Movie: Fame * Trailer * Official Site
In Theaters: Sept. 25, 2009

Runtime: 107 minutes
Directed by: Kevin Tancharoen

MPAA Rating: PG for thematic material, including teen drinking, a sexual situation, and language
Gecko Rating:

The original 1980 movie “Fame” was rated R, and while I understand the desire to make this one PG (to appeal to the “High School Musical” crowd), it loses a lot in translation.
This modern version could have benefitted from a PG-13 rating; then they could have included more intense material, without trying to dilute it for the younger crowd. As it is, the movie is a little …read more

Chace Crawford just got one degree closer to Kevin Bacon. The “Gossip Girl” star is set to take the lead in Paramount’s “Footloose” revamp.
For a while there, it looked like Zac Efron would be putting his dancing shoes (back) on for the role, but now it’s official. Crawford is in. They actually kind of look a little bit alike, don’t they? I’m sure Crawford will do a fine job.
Hayden Panettiere is rumored to star in the movie, as well. Kenny Ortega, who helmed the “High School Musical” movies, will direct and produce “Footloose,” scheduled for a 2010 …read more

One of the happiest scenes from "Hannah Montana: The Movie" is where Miley Cyrus gets onstage at the barn party and does the "Hoedown Throwdown." Of course, the entire crowd picks it up immediately (gee, you’d almost think they practiced it beforehand!), and the whole place is rocking in no time.
Ok, so I’ve got the scoop on how to do the "Hoedown Throwdown," thanks to Walt Disney Studios UK. Check it out below with guides Miley Cyrus and her choreographer, and let me know if you and your kids master all the moves!

In yet another remake of old movies made new again, "Fame" is headed back to theaters. This time, it stars Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally, Kay Panabaker, Bebe Neuwirth, and Debbie Allen (she plays the school principal). Once again, it centers on students at the New York Academy of Performing Arts.
You know, it could be interesting. The teaser trailer doesn’t reveal all that much, but we like "American Idol" in this household, and watching teens go for their dreams is always fun. I’ll reserve final judgment until I see more trailers and the actual movie. Directed by Kevin Tancharoen, who …read more

"High School Musical 3" is out on DVD this week! It’s a great ending to the series, and even left things open for a new batch of students to take over the franchise.
Somehow, I can’t see any future movies being quite the same, if Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and the rest of the gang aren’t involved. But I’m sure the movies would probably have a following.
Read my review of "High School Musical 3: Senior Year," and check out this fun video from ReelzChannel, which catches up with Zac Efron and Corbin Bleu.

My kids and I loved "Bedtime Stories," and director Adam Shankman (pictured) is on to his next project. He’ll be developing and producing a remake of "Bye Bye Birdie" for Columbia Pictures.
It’s about time the film got underway; it’s been in the works for several years now.
The story centers on Conrad Birdie, a popular singer based loosely on Elvis Presley. He’s about to be shipped off to the army, but as part of a publicity stunt, he agrees to one last encounter with a fan before he goes to war.
The 1958 musical has had several screen …read more

One of the best feel-good movies of 2008 – “Mamma Mia!” – is out on DVD and Blu-ray today. Here’s a DVD bonus clip of Colin Firth’s transformation:

One of my publicist buddies sent me screener copies of two DVD games being released on Nov. 18, 2008. My 11-year-old daughter and I had loads of fun playing them, and we gave them both a big thumbs up. These are great games for kids to play together, but if you’re a kid at heart like me, they’re fun for adults, too! Here’s the lowdown:
Hannah Montana DVD Game: This fun interactive game lets you take center stage at a Hannah Montana concert, play the drums to audition for her band, learn new dance moves, and test your HM …read more