott KevanComposer:
Mark IshamCast:
Kay Panabaker, Naturi Naughton, Asher Book, Kherington Payne, Bebe Neuwirth, Paul Iacono, Charles S. Dutton, Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally, Cody Longo (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Kevin Tancharoen directs this updated version of Alan Parker's phenomenally successful 1980 musical. The story centres on a group of highly talented students at the New York Academy of Performing Arts as they prepare for professional careers in dance, music and drama, while also undergoing a full programme of academic learning and dealing with the ups and downs of life and love. As each student strives for his or her moment in the spotlight, they will discover who among them has what it takes to succeed and finally achieve the fame they crave. (Entertainment in Video)
(more)Reviews (2)
Overall, I thought it was a mix of Never Back Down and High School Musical, but it was better than those films combined. I haven't seen the original film, so I don't know how high the bar was, and that's why I can't judge this new remake here, which didn't exactly get a standing ovation. I quite liked it within reason. There was a mix of completely unknown actors and acting veterans and it was all in balance. The soundtrack was great and didn't tear my ears out as it tends to with contemporary teen musicals. Of course it couldn’t be more cliché and we see the same situations as many other American films, but for me it was an enjoyable and average film with amazing visuals and sound.
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Sure, the musical scenes are quite alright, but that's somewhat expected. Otherwise, it's just another unnecessary remake that lacks the urgency of the original film, which was somehow rawer and didn't try to present itself as something glossy. There, "Fame" sounded truly ironic, because behind fame lies a lot of effort. Not to mention it has its price. I didn't get that vibe from this remake.
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