Chris's Film Reviews

[Christopher Prime]

So I've started to begin doing this.

Basically, every time I see a movie, I'm going to throw my two cents into it. (Usually will be weekly or so)

So let's start with the movie I just got back from seeing.

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Fame
Genre: Musical
Rating: PG
My Rating: A

Most people know the story of Fame, it's pretty simple really. Fame follows the story of a group of kids through their High School years at New York Academy for the performing arts. As they try their best to make it big, while going through the troubles, twists, and turns of life. Some will find what they seek: Fame, but others will be left in the dust.

Now let me start by saying before seeing this film, I viewed the original Fame, which is by all means a masterpiece. Does this new version of it hit that level? No. I won't lie, the original is by far a hundred times better. (I'd give it an A+ even being unbiased)

Let me start the actual review by saying this. This is not your parents version of Fame by any means. It can be interpreted one of two ways, a retelling/reimagining or as a continuation of the story long after Doris and the others left 'PA'. As for me, I see it as a little bit of both. In other words, this is our generations 'Fame'.

It starts off a lot more like the TV show then it does the movie. We get the Fame song playing in the background briefly while the old speaking voices from the original show go up and the logo appears.

From here, we're presented with the same format as the original. We travel with these characters through Auditions to Graduation. The characters incorporate ideas presented from characters in the classic movie but also take on lives of their own. With extremely strong performances from Nauri Naughton (Denise Dupree) and Asher Brooke (Marco Ramone).

Let me make this clear now, Naughton and Brooke are the heart and soul of this movie. Naughton's version of 'Out Here On My Own' is one of the most amazing songs I have ever heard. She outshines the original's Irene Cira, which was completely and totally unexpected. Whereas Brooke also has an incredible number called 'Try' which is also extremely beautiful.

Kay Panabaker, as good of a voice as she appears to have, is pretty mediocre sadly. She is a great actress and one of the strongest leads, but sadly has too soft of a voice to carry the movie. Collins Pennie, our fourth lead sadly had very little time for performing in this movie, which was dissapointing seeing as he had one beautiful voice when he did get to sing.

There were key scenes from the original throughout, though severely toned down. The most obvious being the two shy kids on the staircase talking. And a boy (who is never said to be, but obviously is gay) decked in make-up in the girls dressing room.

I was sorry to see that they cut out the girl going to the casting director and having to take her top off and be exploited as she is FORCED to was cut from the movie. That scene in the original was one of the hardest to watch but also the most powerful scene in the entire film. I felt the girls pain throughout the scene and it really was heartbreaking. So to see there wasn't a variation was a big 'WTF?'

Now I understand it's PG, but they could have implied it at least. Even in the trailer we got Joy saying "THE CASTING DIRECTOR SAW ME ON YOUTUBE!". Never happens in the movie... But apparently a scene akin to this was filmed and cut from the film. Oh well, there's always hope for a directors cut right?

This being said, the film does keep the dark tone of the original in-tact. This is not the most uplifting of all movies, neither was the original. Which made me smile, it showed the people who wrote it had great respect for the original film. The only thing left out that was considered a bit 'naughty' in the orginal is the nudity and usage of drugs. (Probably to earn the PG rating)

Anyways, I'm rambling, so I'll make one more point. And that is that I was severely dissapointed they didn't play the actual full new version of 'Fame' until the credits. COME ON! It's the damn theme, there's no dancing on cars either, it comes off a bit as a gag real with them dancing goofily to the song. *Shakes head* That dissapointed me a little.

The only other complaint I really have is the lack of character development. They set up many sub-plots they could have explored, but some of them simply dissapeared while others were just never built upon. A few were fleshed out though, so it's not a giant complaint.

The bottom line:

Fame is an incredible film from start to finish. You'll laugh, sing, and maybe even hold back tears while watching it. Whether you hate musicals or love them, it is 100% worth every penny you pay to see it. It's good old-fashioned fun that whether you're young or old, you'll find something to love. If you're going to go see one movie this weekend do yourself a favor and go and see this, you won't be dissapointed.

[Christopher Prime]

DVD Review of the Week

Fame (1980)
Genre: Muscial, Drama
Rating: R
My Rating: A+

And now it's time to hear my review of the amazing original that inspired the new version above. This is where all the magic began, a huge hit musical which follows a colorful and extremely diverse cast of characters as they struggle through the ups and downs of life while attending 'New York Academy for the Performing Arts'. Each with one goal: FAME!

Fame is most likely famous for being extremely controverseal, and it earns it's solid R rating. Don't go in expecting an uplifting inspirational musical. If you want that, go and see Hairspray, Grease, or High School Musical. Fame is a dark, gritty, extremely realistic take on the musical genre. But if you can take the long running time, trust me the reward is quite possibly one of the greatest musicals ever conceived.

Filled with a great ammount of emotionally powerful scenes, the most powerful I mentioned in my review of the 2009 remake. Truly a heartbreaking scene, and if you're light hearted, I would suggest you take a bathroom break during it. You're going to find it very hard not to break down along with the character being exploited.

The characters break every conceivable stereotype you can think of. This musical holds absolutely nothing back. You've even got a Gay character, who is openly gay. Something you no longer really see in the Musicals today. On top of this, you got the racial issues, the finding yourself issues... And you get a real strong look at the horrors of just how far people will go to become famous.

There is no real happy ending to this story, which is a rarity in the musical genre. Even though we don't know what happens after the story ends, the ending doesn't exactly end on the happiest note. At the end of the day do people actually reach Fame? Yes, some of them do. But other character's eventual fate's are left to the viewer to decide.

