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Movie Review - Take the Lead (2006)
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(What this rating means)
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| Director: |
Liz Friedlander |
| Starring: |
Antonio Banderas, Alfre Woodard, a bunch of kids |
| Rated: |
PG-13 (for thematic material, language and some violence) |
| Length: |
108 minutes |
| Genre: |
Drama/Music |
| Tagline: |
Never Follow. |
| Studio: |
New Line Cinema |
| Website: |
Take the Lead |
| Release: |
April 7, 2006 |
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PLOT
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Based on the true story of ballroom dancer Pierre Dulaine, Take the Lead tells the tale of a former
professional dancer (Banderas) who volunteers to teach dance in the New York public school system. Naturally,
his background and style first clashes with his delinquent students' hip-hop tastes, but of course everybody
learns to mutually respect one another and they all live happily ever after. A movie about dance that is more
watchable than I should be willing to admit ensues.
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JOHNNY'S TAKE
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A movie where Antonio Banderas teaches delinquents pride, respect, honor, and discipline through the fine art of
ballroom dancing? Uh huh. I know guys; I thought the same thing as you when first subjected to the
trailer. Unless you thought, "Man, Antonio Banderas dancing? That looks awesome! I can't wait!" In which case
you most likely sleep with men.
But I have to admit that this really isn't all that unbearable. You should still definitely put up a fight and
let your gal know that she's forcing you to go see it (you'll need the leverage sometime in the future), but there
are certainly worse films she could drag you to. After all, Stick It is coming soon and it looks no less
painful than an unhindered 90 MPH baseball straight to the groin.
I guess I should admit that the majority of my enjoyment comes from the fact that I rather like watching the female
form in dancing motion, and that's a bit of superficiality that I refuse to be ashamed of.
Others, mainly women and guys most likely not attracted to women, will find plenty of appeal in Banderas' charm
and the warm, fuzzy feelings derived from yet another "you can do it!" motivational tale about kids from the
wrong side of the tracks. Did you know that kids from ALL walks of life can succeed if they put forth the
required effort? It's true. I saw it at the movies. Several times. And trust me, we'll see it several
more.
This really shouldn't come as a surprise, but there are times when the film produces more cheese than the entire
state of Vermont. Bring along your trusty yellow bucket because you'll need it when Antonio starts using lines
like (and I paraphrase), "I don't see rejects. All I see are choices ... choices yet to be made." Yeah, and all
I see is my breakfast redirecting its way back through my esophagus, ready to make an encore.
The movie also teaches a strong message about the dangers of excessive eye-rolling. My left eye socket almost
detached during a scene when a snobby, blonde bad actress/dancer and one of the delinquent dancers share a moment
of mutual respect. Trust me, it's bad and you won't be able to deny it.
I also didn't buy it when all the regulars at the dance competition recoiled in abject horror at the appearance of
the delinquents. Come on, would there really be so many blank-stared, open-mouthed looks of surprise? It's not
like the kids waltzed in wearing t-shirts, baggy jeans, and high tops. They were in nice gowns and tuxes. The
reactions were a tad over-the-top.
All right, I think I've poked enough fun at the movie to keep my man card firmly intact.
Take the Lead isn't a film I would've paid to see, but I'm man enough to admit that it is moderately
entertaining for a one-and-done.
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ODDS & ENDS
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- I have no idea how true this is to Pierre Dulaine's story. Feel free to look it up and let me know.
- A "one-and-done" is a movie that you moderately enjoy watching once but wouldn't feel bad if you never saw it
again.
- Most of the young actresses in the movie are professional dancers.
- Yaya DaCosta (she plays Lahrette) competed on America's Next Top Model.
- Antonio Banderas was in Spy Kids with Danny Trejo who is in the upcoming Grind House with Josh
Brolin who was in Hollow Man with Kevin Bacon.
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MAMA'S APPROVAL
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The content isn't too bad. There is some minor profanity, including a couple of G-d**ns. You might want to keep the
youngest ones at home. I seriously doubt this would keep their attention.
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TRAILER COMPARISON
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It's actually better than the trailer indicates.
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THE GIST
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If you're a girl who really wants to see this then chances are you're gonna enjoy it. However, if you're a guy being
dragged to it by your girlfriend, well, it might be better than you expect but I can guarantee there are better
options. Just go along with it, but make sure your lady knows that she owes ya one.
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