Fame (1980)

Absolutely Fantastic

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

'Fame' is a fun musical with good songs and dancing. The characters are pretty good too!My biggest problem with the film is the ending. Why is it so bad? Well they leave a LOT unresolved. For example, we don't know whether or not Doris and Ralph get back together. Also some other plot points are left unresolved.I think this is what makes it an 8 rather than a 9.I don't normally like these kind of films, but something about Fame sets it apart from the other Late 70's-Early 80's musicals.Overall it's a fun film with great songs, but a sh*tty ending. An 8.5/10 or 4 stars.

I think some movies age better than others. I don't think this film aged well. It was made back in 1980 but looked to me like it was made earlier in 1970-which stands against it-I think it was a throwback to an earlier type of film for 1980 that was surprisingly well received when it came out. Personally I found it hard to watch to the end. I thought it was overly melodramatic to the point of pain a number of times. It started out being a comedy of sorts and then turned into something else with younger characters spouting profanity as if that was somehow part of being 'gifted' when all it did was make the characters look dumb which didn't add anything in the way of credibility to the movie. Irene Cara's character is from the city yet doesn't pick up on a guy whose fishing for girls to do porn. To make matters worse/even less credible, she agrees to do an 'audition' with Mr. Phoney and then starts to cry when he asks her to take off her top-but does it anyway. I thought that part of the film was pretty ridiculous. Basically I wasn't impressed with this movie very much. There was just one or two standout musical moments in the whole movie which I thought was basically a stink bomb of a film.

Think of this as a very entertaining period piece and in the tradition of Rocky I, Saturday Nite Fever, Chorus Line, and...probably 7-8 I can't recall right now. It's got a real zest to it, enthused performances, compared to DANCING WITH THE STARS winners, decent dancing, and a fabulous soundtrack. Speaking of the soundtrack, it's so cool that a '60s icon, Lesley Gore, along with her Brother, composed a true classic, in full modern style, "Out Here On My Own". (although, sad to realize that if Lesley had it out on a single/album, it might have had a cup of coffee on the Top 100, only).Buy this DVD used or go to the Library. Or buy it "new".I did see this flick in the movies!

This movie tells the story of nine ambitious teens trying to follow their dream at the infamous New York High School For Performing Arts: Coco, the singer, Bruno, the modern Mozart, Lisa, Leroy, and Hilary, the struggling dancers, Ralph, the comedian, and Doris and Montgomery, the actors. While they all think they have what it takes to really reach their goals, they are going to need a lot more than just their talent. They will have to deal with rejection, heartbreak, education, pain, and love in order to achieve their fame."Fame" is one of the most entertaining, classic, and inspirational movies of all time. It has everything a teen drama/musical should have: extremely catchy, entertaining, Oscar-winning songs performed by the amazing Irene Cara, stunning dance numbers, a very attractive cast that makes you believe in the characters, and a great story, including the heartbreaking scene when Coco meets the video camera.Like I said, the cast is awesome. Irene Cara can really act, and it's not only her singing that makes her shine here as Coco. Lee Curreri is very good as Bruno. Barry Miller brings a lot of humor to Ralph. Maureen Teefy is great as the outcast Doris, and look closely, and you'll see Paul McCrane of "ER" as Montgomery.This is truly an amazing film. "Fame" really touched me and inspired me to keep following my dreams as an actor and singer. Any movie that moves me this much is a winner in my book. A must-see! The film really touched me and inspired me to follow my dreams as an actor and singer.