Take the Lead (2006) User Reviews

Surprisingly really good!

[Deneb · 8/10 · 16 March 2006]

I just returned from seeing this film at a preview/test screening.

This film was much better than I had expected. The story brings to mind movies such as Mad Hot Ballroom or Dangerous Minds, but is different enough that it is able to stand on its own.

Overall I thought the acting was well done. The dancing was great (both the hip hop dancing and the ballroom). And while I am not a huge Antonio Banderas fan, I thought he was excellent, and I really liked him. He was able to be the star of the movie, but not the center of attention at all times. He looked good and seemed to provide a different element to what could have been the same old "help the inner city kids find hope" story.

The script and dialogue had nothing too cheesy or corny, which is usually found in "feel good" films, or movies about highschool students. There are plenty of funny parts, as well as enough drama and interesting character conflicts to keep everything interesting.

My only complaint was that the ending didn't seem to wrap up everything - there were some back story lines and issues that weren't resolved. But a few unanswered questions can sometimes be better than a cheesy, unbelievable ending where suddenly all is right in the world. I'll be curious to see if they make any changes before it is released in theatres.

I give it an 8 out of 10, because I was genuinely entertained.

Surpasses formulaic story

[dalemarshall · 8/10 · 24 March 2006]

This is a feel-good movie. You will enjoy it, laugh, maybe even cry, despite being able to predict what is going to happen. Banderas does a nice, understated job and the actors portraying the urban kids are outstanding. I didn't like some of the camera angles and chafed at the dance shots often being too close up to really see what the moves were, but the choices in filming undeniably added to both the realism and the energy of the scenes.

Altho based on a true story, one has to wonder how much was added for dramatic effect. Some of the relationships/developments seem just too trite and stereotyped -- and yet the portrayals are enjoyable enough that ultimately you don't care. After the number of times audience members laughed or exclaimed over scenes or lines in the movie, I was surprised that they didn't clap at the end -- it's that kind of movie. It reminded me of both Strictly Ballroom and Stand and Deliver. You won't be sorry you've seen it.

Not what you've expected.

[HiddenVoice · 7/10 · 3 April 2006]

There are so many good films being released and so many formulaic films like these are released that it seems like we can do without a film like TAKE THE LEAD.But guess what,this ain't your average coming-of-age inspiring story.This is rather more fun and effective drama powered by fantastic dance sequences,with the aid of Benderas who leads the kids.

The entire film depends on Benderas' energy and wit.He fills the film with energy and wit and excites everyone in the film.I really enjoyed the superbly choreographed dance sequences as it brings about different cultures together and shows how much fun it could be.It's really enthralling.

A finely made entertaining film with a different treatment to an old formula.Surprise is on their side.

Very Entertaining and Based on a True Story

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 19 January 2008]

In New York, the polite dance instructor Pierre Dulaine (Antonio Banderas) sees a black teenager vandalizing the car of the director of a public school and on the next day he volunteers to teach dance to students to give respect, dignity, self-confidence, trust and teamwork. The reluctant director Augustine James (Alfre Woodard) offers the troublemakers that are in detention expecting Pierre to give-up of his intentions. Pierre struggles against the prejudice and ignorance of the students, parents and other teachers, but wins his battle when the group accepts to compete in a ballroom dance contest.

Movies of dance are usually attractive, and the entertaining "Take the Lead" is no exception. However, this feature is more important because it is based on a true story of a man that has decided to make a difference, helping poor students to see life with another perspective. Antonio Banderas shows again that he is a "complete" actor, capable of performing the most different roles. The real Pierre Dulaine deserves this homage for the importance of his gesture and action. Jenna Dewan, from "Step-up" and the sexy Katya Virshilas are stunning dancers and the actors and actresses present wonderful choreographic dances. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Vem Dançar" ("Come to Dance")

Just Entertaining Enough

[jimyoung_one · 7/10 · 20 March 2006]

I got to see a preview of this film on the last night of the Latino Film Festival here in San Diego, CA last night and was pleasantly surprised. I originally thought the theme seemed to have already been done to death, but there was enough new here to keep the interest. I was especially pleased with the right amount of humor mixed in with the drama. Just a bit more entertaining than an episode of Boston Public (which is a good thing), but with all the realism. YaYa Decosta, of America's Next Top Model fame, puts in a good performance as do most of the kids. I also liked the fact that the story didn't get bogged down by too many other story lines and even left one of them open as the movie comes to an end. Stay for the entire dance scene at the end during the credits, it's worth seeing.

