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The new 2009 version of Fame is a bit of a take on the hit 1980 movie that launched Irene Cara’s career. It’s directed by the youthful Kevin Tancharoen, who put a lot of his own strengths in it (well isn’t that what a director should do?) despite trying to keep it loosely connected to the original.

The actors are mostly amateurs, a talented group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists followed over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts, a diverse, creative powerhouse where students from all walks of life are given a chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame. From the looks of it, many will make it to the top.

Overall, the movie is decent for what it is and there is some good music, some athletic choreography and an generally fun vibe.

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The good news about The Ugly Truth is that Katherine Heigl  is as delectable as ever, even while trying to pull off a bit of slapstick (e.g., blowing a Nazi-like whistle to keep her employees in line).

The other bit of good news is that now at least we know that Gerard Butler (300, ROcknRolla) isn’t cut out for low-brow romantic comedies. For those of who you like lewd talk with a bit of a misogynistic bent, however, there are plenty of raunchy, lascivious, sexual innuendos in this film.

Heigi plays an under-sexed TV producer and Butler plays a classic male chauvinist, with an incongrous sense of charm. They are diametric opposites, but as the cliche goes, opposites attract.

It’s the brainchild of the same production team that brought us Legally Blonde, along with Australian director Robert Luketic (Monster in Law, 21)

See the Trailer