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Parents' Guide to

Fame

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Raw look at teen life more shocking than you might recall.

Movie R 1980 134 minutes
Fame Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Tqueen93
Tqueen93 Adult
June 8, 2012
age 16+

don't be to harsh

I think that certain people, especially adults shouldn't be to harsh on it. as an 18 year old teen I really, really liked it. No it's not a good movie to watch with your kids, with the swearing and heavy stuff, but it's also good that they know stuff like this exist, like when that girl was attacked by a junk. It gives a message, and a fun message with that
october1985
october1985 Adult
May 1, 2010
age 12+
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Blending elements of straight drama, music, and dance, FAME shadows a group of gifted students (including singer Irene Cara, dancer Gene Anthony Ray, and composer Lee Currieri) during their time at New York's prestigious High School of Performing Arts, where they're learning the skills they need to succeed. The film -- which won two Oscars for its music (including a Best Original Song statuette for the title track "Fame" -- spawned a 1980s TV series of the same name that allowed several of its young stars to reprise their roles and gave Debbie Allen a much more prominent role as a no-nonsense dance teacher.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (9 ):

Fame might not be a parent's dream pick when it comes to take-away messages and role models, but it doesn't pander, either. It's one of the most honest portrayals of what it was like growing up in New York City during a certain time. The film also captures the raw emotions of teens who are grappling with heavy issues -- and, more importantly, casts the right actors to portray them with startling clarity.

Fame is undoubtably heavy. But that doesn't mean it leaves ardent fans of the musical/dance genre out in the cold. On the contrary, it serves up songs that still sound vital decades later and puts the talents of young dancers, musicians, and actors on display for the world to see. Fame isn't slick or glib, like many modern takes on the same topic. And that's ultimately what made it famous.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether these teens' stories are still relevant to today's high schoolers. Teens: Which of these characters, if any, do you relate to? Do any of the characters' problems seem outdated to you?

  • Does it surprise you to see students talking back to their teachers and using curse words like "f--k" in the classroom? Are curse words more often used as a form of expression or as a means to disrespect someone?

  • What messages does this film send about the consequences of premarital sex, acting out in school, and using recreational drugs?

  • This film is a great opportunity to open a dialogue with mature teens about the stresses they face, including pressure to do drugs, drink, and have sex. How do they respond? How do they protect themselves?

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