7 out of 10, see it now or wait and rent the DVD

Antonio Banderas recital in an entertaining and good feeling story

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 27 November 2007]

A good-hearted dance professor(Banderas) asks to Principal(Alfre Woodard)of a rough school the education of rebels students by the Dance-Studio, then he takes over a class of unteachable pupils(Reb Brown, DaCosta, among them).The novice teacher gradually earning respect from his pupils and he learns that turning their attitude requires an intense understanding of their hard-knock lives. Together these misfits attempt to win the championship of the ballroom. The film is based on real character , about Pierre Dulaine who appears uncredited as one of the judges for the grand ballroom competition.

This well-meaning film is an enjoyable retread on two sub-genre : a)about the professor teaching unteachable teens, such as ¨Dangerous minds¨(directed by John Smith with Michelle Pffeifer),¨To sir with love¨(James Clavell with Sidney Poitier)¨Blackboard Jungle¨(Richard Brooks with Glenn Ford) along with , b) about the spectacular ballroom, including championship of dancing-saloon, such as ¨Stricly Ballroom(Baz Luhrman with Paul Mercurio),¨ Dance with me¨(Vanessa Williams and Cheyanne) and ¨Shall we dance¨(Richard Gere,Jennifer Lopez).In the film is heard and splendidly danced several dance styles: Foxtrot,Tango,Chachacha,Rumba,Vals and Salsa. Well-acted by Antonio Banderas with experience at dancing in ¨Evita¨ and excellent supporting casting with extraordinary plethora of young people who make a nice work, in spite of mostly are newcomers. The movie is well produced by Toby Emmerich and the actor Ray Liotta. The story is professionally directed by Liz Friedlander in a great debut and his only film , he's usually video-maker, as REM, Celine Dion , among others. The flick will like to Antonio Banderas fans and youthful public. Hot music and dancing, as well as the charm of the leads, make this one well worth watching for any dancer fever enthusiastic.

The How Do You Say.... Ahh Yessss Movie

[rooprect · 7/10 · 19 April 2013]

Are there any late 90s SNL fans out there who get the reference in my title? Chris Kattan once did a hilariously bad parody of Antonio Banderas, the idea being that Antionio is so sexy ("tooo sexy! tooo sexy! No, the bambinos!") that he can basically fondle the camera and be a hit. This film, featuring Antonio as a swave, kind-hearted, chivalrous dance instructor with impeccable taste in clothes, is the real life version of that skit. I watched this with my girlfriend, and she kept looking over to ask me if I was still heterosexual.

So yeah, tons of eye candy for fans of Antonio. Dim the lights, strap on your dancing shoes, or whatever else you care to strap on (I don't even know what that means) and enjoy the film.

The movie itself is an entertaining blend of gritty realism, fantasy dance, cute comedy and every highschool-misfits-enter-a-competition movie ever made. Much of it is predictable, but it packs enough pirouettes to surprise the audience once in a while. Included in this mostly-tame story are bits of crime, violence, domestic abuse and attempted rape which are convincingly done, due to the excellent acting by these mostly-unknown young actors.

If you don't know, "Take the Lead" is based on the true story of Pierre Dulaine, a dance instructor who decided to take on some of the roughest schools in NYC by teaching ballroom. Much of the film is dramatized, several bits are outright manufactured, but it more or less stays true to the spirit of Pierre's work. I wish it had expounded more on the philosophy behind the method (which is beautifully explained in Antonio's monologue to the angry parents), but we still get the gist.

