I wanted to like this movie. I really did. I remember the original show fondly. Debbie Allen was the toughest, most awesome teacher you could ever imagine. The dancing was cool, the students were engaging. This, though. Not so much. Debbie Allen was relegated to the background, rarely to be seen, and never doing what she always did best - coaching dancers. The movie has far too many characters and subplots for the viewer to track, and they are never allowed to get deeply engaged with any of the characters. I left not caring about a single triumph or tragedy and was simply relieved to see the credits roll. I expected much better from this franchise, and I will not be going back if they create another. Sorry, guys. I was rooting for you, I really was, but this was just too far of a miss for me.

I thought this movie was great! Of course if you're attached to the broadway musical you may not like it as much because it's a remake of the ORIGINAL MOVIE...not the stage production. I really liked it. I liked the split scenes. Any scene where they combined all the different arts was amazing! I thought the actors all did a good job. I liked how it was a musical without being a traditional song-every-other-sentence kinda musical. I also enjoyed seeing the teachers played by actual actors who were skilled in what they taught on screen (ie: kelsey Grammar actually did study the piano, Megan Mullaley actually did sign on broadway etc) It would have been cool to have seen more of the teachers perform. the only thing that bugged me was that it seemed like they ended up cutting out a lot. I think the characters were supposed to be more developed but for some reason they ended up having to cut out a lot...hoping the DVD will have some more extended scenes and such. )

Wed. Sept. 23. FAME is a 107-min re-imagined re-make of the 1980 original FAME movie. I've watched the original many years ago - and in comparison, I like the original better. The 1980 original FAME had more 'grit' and conflicts compared to this latest play-it-safe 'sweet' uplifting incarnation. I enjoyed ALL the music, singing, dancing, drama, etc. but I just wish the plot had more going for it - and that the director, Kevin Tancharoen, would focus more on developing the 'flat' characters. Nevertheless, it was a treat to see FAME showcase diversity - a stable of talented young performance artists. We were also treated to the talented Megan Mullally singing! Debbie Allen is back - this time as the principal. Bebe Neuwirth was a treat to watch portraying a no-nonsense brutally-honest dance instructor. VERDICT: Highly recommended for fans of musicals. Good kids/family-friendly movie. Worth checking out.

What is everyone's problem?? I can't for the life of me understand all the crappy reviews of this movie! It is VERY entertaining. Extreme talent. Good acting. Good story. Loved the way it was shot. No, I'm not a tween. (well... ok, I HAVE a tween.) Yes, I saw the original. No, it's not the original. If you want the original, see the original. I've seen it twice so far and loved it both times. Okay... in the original R-rated version, Maleek (sp?) would have said, "F--k this!" instead of "Screw this!" but do we really need that? And in the 70's, every movie had to flash boobies, but somehow I managed to survive this one w/out them. No doubt my daughter and her friends will drag me back for a 3rd viewing and I will happily go! Go see it... it's great!! Not perfect, but you will be thoroughly entertained. I was pulling for these kids! I cared about them. What more do you want from a movie???

Great movie...if you like dancing, you will love this. Don't listen to the hairbrained idiots that leave negative reviews....this IS NOT A SMALL children's movie, but it is artistic and wonderfully entertaining. So IF YOU'RE A PARENT, BE RESPONSIBLE AND WATCH IT YOURSELF FIRST...don't send your under 12-yr olds alone!!