"Dreamgirls…and boys"

There are two basic rules in every writing class: one, don’t start a story with “It was a dark and stormy night,” and two, show, don’t tell. The fact that the new Fame trailer has to tell you the different components of the film – passion, heartbreak, love, friendship – is a little disconcerting. The soaring “inspirational” music in the background doesn’t help, either.

The whole vibe from this trailer is a bad combination of Dreamgirls, “American Idol” and a Coke commercial. (Wait, are those last two the same thing?) It’s actually eerily reminiscent of Rent’s flat and uninspiring trailer and we all remember how disappointing that final song and dance number was on the big screen. At this point, the film’s greatest potential rests with the teachers: Megan Mullally, Bebe Neuwirth, Kelsey Grammer and the returning Debbie Allen.

The kids better bring it with their performances, otherwise there are going to be a lot of burned out light bulbs in the Fame marquee.