I've read a few reviews and message board comments from people who were infuriated by the ending spectacle, and all I can say is yeah they have a point, but hey this is a movie folks. It's supposed to have some pizazz. I suppose it's the extreme blending of realism and dancing that causes the conflict. If you can go with the flow, I think you'll find it to be a fun and worthwhile flick.

If you like this sort of story (highschool-misfits-enter-a-competition), I highly recommend the Japanese flick "Swing Girls" about a bunch of nerds trying to learn jazz. On the wacky side is "Kickin It Old Skool" about a bunch of middle aged nerds who never left the 80s trying to win a dance contest. There's a million of em but they never get old, do they? "Take the Lead" is more on the serious side than the others, but hey... it has Antonio Banderas. How do you say... Ahhh yesss.

A Motivational/Inspirational Film

[agobey · 9/10 · 31 March 2006]

Attended a premiere of the film yesterday without knowing anything about it, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Along the lines of similar films regarding inner city schools and the use of fine arts to motivate students, this film chooses dance as its educational medium. It provides a realistic examination of true life in the New York public school system, and of New York City in general...no "Sex and the City" or "Friends" glamor here. I applaud this film for its casting of Antonio Banderas as the teacher who really cares for his student's lives in a world of despair. He does a great job conveying the inner struggle of a person who yearns to offer their help despite limited resources and support. Meanwhile, the students that make up his class are relative unknowns, but all are fantastic dancers with acting skills to match.

Even if you are not a fan of either Hip Hop/Rap or Ballroom/Jazz/Ballroom styles of music and dance, this film will have your foot tapping and imagination wandering..."maybe after some lessons, I could dance like that". Both worlds are depicted with accuracy and realism, allowing followers of either genre to spy on the other.

For parents looking for the suitability of this film for their children, I would say the minimum age should be 13-ish. Other than the odd curse word or gun play, there is not much else to worry about. The benefits and moral lessons taught by this movie far outweigh the negative aspects.

If you've ever secretly wanted to join a dance class, this film will (hopefully) push you past your fears and have you dancing in no time.

Generally entertaining but horribly false

[cherold · 6/10 · 2 April 2007]

This movie is "inspired by" the story of Pierre Dulaine, who started a ballroom dance school program in New York. But "inspired by" seems to equal "use a real person's name," because this movie feels utterly false in every detail, from its "cute meet" with a thuggish (but good-hearted) student through its two cardboard bad guys to a final ridiculous finale that pushed absurdly unrealistic to new heights. It felt so unlikely, and I remembered that Mad Hot Ballroom, about that same dance program, had featured younger kids, so I googled around and found an excellent review on some website called Townhall by Megan Basham that pretty much said everything I felt, and also pointed out that in fact the program was created not by one person but by two and did in fact start in two schools with younger kids of various backgrounds.

But what is probably a very interesting story is tossed out in favor of a very shallow Hollywoodization.

This is not to say the movie isn't watchable. The cast is engaging and there are some nice dance numbers in it, and of course Hollywood clichés can have a certain manipulative power. But the problem is, every new ridiculous event in the movie pushed me further from enjoyment and towards irritation.

When people complain about Hollywood movies, this is exactly what they're complaining about.

Take The Chance

[streetsmarts101 · 5/10 · 10 April 2006]

First off, let me say this. You've seen this movie a million times before. From the 'Black Board Jungle' from the 50's, to 'To Sir With Love' in the 60's, 'Dangerous Minds' and 'Sister Act 2' in the 90's, the formula is exactly the same. Well meaning teacher, or non-teacher (usually Caucasian) goes into the inner city to help mold the lives of the usual assortment of troubled kids who just want to be noticed and loved. On a side note, I find it amazing that Hollywood continues year after year to make the same movie over and over again. Come to think of it, I really shouldn't be surprise. It is Hollywood after all, the land of originality. But back to my review. After having said all that, and knowing within my head that I've seen this story done so many times, I have to admit I really enjoyed the film. Don't ask me why. Maybe it was the mood I was in. I definitely wanted to see something light and breezy, because the rest of my day would be pretty hectic. Somehow the film affected me in unexpected ways. I tend to be an idealist, and freely admit that I'm the perfect sucker for this type of film.

