Take the Lead (DVD, 2006, Widescreen Edition)

It came to me as quite a surprise when I discovered that Antonio Banderas could actually act. I had thought of him as only a pretty face, someone that was used for his rugged Andalusian looks rather than his smart, effective manner.
Ever since discovering that the man can dance and sing, I've been much more interested.

So last night I made a point of watching Take The Lead, a movie based upon the life of a ballroom dance teacher by the name of Pierre Dulaine.
I recognised the plot immediately - teacher gets involved with inner-city youth, forces them to slow down and look at themselves, and enters them in big competition at the end.
What was so surprising was the chemistry between Banderas and Alfre Woodard, who played the school principal. They acted magnificently off each other.
Another thing about this movie was that Banderas has visibly aged. He has the look of a man who may have seen hard times, a man who has attained maturity, a slick but cultured man. All the qualities that he brought to his character appeared to be genuine. He was a delight to watch, especially during the few comedic moments in the film where he shone like the sun. Plus, he was terribly funny. Anyway, if you can deal with the usual Fame school atmosphere and just sit back and enjoy the music and dance, it turns out to be a very nice film. But by far, the best thing about it was Antonio Banderas' portrayal. I wish we had been allowed to see more of the teacher's life, but alas, since we were supposed to see this teacher from the eyes of a student, his history was lost to us. Yes, this film could have dwelt more upon the man and less upon the harrowing lives of his students, charming as the story turned out.
I give it a 7 out of 10 for overall watch-ability and a 10 out of 10 just for Banderas. A fine one for kids 12 and older.

Take the Lead is inspired by the True Story of Pierre Dulaine who took the task of helping troubled youth by filling their lives with things that are productive, in his case, Ball Room Dancing.
The director does a good job of transforming the true life story into a modern day cinematic by using several different styles of dance and music. Eventually, the students mix there hip hop and rap music into his ballroom dance songs. Antonio Banderas is a perfect match for the lead Pierre. All the kids cast as his students also seem to fit and have some humor as well as good chemistry.
I enjoyed the comedy that went on between the redhead gangster and the slightly larger female. Using rufio and this other black kid as two guys fighting over the same girl they have a very creative and fun to watch dance involving all three of them near the end.
My girlfriend is a professional dancer and I enjoy all forms of dance... This movie was good for me all the way through...
My girlfriends one complaint was that she wanted to see more dancing, but she would rather watch a full length movie of just dancing than have some sort of plot involved... and the plot is one of the best parts in my opinion.

Hope this helps,
Aloha,
Trent McKell

Take the Lead mixes the old with the new. Inspired by a true story, Pierre Dulaine (played by Antonio Banderas) is a ballroom dancer and instructor who volunteers his services to a high school in the ghetto. At first the kids are uncooperative but when Dulaine brings in one of his students, a sexy long legged blonde, and performs a smoking hot version of the Tango with her they suddenly perk up. However, these kids are not ready to give in just yet and as they mix their own hip-hop moves with ballroom steps they create an exciting new style that will have you coming up off the sofa to dance along. As my husband said, "You just can't help yourself can you." 3 of the kids perform a number during the dance contest that will knock your socks off. Dulaine also strives to instill some of the old world values that he believes are so important to these kids futures.

An energetic, entertaining dance drama flick. This ensemble cast of highly talented young actors/dancers exude the joy & passion of dance. Banderas gives an excellent performance as the real-life Pierre Dulaine, ballroom dancing teacher of inner-city delinquents and upperclass snobs. The contrast of hip-hop and all-time ballroom dancing music favorites eventually blends into a upbeat "remix" of both and paralells the subplot of the "delinquent kids" learning civility and grace in the midst of their grim lifestyles. Although you've seen most of this before, this one can stand alone for the young talent it showcases. Two tango dance routines are especially stunning, one with the lanky, sexy, blonde Morgan (Katya Varshilas) and Banderas and the other with the vivacious Sasha (Jenna Dewan) and dance rivals Ramos (Dante Basco) and Danjou (Elijah Kelley). Another treat that will add to the enjoyment of the film and onscreen talent are the Special Features about Pierre Dulaine and the "Delinquent Kids".

Take the Lead

I didn't think that I would like this film, but I did, and I liked it a lot.

Antonio Banderas is spectacular as Pierre Dulaine, a real-life Dance teacher, and it is one of his best performances ever.

Based on a true story, Take the Lead delivers excitement, passion, laughs, and a handful of stand-up and cheer moments. Rob Brown is as brilliant in Take the Lead as he was in Coach Carter, and the rest of the supporting cast are spectacular as well.

The dance scenes are sometimes hilarious, sometimes sexy, but always entertaining, and the message this film delivers is one of hope and faith. Take the Lead proves that with the right attitude anything is possible.

Final Verdict:

5/5

Rent or Buy?: I bought it because I loved it, and I'm not a huge fan of dance movies, the story is great and the music is superb. That being said, if you're male rent it first, just in case.

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