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 boring and the characters really aren’t fleshed out that well. It’s like “High School Musical,” only with more intense scenes (too intense, really, for a PG rating).

As with the original, this movie follows the lives of several students at the New York Academy of Performing Arts. The original has a famous line from Debbie Allen (who played a dance teacher in that movie and plays the principal in this movie; different character, though): “You want fame? Well, fame costs. And right here is where you start paying … in sweat…” That line is said over the opening credits in the new movie.

The only problem is, we don’t really see a whole lot of sweat. We see a kid who doesn’t seem to have much talent in any of the arts (Kay Panabaker’s character), a not-very-good dancer from Iowa who manages to make it past the audition process, and various other talented and non-talented kids. This IS a pretty prestigious school, after all. You’d think most of the non-talented kids would be weeded out in auditions.

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The kids include Alice (Kherington Payne), a dancer from a rich family; Malik (Collins Pennie), a Harlem kid who dreams of a career on the stage; Denise (Naturi Naughton), a classical pianist whose real talent is hip-hop singing (despite the objections of her parents); Victor (Walter Perez), a budding music producer; Kevin (Paul McGill), the aforementioned dancer from Iowa; Joy (Anna Maria Perez de Tagle), an entertainer who scores a gig on “Sesame Street” in her junior year; Jenny (Kay Panabaker), an uptight actress who needs to loosen up; and Marco (Asher Book), a sweet boy who attempts to loosen her up (but in a good way).

The standouts are Book and Naughton, both of whom have beautiful voices and are a pleasure to listen to, even through the movie screen. The teachers include Kelsey Grammer (music), Bebe Neuwirth (dance, and yes, Frasier and his wife!); Megan Mullally (musical theater); and Charles S. Dutton (drama). They all have their moments of tough-love, pep talks and drama.

Despite the promising premise, this movie falls flat in just about every way – even the obligatory lunchroom number which we’re expected to believe is spontaneous (I didn’t believe that with the original movie either). Still, if you want to see something that changed pop culture, see the original 1980 movie. Since it’s rated R, kids can check out the more family-friendly TV series; seasons one and two were just released on DVD.

NOTE TO PARENTS: Some of the dances are sensuous, and there are several kisses between major characters. In one scene, an actor tries to take advantage of a female teen by pretending to film an audition scene in his trailer. (I couldn’t help but think she should have known; even the girl in front of me at the theater said, “Even my grandmother could have seen that guy coming.”)

Violence includes references to a character’s violent past, including his little sister being hit by stray gang-related bullets. A depressed character seems like he’s going to jump in front of a subway, but is stopped in the nick of time. There’s a lot of profanity for a PG movie, including “sh*t,” “a**hole,” “hell,” “goddamn,” and bullsh*t.”

Images: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

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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 release.

Think Crawford will do a good job? I’ve never actually seen him dance, but he must have some pretty awesome skills to be cast in “Footloose.” Anyone know if he’s a hoofer?

Image: Zuma Press

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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!

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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 doesn’t have a lot of director credits, but did helm 2007’s "Dance Life" (a TV show) and 2004’s "You Got Served" (a feature film), "Fame" hits theaters Sept. 25, 2009. Check out the official "Fame" site.

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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.

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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 adaptations, including an Ann-Margret and Dick Van Dyke version in 1963 and a television movie starring Jason Alexander in 1995.

More after the jump…

No writer is attached to the current project, but it’s gone through several gestations in the past several years:

• The title character was going to be a hip-hop star.
• Several writers have taken cracks at the story, including John Chu, "Step Up 2 the Streets" director John Chu and Tina Fey of "SNL"/"30 Rock" fame. 

Shankman is a veteran choreographer who produced and directed the "Hairspray" remake in 2007. He’s recently lined up two projects, directing "Bob: The Musical" for Disney and "The 8th Voyage of Sinbad" for Columbia. Check out Shankman’s IMDB page – he’s got about 20 projects lined up in the next couple of years.

Image: Adam Shankman, The Pacifier, Walt Disney Studios, 2005

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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 knowledge with clips, pictures and quotes puzzles. The DVD features 11 games and activities, and it will definitely be making an appearance at my daughter’s next slumber party. Sweet niblets, this DVD is way too much fun for kids of all ages! [Official Site]

High School Musical Game: This DVD also features 11 interactive games and activities, including sing-alongs, friendship quizzes, dance routines, hoop shoots for the Wildcats, and some cool test-your-knowledge games. My daughter and I had the most fun with BFFs, a game that tests how well you know your best friends. Turns out we know each other pretty well. This DVD is tons of fun for both kids and adults! [Official Site]

Images: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, 2008

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