My recommendation is for you to go and experience this film. Don't expect to see the finest film ever made. Just go in and let it wash over you. You'll be surprised.

Great Movie

[chariswatson · 10/10 · 5 April 2006]

This movie I will applaud for it's use of the art of montage. Every montage had a purpose - and they were edited together with the music super well. Not only were images from two different worlds combined in the montages - but music from two different worlds as well.

Growing up in East Los Angeles I could relate at a lot of different points. My family didn't have it bad, but the people around me did. I can see how the dance programs would boost self-esteem and add culture to kids who didn't have chances at culture.

The characters are well fleshed out (which is amazing for most recent movies) and Antonio Banderas gets to be his uber-suave, ultra-rich self. Dulaine opens doors and stands for ladies - moves that one kid in the movie calls "punk-@ss".

It's a familiar story line for anyone who has seen the typical teacher movie, but there's enough intrigue in the characters, the dance and the music to keep in highly entertaining. The theater audience with us was cheering, laughing and cat-calling at different points and the lady next to me kept saying how she couldn't wait for this to come out on DVD.

Very touching and inspirational

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 7/10 · 28 October 2006]

I wasn't really too interested in seeing Take the Lead, I mean, don't get me wrong, I love Antonio Banderas, but this movie looked like your typical Save the Last Dance type of flick. My mom asked me to rent it and give it a look with her, so we did, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out how much I enjoyed this film. It had a great story and was truly inspiring to see how the kids you'd expect to find in your typical slum turn themselves into fine and exciting young adults.

Take the Lead is about these kids who are named as the one's who will not make it, in fact, it'll be a surprise that they'll live to see their 18th birthdays, since they live in a bad neighborhood. But when Pierre Duwaine, a ballroom dance teacher, offers to take over the detention hall, he also offers these hip hop gangsta teens the chance to learn: respect, discipline, and the salsa! Slowly, these kids realize how much they have in common with each other, pushing themselves to the limit and proving to everyone that they choose to have a future!

Take the Lead is like Save the Last Dance meets Dangerous Minds, it had a really great story and good acting. I loved how inspirational it was and as cheesy as it sounds, I loved watching these kids change from hoodlums to respectable young adults. As a teacher in training, that is the most gratifying moment in their career, so it's nice to see that you can inspire, or even make your every minute count.

7/10

Same Old Song & Dance

[happy_hangman · 17 May 2006]

I didn't expect to like Liz Friedlander's 'Take The Lead' very much. And I didn't. To be honest, though, it didn't annoy me anywhere near as much as I thought it would.

Every studio-friendly grimy ghetto stereotype is presented to us, with a side-order of WASPish snobbery. The hard-as-nails High School Principal with the heart-of-gold, the feckless parents, the hoods, the hookers, the Romeo and Juliet wannabes, the follow-your-dream sentiment. And into this mix fate throws…er…Antonio Banderas as a ballroom dancing teacher, of the sort that would be torn apart by the ravening mob attendant at any High School I've ever visited. And yet this purports to be based upon a true story. Fair enough.

My main problem is that, despite the veracity of the source story, it's too neat. There are no loose ends, which rather beggars belief in the reality of the tale. Love triumphs. Virtue is rewarded. Hard work and enthusiasm win the day. Uplifting, perhaps, but little reflection on the lifestyles of the kids as represented in the first half of the film. If anything this feels like the cheery pilot episode of a TV show. The foul spectre of 'the Kids From Fame' hangs heavy in the air.

