In an age when Broadway shows like Chicago and Sweeney Todd are making the move to Hollywood, when Glee is one of the highest-rated shows on television and High School Musical has revived the musical genre for the next generation, there is a new kid on the block. Okay, perhaps not "new"-an old story with a facelift. When Fame first debuted in 1980, it became the anthem of a generation, leading to a subsequent television show and stage adaptation. Now, almost 30 years later, influenced by the surge of Disney music genres sweeping the teenage nation, Fame attempts to reinvent the original movie to make it more suitable for the teenyboppers singing Hannah Montana into their hairbrushes.

While the original Fame was rated R for sexual topics, language and drug use, this newer version lacks these more risqué subjects in order to attract with a PG rating the young audience that Disney has so kindly prepared for them. However, in doing so, Fame cheapens the true high school experience. The biggest problems these kids face are boy drama and their parents not believing in them. If only life were so easy.

Additionally, by stripping the plot of such topics, the movie was left with very little plot at all. In fact, had it not been for the chapter-like markers throughout the movie telling me what grade the characters were in, I would have been lost.

The movie's saving grace, however, is its impeccable handpicked talented ensemble of unknown actors. While no one sings the "Body Electric" in this version and the "Hot Lunch Jam" has been replaced with "This is My Life," a soulful combination of strings, drums, electronica, rap, R&B, tap and other genres and instruments, one song did make the 30-year transfer between films. Naturi Naughton's (Denise) version of "Out Here on My Own" was heartfelt and vocally stunning. It was a pleasure to watch this piano virtuoso steal the spotlight with vocals reminiscent of a Jennifer Hudson-Stephanie Mills hybrid.

Another actor worth mentioning is Asher Brook for his portrayal of Marco. While I found the character to be a charming answer to his all-too-similar predecessor, High School Musical's Troy Bolton, his version of John Legend's "Ordinary People" for his audition into the high school was beautifully sung in a light and smooth tenor voice. He later follows this audition song with the classic "Someone to Watch over Me" later in the movie with the same elegance.

It was also a pleasure to see familiar faces mixed within the ensemble of fairly unknown talent. Bebe Neuwirth held her own as dance instructor Ms. Kraft. Kelsey Grammer played the lovable yet stern music teacher Mr. Cranston. However, out of the cameos in the movie, Megan Mullally truly stole the spotlight. Her rendition of "You Took Advantage of Me" was beautiful, and her performance as vocal coach Fran Rowan was both caring and perfectly symbolic of how dreams of stardom do not always come true.

While I do believe this newer recreation of the 1980s classic has been severely watered down when compared to its predecessor, the fact remains: this movie was fun. Yes, it has its technical problems, and the plot is flawed. But, what it does achieve is what many movies that are technically perfect and have flawless plots fail to do: It is entertaining from start to finish. Whether it was the dancing or the singing or anything else found in this movie, I enjoyed the hour and a half I spent watching this film . and that's the point, right?