Fame (2009)

by Sherwin Allan Badayos Balbin on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 12:59am

Fame, 2009 Movie Poster

After almost a year it was shown in the US and released internationally, finally I was able to watch this movie. It captured my interest the first time I saw the movie trailer way back in the Philippines. The movie was loosely a remake of the 1980 film of the same title.

This movie depicts how the US government is serious in taking responsibility in providing a public school system that enhances and develops the skills of any young talented individual. The school was based in New York and it specializes in the Performing Arts but not excluding the academic education as one of the basis of the whole system. Every year, the school conducts an audition open to all incoming high school freshmen but of public school origin. The audtition concentrated on students who are into ballet and modern dances, singing, theatrical acting, tap dance, piano and those who are into other musical instruments.

NATURI NAUGHTON
(Cast of stage play, Hairspray from 2005-2008)

ASHER BOOK
(Former child stage actor, dancer and singer at present)

The movie showcased the four year terms of high school, wherein, in the primary year of the selected students, they were taught of basic and discipline of their chosen talents. It showed a lot of frustrations and differences but later on, the students surpasssed each step of the way.

On their sophomore year, their talents are almost hone but not quite. Some students were outshone in their respective genre and some have their self-esteem issues. Nonetheless, on their junior up to their senior years, they have developed their talents and some were able to discovered what they really want to become after graduation.

There were lots of interesting characters in the film and each one of them displayed an enormous identity that built interest and beauty of the film. The character of Denise played by Naturi Naughton was one of the best and strongest characters in the movie. I was thrilled when she sang Out Here On My Own while playing the piano. It was the most beautiful rendition I've ever heard.

The character of Marco played by Asher Book was the lightest and most relaxed. He was just enjoying with his life as a simple restaurant lounge singer before entering the school. He has this contentment of life even without thinking of fame. His ingenuity of music captured the heart of Jenny played by Kaye Panabaker. Who that time has several issues of her own.

Stars of Fame

The character of Malik played by Collins Pennie was also an interesting one. The depth of his own life story gave him the enormous anger. As the movie progresses, he was able to divert that anger to passion where his acting professor had been teaching him.

KAY PANABAKER
(Appeared in TV hit series such as CSI Miami, ER, and Grey's Anatomy)

The other characters in the film had contributed a wide range of comparison to the modern day talented young individuals.

I recommend this film to those who really love music. It invigorates your sense of appreciation of the performing arts and how can one identifies his or her own talent. What I love the most in this film is that it actually tackled fame versus success. By all means, I have encapsulated a line from the film:

COLLINS PENNIE
(Appeared in the movie Stomp The Yard 2: Homecoming)

"There is something success is not, it's not fame, it's not money or power. Success is waking up in the morning so excited about what you have to do. You really fly out the door. It's getting to work with people you love. Success is connecting with the world and making people feel. It's finding a way to find together people who have nothing in common but a dream. It's falling sleep at night knowing that you did the best job you could. Success is joy and freedom and friendship and success is love."

Needless to say, I really enjoyed watching this amazing movie. Next stop, I will find the original film, Fame 1980.

My fearless rating for this movie is 8 stars out of 10.

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