Banderas is as stylish as ever, and Alfre Woodard is as cockily capable as ever, but it's the screen presence of Yaya DaCosta and Rob Brown as our would-be Montagu and Capulet that save the film.

It's not very good, but it's not that bad – and the soundtrack is interesting.

Typical

[huiyt · 5/10 · 27 March 2006]

Decent, definitely a rental. I'd give it a 5.0, typical "inspired by a true story" movie. Quite cliché with "maturation" themes. A few corny comedic moments. A little on the long side, had trouble sitting through this in the theater. See it if you like ballroom dance, have to admit it had its well choreographed moments but.... the story falls a little short. Don't see it if you want to see it for the urban dance, its rare in the movie, but there is some. Overall, I was disappointed, but the disappointment was expected. Very dull movie, no surprises, no heart wrenching drama, nothing emotionally shaking. Predictable is all you can describe this story line as. The performances of the cast were mediocre and the lines were weak. I expected to be inspired, I walked away with mixed feelings. I'd rather have seen it at home definitely.

Choreographed

[tedg · 8 April 2006]

By now you already know the essentials. This is like scores of other movies that mix the competition genre — success in life as dedication to some competitive sport — with the black kids redeemed by tough dedicated teacher. Its a predictable grind.

There are other distractions: the patronizing tone is heavier than usual, Banderas, usually charming, has some syrupy lines that might have been forgiven if he had actually danced. I guess it wasn't in his contract. The final peculiarity comes if you saw "Mad Hot Ballroom." The competition is in actually learning the graces of ballroom dancing, but this movie wants it both ways and ends with a hop hop sequence. It is as if he talked them into entering a polo context and they won it by playing basketball.

Well, I forgive all this, because the dance is handled cinematically, and that's good enough for me. Forget all the tepid excuses and bozo morality and just look at this as an episode in the long love affair between movies and dance.

This particular thread started with Fred Astair I suppose. The problem was that movies were trying to become something more than stage shows. So they had to figure some way to merge dance that would appear in the story. Astair combined ballroom dancing with the kind of stage dancing from the old era.

This way, it made sense in a subtle but important way and we ended up with a whole class of dance folding in what followed.

This movie is essentially about hip hop dance merged with "whitebread" ballroom dancing. The fold is ordinary: at the end we have an audience on-screen engaged in their sometimes nice business of polite dancing, sometimes with a representation of passion but not real passion.

And what gets folded in is "real" life, real passion (supposedly, though who believes kids can know anything about passion?).

So if you are going to judge this, there are only two things to watch for:

—Is the passionate dance passionate? Is it real? Do you feel that you are taking risks with it; that you are seeing the dancers at the edge? Is it Jazz? Does it hurt?

No it doesn't. You never escape the reality that these are professional dancers picked to match the required stereotypes and who are moving clumsily by design. Then when they bust out you know you are watching something choreographed.

secondly:

—Does the camera dance? After all, the whole thing is about enfolding us into the energy of the thing. And it is possible to place the camera amid the dance and animate it as if we were ourselves busting out.

And this does reward a bit, especially in the editing until the end. That end I guess is too important to the producers, so it abruptly shifts into conventional camera mode. It may have been shot first with a different creating crew.

But earlier, the camera does engage. And the lighting is subtly edgy.

Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

For all those who don't think they want to see this

[charlie-richardsonX · 7/10 · 10 April 2006]

My favorite movies are The Matrix, Donnie Darko, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the Star Wars Trilogy, and Empire of the Sun. Other favorites include films such as Apocalypse Now! and Signs. Yet, even I though this was a great movie. I'm tired of the typical Rocky rip-off where they train and train until at the end they compete and usually win and I hate hip- hop and stuff like that (This movie contained a lot of Hip-Hop on the soundtrack) but I still found it very good. Worth a try. It's not the greatest movie ever made or anything, but if you like this kind of movie, you'll love it. If you don't like this kind of movie, I'd still give it a shot because it's much better than the trailers and the genre lead me to believe. I was actually almost clapped some of it was so strong. 7.5 out of 10. Compared to other dance films, an 8. For any movie, 7.

