Way back when the original Fame (1980) movie was released, I was really too young to appreciate the deeper social issues intertwined with the story. But when the Fame television show aired in the early 1980s, that didn't stop me and my family from tuning in. The combination of dancing, singing, and performing tapped into my subconscious from an early age. And to this day, I probably still have a crush on Irene Cara and would be intimidated by Debbie Allen if I saw her in person.
So when the new Fame (2009) movie was announced, I was enthusiastic. It once again included the indomitable Debbie Allen, plus the gorgeous and talented Kherington Payne from So You Think You Can Dance, season 5 — two figures from the world of dance I knew were talented in the field. Add to that an all-star cast of Megan Mullally (Will & Grace), Bebe Neuwirth (Cheers), Charles S. Dutton, Kelsey Grammer, and a whole new generation of talented singers, dancers, and performers, and you should have a great film.
I was disappointed to hear that the film opened to mixed reviews and somehow I never had a chance to catch it in the theater. I do however want to take a look when it comes out on DVD in a few months.
But how is the soundtrack, you ask? Well, it has some high points. I'm not much of a fan of hip-hop or new R&B music, but the two voices that really stood out to me were those of Asher Book and Naturi Naughton, both relative newcomers.
The only two songs that have survived from the 1980 soundtrack to the new one are "Fame" and "Out Here on My Own." The 2009 version of "Fame" is just okay for me — the bass is a bit much. But "Out Here on My Own" from Naughton works. She has a pure, emotive voice and the simple arrangement with voice and piano really brings that out.
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