Fame

Ambitious musical drama follows a group of students through their four years at the New York High School of Performing Arts, as they take music, theater and dance.  Raw and profane, this bears little resemblance to the hit TV series that followed.  Nevertheless, this is a heartfelt and emotionally involving slice of life.  Rarely has a film so beautifully shown how people of diverse backgrounds can come together and get along in an effort to be the best.  But Christopher Gore’s Oscar nominated script isn’t cloying or saccharine.  This is gritty stuff and he’s masterful in juggling multiple characters and storylines.  Their lives feel authentic and sincere.  A brilliant ensemble film.