Overall: Thumbs up!

There are a lot of dance movies similar to this one but this movie made you actually want to get up and start dancing.

[gullible_me · 7/10 · 7 April 2006]

I just saw this movie today and thought it was really good. There were uneventful/predictable moments in the movie but all in all it was pretty good. It made me and my friends who watched that movie want to go learn to ballroom dance. The dancers in the movie are incredible and the acting is really good as well. Antonio Banderas was an amazing actor in this movie. He was the perfect person for the movie as he was very believable. Jenna Dewan was also very amazing in this movie. When she's on the dance floor you cant look away or at anything else because shes gorgeous and a stunning dancer. The way they mix the two types of music and dance together is incredible and looks like so much fun. I recommend this movie to anyone that likes any type of dancing as this is a dance lovers movie.

Take the lead and see this movie before too much time passes

[inkblot11 · 6/10 · 17 May 2006]

Pierre, a ballroom dance teacher, (Antonio Banderas) happens to witness a student vandalizing a school principal's automobile, unbeknowst to the pupil. Rather than chalk it up as another reason to loathe society and its teenagers, Pierre decides to offer to teach the school's teenagers some foxtrot and waltz steps. The principal laughs at the idea but offers him the group of students in detention, the lowest of the low. Pierre, although somewhat daunted, nevertheless begins a journey to change the lives of his charges with the elegance of dance. Can his plan really succeed? Banderas is marvelous as the man who puts a new twist into the old story of troubled teens. His extremely likable persona (and knockout voice) is one very good reason to see this movie. But, it's not the only one! The group of young people who portray the teen dance students are likewise very talented and appealing. And, what energy they have! The script is fine, the costumes are great, and the NYC setting believably compelling. Don't wait to follow someone else's advice. Take the lead and see this movie first.

"For These Kids Life Is A Fight To Stay Alive, And A Hustle To Make Ends Meet." --- Principal Augustine James (Alfre Woodard)

[Robert_Hearth · 7/10 · 10 October 2006]

"Take the Lead" (2006)

Directed By: Liz Friedlander

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Alfre Woodard, Yaya DaCosta, Rob Brown, Jenna Dewan, & Dante Basco

MPAA Rating: "PG-13" (for thematic material, language and some violence)

Upon seeing the trailer for "Take the Lead", I like most everyone else thought it looked like just another clichéd mess. But, against my better judgment, I caught it in theaters. Now, I am glad that I did. "Take the Lead" is a massive achievement…a movie that takes its clichéd storyline and transcends it, making for a fresh and entertaining film. It is a film that places much of its weight upon up-beat dance moves and loud, thumping music, instead of an original plot. The rest of its weight falls directly onto Antonio Banderas, the smooth-speaking Spanish actor who can make lines such as "I understand six languages and I speak five--all with a Spanish accent," sound like sexual invitations. Women love him and men…well, men only wish they could be him. He exudes confidence and sensuality, making all ladies, including my mother, swoon. It is this type of performance that allows "Take the Lead" to transcend its genre and become something far more than usual. I often found myself wondering if "Take the Lead" succeeded because it was good…or if it succeeded because Banderas simply felt that it should and had seduced me and all of the other audience members into believing that it should as well. He seems desperately connected to the viewers drawing them in with his intense stare and his amazing rhythm. It is this chemistry that makes "Take the Lead" so wonderful.