Finding things to be at fault with when it comes to Fame is nearly impossible. Though I can say this, some of the acting is laughable. Mostly at the start, though the auditions are supposed to make you laugh sometimes... The horrible acting that isn't supposed to be bad during them is severely face-palm worthy.

This being said, the main cast is superb in both vocal, dancing, and acting talent. It's a wonder how the actors of this movie didn't do very much after the cameras stopped rolling! For pete's sake these kids were all amazing.

The Bottom Line:

I could go on for hours typing the reasons Fame is so amazing, but Fame is not something you can just read about, it's something you have to experiance. You'll cry (hard at times I'd like to add), you'll laugh, you'll find youself singing along, and you'll feel all the pains of the characters. There's very little not to like about this movie. This classic, whethere you rent or buy it, is incredible and worth the lengthy running time. Fan of musicals or not, it's a must-see for any moviegoer.

Just be sure to keep your little brothers, sisters, kids, cousins, etc out of the room. This film has many drug refferences, some pretty strong language, and a lot of topless girls throughout. This is not High School Musical or anything like it. And the most emotionally powerful thing is something you do not want to expose a young child to.

[Ironhide]

Yup, I totally want to see the original. I'm not surprised my parents never recommended I've seen it, for one they're not that much into the same stuff I'm in, including musical/drama-oriented (on any level) movies like Fame and High School Musical. I never was totally into it either, but I do enjoy the genre.

That being said, I connect to these types of films pretty easily for some reason, perhaps because of the career I have in mind and the messages passed onto me through out my life. In regards to the new movie, they still succeeded in touching that serious, very real subject that applies to EVERY being on this earth.

Mainly, I fully acknowledged this when the guy who wanted to be a ballet dancer...i dont want to give it all away for those that haven't seen it yet, but the whole couple scenes focused on him made me so sad. The way it was acted out and how real that whole scenario was/is for a lot of people really allowed me to reaffirm a lot about...the way the path towards my career has gone. There's always a way as long as you're determined, dedicated, and focused.

The whole movie itself kind of made me think about what is still currently my passion in terms of choosing a career (aviation). No matter what paths you take its going to be hard, and this movie showed it with everyone. There were plenty of other scenes I felt like I could relate to or felt deeply for, but I'm NOT giving away all that, nor am i reviewing. I'm just acknowledging/reaffirming some of the stuff that you commented on.

And yes, I agree the "hinted sub-plots" could have gone deeper. Then again it could only be so long, so oh well...

On a final side note: why the heck are there sequels to almost EVERYTHING these days? IMO I'm certain I'd prefer no sequels were made to Fame. I mean anyone can be curious about what happens to the graduates, but really, it should be kept as is^^. Definitely an A plus as I said yesterday.

[Christopher Prime]

Children of the Corn (2009)
Genre: Horror, Suspense, Thriller
Rated: Unrated
My Rating: C+

I'm not sure whether to call this movie dissapointing or better then the average remake. I guess it's just a little bit of both.

So let me start witht he plot. It's more like the book then the original movie, so fans may want a refresher course: Burt and Vicky, a young married couple are on the road to some unnamed city (likely Seattle as in the book and original) when they accidently hit a young boy. After discovering the boy had his throat slashed, they enter Gatlin, Nebraska. Where the children worshipers of 'He Who Walks Behind the Rows' awaits them.

Let me start by just saying this, it is not like the original movie. This film is much more to the original Stephen King short story, and even then the film strays so far from it... Well it's basically it's own version of the story to that effect.

I'll start with what I actually loved abotu this movie. It felt like a COTC movie from start to finnish. There's a lot of tension, suspense and a few good scares. There are moments when you'll genuinely be screaming at your TV for the couple to run.

The character of Burt is very likeable, and a complete badass in this re-interpretation. He takes out a kid with a sledgehammer, knife, and his bare hands. May as well make him metal and call him Optimus Prime!

The pacing is slow and the build-up is very nice. Something you don't see very often anymore. In that respect I applaud the writers for their excelletn pacing. Even if the ending with the corn rows coming to life is rather 'WTf'ish. I never remember that in the movie, or reading about it when I read about the short story.

That being said the ending is the same as the book, so don't expect a suprise ending if you know how that ends.

Now onto my hates about this movie. Vicky is freakin' annoying and honestly will make you want to see her die in the first five minutes of the movie. She spends all of her on-screen time screaming her head off. No ammount of hotness can make her seem likeable.

Malachi's actor was just.... Just... Terrible. He doesn't look 18 in fact he looks TWENTY EIGHT. And Issac my god, is he 7? He's supposed to be 16! In yet he looks like a tiny kid. It was pathetic choice in the casting of both characters. And even Malachi's 'Outlander!' line is uttered maybe twice in the entire movie.

And even worse, the Children hardly are even there. They show up once in a while to scare you, then they're gone. Repeat constantly. And they are nowhere near as menacing as the originals.

This being said, this movie is very enjoyable. And is definently worth a rental, or a buy. (I may or may not do the latter)

Bottom line:

While it's not the perfect remake, it is a very nice interprettation of the story. Likeable, though it comes nowhere close to being as good as the original. If you're a COTC fan watch and maybe buy it, if not, rent it. For those who hate ScyFy movies, I def. reccomend waiting for the upcoming theatrical remake being created by Dimension. But otherwise take it for what it is, and enjoy it. It's deffinently worth a watch at the very least, I promise you that.