"Fame" Remake Won't Live Forever

Lindsay Live | Sep 26, 2009 | 2

Bebe Neuwirth as dance instructor Lynn Kraft, Photo courtesy of MGM

There are so many problems with the new "Fame" remake it's difficult to decide where to begin. Perhaps the film was doomed from the start - remakes are rarely better than the original, especially when the original is so iconic.

From the very first scene the film's major problem becomes glaringly obvious - like most dance movies, "Fame" tries too hard. Instead of giving the audience a realistic glimpse into the world of the performing arts, it smacks us over the head with trombones, ballet shoes, subwoofers, monologues, showtunes and dance routines. New York City's High School for the Performing Arts, aka PA, is like a musical theater theme park on speed - make sure to duck or a flying tap shoe might hit you in the face.

Whether it's the choreographed cafeteria numbers or the sugar coated heart-to-hearts, everything about "Fame" feels contrived. Unlike the original, which was brilliant in its raw simplicity, the remake lacks believability.

That's not to say there aren't a few standout moments. Debbie Allen shines as the school principal, but the real star is Naturi Naughton, who plays Denise, a classical pianist with a secret penchant for singing. Naughton brings the right combination of vulnerability and strength to the role, ultimately proving that if you want something bad enough you'll get it. Paul McGill also delivers a touching performance as Kevin, the sensitive ballet dancer from Iowa who doesn't quite have what it takes.

Kherington Payne who plays Alice, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired. Mediocre at best, she lacks the dance technique (and the acting skills) needed to make the role believable. It's slightly laughable when she reveals she's leaving school to tour with Complexions, which she refers to as "the best modern dance company in the world."

Although a bit saccharine, the final number is the film's best moment. The musicians, dancers, singers and actors all come together for an inspired production number revealing the skills and lessons they learned during their four year journey at PA. The ensemble dancers, although they do not resemble high school students at all, are superb. It's too bad we had to wait until the very end to see the dancing finally take flight.

With lots of potential but not a whole lot of delivery, the remake of "Fame" is definitely not gonna live forever. Thank goodness the original will.

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Enthusiast, Dance Movies, Fame, Pop Culture (all tags)