Pierre Dulaine (Banderas), a ballroom dance instructor, who accidentally meets a troubled high school student named Rock (Brown) who is in the process of destroying his principal's car. Seeing this, Dulaine decides to try and help out with the local inner-city school where Rock goes. Principal Augustine James (Woodard) gives him the duty of watching over detention. However, this is not just detention hall. This is extended detention. The students, including Rock, will be there for the remainder of the school year. Dulaine decides to teach them all how to ballroom dance--something that they, of course, initially find to be pointless. They prefer hip-hop and rap, rather than classical music, and see no use in learning to dance when their families are starving and just surviving out on the streets is a twenty-four hour job. But, as Dulaine begins to blend his type of dance with the dance styles of the teens, they soon realize that sometimes just surviving isn't enough and winning isn't always important. Sometimes, merely making a difference in their own lives, in their attitudes, and in the attitudes of those who never believed in them, is enough. As they begin to develop emotionally, they prepare for a major dancing competition against some very talented dancers--Dulaine's professional students.

Things are not flawless, however, with "Take the Lead". The biggest problem is its ultimately clichéd plot. The tagline for this movie reads "Never Follow". Unfortunately, the movie does not follow its own advice. It hits so many of the Hollywood clichés that it can easily be mistaken for many other movies. This is unfortunate, as this film is far superior to all of the other mediocre movies that use the same clichés. On top of that, the ending is far too happy for my liking. Sure, Rock makes it to the competition in time and dances with his partner, LaRhette (DaCosta), all night long, but he is still out on the street with a deadly gang on his trail. Another problem with the ending is the relationship between Dulaine and his assistant, Tina (Laura Benanti). The idea that Tina loves him is barely hinted at throughout the film, though it is clear. At the end, however, it seems as though their romance just happens. Dulaine never, to my knowledge, seemed to actually show that he had feelings for Tina, yet, at the end, he leaves with her. This relationship was ultimately underdeveloped and seemed more like an afterthought rather than a planned occurrence. The good outweighed the bad, fortunately, and most of these problems can be ignored.

The performances in "Take the Lead" are actually very nicely-done, with Antonio Banderas being the highlight. Like I have said, he is deeply sexy and that definitely shows on screen. Yet, he also seems to showcase maturity and responsibility. He blends these two aspects seamlessly. Alfre Woodard also hits an amazing high note, embracing her character well. I found her to be completely convincing. The teens all do their jobs and do them well, allowing us to believe in them. These are some of the very few teens in Hollywood movies that actually act like teens. They do not fit the typical stereotypes. During the exciting finale of this film, I found myself wanting to jump up and dance. That is the sign of a good dance film. It drew me in, making me actually want to go out and sign up for a ballroom dancing course. It's an inspirational film that delivers exactly what it promises and so much more. All in all, I enjoyed it. Is it clichéd? Yes. Is it predictable? Definitely. But, is it more fun than a barrel of monkeys? You better believe it. If you haven't seen it yet, then go out, this weekend, and invite a lot of friends over and watch the movie. I assure you that you will have tons of fun.

Final Thought: Though it is ultimately clichéd, it is far better than most movies of its genre.

Overall Rating: 7/10 (B+)

Truly Moving Picture

[tollini · 10/10 · 28 March 2006]

I saw this film on March 28th, 2006 in Indianapolis. I am one of the judges for the Heartland Film Festival's Truly Moving Picture Award. A Truly Moving Picture "…explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life." Heartland gave that award to this film. The setting is a rundown high school in a poor minority neighborhood in Manhatten. The students have a challenging family environment. Their parents are depicted as mostly unemployed and drunks, drug users, prostitutes, and low-lifes. Their children reflect this environment. They hide their low self esteem with bravura, petty crimes, slang, rudeness, indifference and, above all, their love of hip-hop music. By accident and fate, Pierre Dulaine (Antonio Banderas) walks into the Principal's office. He is challenged to work with the worst of the students as a volunteer in the detention hall after school. Pierre is an ex-professional ballroom dancer and runs a ballroom dancing school. He decides to get to the kids with ballroom dancing. His competition is hip-hop music and hip-hop dancing and the ghetto, chip-on-the-shoulder attitudes. Pierre tackles his assignment with presence. He is impeccably dressed, polite, and exudes intensity and confidence. Over time and with difficulty, he starts to bring the troubled teens up to his level. He never goes down to their level. And then he challenges the teens with a city-wide ballroom dance contest, and the story takes off. Pierre attempts to give hope to the students by having them make good choices. Pierre's tools are his own spirit, grace, sacrifice and charm. He wills his way into getting respect from the students. The movie has the same inspirational feel as "Mad Hot Ballroom" but is much different. This film is fiction and about older students and is much more edgy and brutal. While the film is occasionally edgy and dark, the music and dance makes this strangely a light and entertaining watch for most of the time. And the music and dance are eclectic – from Gershwin to 50 Cents and from Tango to slow motion Breakdance. FYI – There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.

