First-time director Kevin Tancharoen takes on the classic 80’s film of the same title and leaves us wanting. Wanting to revisit the original, that is. While the idea of kids singing and dancing at a performing arts school in New York City is a viable hit, the story lines and substandard execution are not enough to brand this movie a winner.

By Tia Barretto

While its predecessor’s script was gripping and relevant, this year’s remake of Fame has its ups and downs. Though it follows the outline of the original script, which starts with the auditions and then moves through the four years of high school, the sense of character growth and development is non-existent. Aside from the flat and one-dimensional characters, the lack of a climax and an actual plot is just as distressing.

But the film is really not about exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. It disregards dramatic structure and focuses on a thesis statement and expounds on that.

The price of fame. Does fame entail disobeying authority? Is it the be all and end all of why you exist? Will fame cost you your life, morals, or friends? The film tries to show us the different possibilities of wanting to be in the spotlight.

While the amazing adult cast (Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally, Charles S. Dutton, Bebe Neuwirth and Debbie Allen) barely highlights the film, the tepid amount of talent in the kids make for a passable High School Musical, but NYC style.

Though a number of dance sequences are surely enjoyable (the Halloween party is the first thing that comes to mind), it’s Naturi Naughton as Denise, a classical pianist turned hip-hop artist with a controlling father, who steals the show. Her amazing vocal range and piano skills make me believe that a star is born. Listen to her perform Irene Cara’s "Out Here On My Own" and you will wonder why she hasn’t been in our lives before now.

Naturi aside, the only other star this film might’ve produced is Asher Book. A member of some little-known boy band, Asher is a teenage girl’s delight. Though he plays a supporting role in this film, his discreet Zac Efron quality will win hearts. And with enough talent to actually stay on key and make grown-ups cry when he sings "Someone To Watch Over Me," it’s not just his pretty face that will earn him a spot on the cover of magazines.

Regrettably, the rest of the main characters are forgettable and, to an extent, irritating. They earn no empathy for their more-often-than-not obtuse decisions and lack of self-worth.

Nonetheless, if you’re a fan of musicals, take with you a grain of salt and you might find yourself enjoying the movie. The awesome soundtrack doesn’t hurt, either.