Who wants to live forever? One of the catchiest songs from the '80s lives on in spirit in the 2009 remake of Fame, based on the 1980 smash hit of the same name, which shot Irene Cara to stardom, and whose theme song launched a thousand aerobics classes. This Fame is in the same exuberant spirit, of talented young kids eager to burst into the spotlight, with great doses of the High School Musical franchise. The big stars are among the adult contingent, and include Kelsey Grammer, Debbie Allen, Charles S. Dutton, Megan Mullally, and the always amazing Bebe Neuwirth, leggy and an awesome singer (though Frasier fans will be half-expecting a Frasier-Lilith run-in, a fun in-joke).

Among the talented younger cast, one of the breakout stars is Naturi Naughton, who plays aspiring pianist Denise, and seems to be channeling some of the exuberance of Cara's performance in the original (she sings a swell version of the title song, too). Other talented newbies to watch include Collins Pennie, who plays Malik, a bitter youth still dealing with the raw hand he was dealt as a kid; the winsome Kay Pannebaker, as Jenny; and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, who plays the ravishing Joy. "You have talent," bellows Grammer's Mr. Cranston. "Now let's see what you can do with it!" The adults wisely get out of the way to let the kids, especially Denise, shine.

As with the original, the music is a standout, and the soundtrack is well worth appreciating on its own. Some songs from the 1980 Fame are included, and updated just enough to feel fresh, including the title tune, as well as "Out Here on My Own," also sung by Naughton. And the new soundtrack features many new tunes, including Pennie singing "Street Hustlin'" and Mullally's memorable "You Took Advantage of Me." And if this remake (directed by Kevin Tancheroen) doesn't quite eclipse the freshness of the first Fame, it's a more than satisfying companion. See you in the spotlight! --A.T. Hurley