Nice little movie, with a compelling storyline.

[m-47826 · 6/10 · 28 November 2020]

It's not the best one of the bunch, but it's still a nice way to spend the evening. Some dance sequences are very good, despite being overdone, with slow motions and other stylish camera works. Characters weren't too stereotypical and Banderas was great. It reminded me a lot of Dangerous Minds and Save the Last Dance. Which I love. It's easily entertaining and makes you want to dance. Or watch more movies of the same kind, afterwards.

Disappointing

[serf9 · 5/10 · 29 June 2006]

I was really looking forward to this film but came out highly disappointed.

Everything was good about this film except the editing, screenplay, character development, clichés, mediocre direction ... oh, and there wasn't much of a story.

I know it's 'based on a true story' but let's emphasise _based_: it could have been dramatized better than this. Instead, in true Hollywood fashion, we end up with yet another could-have-been. Obviously, the producers made it because the concept sells. They couldn't have cared less whether the movie was any good. Without mincing my words, this film is a diabolically formulaic, string of familiar scenes joined together with plot devices.

Right from the beginning we know we've seen countless films like it and this feeling continues right through. I think we call that feeling boredom, or is it, disappointment? Boredom throughout and then disappointment at the end because our hopes are dashed. Put it this way, I was waiting for plot development, a buildup to a climax and gripping drama. Unfortunately, that never happened. That's why I was left disappointed.

Anybody who liked this film just doesn't see what it could have been.

Great Film

[bigmama7522 · 9/10 · 4 April 2006]

I, for one, thought this was an excellent movie! True, it does have a familiar plot, but that does not at all distract from the true intention of the film. If I had to categorize it, I would say it's a seamless mix between Dangerous Minds and Save the Last Dance. However, unlike those, this is a TRUE story. This is not some script that came from someone's head, it really happened. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who loves a great story. This movie is very inspirational and has phenomenal music to boot. I was dancing in my seat. So forget what you think you know, and just give this film a chance. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Fun escape

[RCWjr · 7/10 · 1 May 2006]

The plot is by no means new; a person goes into an urban school and turns around a group of students that everyone else has given up on.

That this is based on a true story makes this incarnation of that familiar plot a lot easier to watch and enjoy. That, and another great performance from Antonio Banderas.

Wonderfully choreographed and acted, this film though a tad long, manages to work in spite of the cliché plot that it works within.

You know pretty much that Antonio is going to win them over and they will learn a lesson, as will Antonio. But that doesn't matter. Watching the kids learn to dance, Antonio strut his stuff and above all, see a positive message presented, is worth the price of admission.

Some might accuse the film of being too sappy and not daring enough, but it is what it is. That it was inspired by true events and person gives you hope that there is a way for youth to express themselves beyond the normal violence and substance abuse.

See the documentary instead

[mase-6 · 3/10 · 18 March 2007]

This is a textbook example of how the Hollywood cookie cutter factory takes a nice sleeper hit documentary and turns it into 2 hours worth of clichés. I lost count as to the number of other films whose elements and ideas it used. I almost expected to hear the blonde competitor say, "You're okay LaRusso", when she presented the trophy, or have one of Pierre's kids get on the mike at the end and say, "If I can change...and you can change.........everybody can change."

If you want to feel uplifted and see real kids enrich themselves in real life situations, please do yourself a favor by skipping this and seeing Mad Hot Ballroom instead.