Take The Lead [2006] - DVD (Antonio Banderas, Dianne Houston, Laura Benanti, Alfre Woodard, Ray Liotta - Dir: Liz Friedlander)

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Customer Reviews of Take The Lead [2006]

Dodster
UK
5th May 2008

Excellent movie
Antonio Banderas, plays Pierre Dulaine, a ballroom teacher whose vision is to transform and give value to those others have given up on in a New York public school. He does this by teaching them to dance.
If this is an unlikely scenario, the movie is based on a true story!
Banderas is sauve, sophisticated, sexy and a damn good actor. He is very ably supported by the rest of the cast, which includes Yaya, from America's next top model!
The movie is let down by the ending, which is far too Holywood and lacks reality. Apart this, this film comes very highly recommended. It keeps your attention for the duration and is very entertaining.
Well worth a watch!

Sebastian Fernandez
Tampa, Florida United States
11th August 2007

"I've got five bucks saying you won't be back tomorrow"
When we read the description of this movie, the expectation is that we will get a story that has been told before, but this time using dancing as the motivator. Movies in a similar vein that came to mind were "Stand and Deliver", which uses math, and "Music of the Heart", which uses music. And in terms of the plot, there are not many surprises there. But the delivery is outstanding; the music and dancing are used perfectly to make us forget about the trite plot.

"Take the Lead" is based on the true story of Mr. Pierre Dulaine, a ballroom dancer and teacher who shows the traits of an old-fashioned gentleman and argues that the dancing cultivates these characteristics. This is a movie about contrasts and about how differences can be bridged. The music and dancing are used as a perfect metaphor for this idea. Right from the beginning we see people getting ready for a party at the beat of different music, hip hop on on side and a ballade on the other. The differences tumble down from there. From the clothing to the ambiance, the world of ballroom dancing and the world of a high school party dominated by hip hop, could not be farther apart.

The two worlds collide when Jason, a student at John Drake High School, is destroying the car of the principal of the school and Pierre comes along in his bike (and this is a bicycle, mind you) and inquires about Jason's acts. The next day, Mr. Dulaine shows up at the principals office and asks for a chance to teach these kids ballroom dancing. She laughs at him, but then decides to teach him a lesson and sends him to try his plan on a group of students on detention. Pierre, who we already suspect was yearning for a challenge, does not waver in his purpose. He experiences a disastrous first reunion, but little by little manages to reach these kids and show them that they can dream again.

There are several things that make this film enjoyable. First, there is the dancing, which is very entertaining and uplifting, and shows some very skilled performers. I was mostly impressed by Jenna Dewan, who is outstanding in an unconventional tango scene. Then, there is the music, which ranges from silky love songs to fashionable and catching hip hop. Finally, even though the story is unoriginal, it is told in such a way that keeps us engaged throughout the duration. Overall, this is a movie worth watching if you enjoy music and dance.

S. Hacking
Watford, UK
5th July 2007

Absolutely Brilliant
I loved the idea of this film, and having seen other "ballroom" based films such as the ultra-feelgood "Shall We Dance" I purchased this on the strength of that.
This film is a tad more "down to earth", rather than a total fantasy fairy-tale, it is based around troubled youth in a New York public school, and partly based on fact, which also makes it more intriguing.
The film had me absorbed and I thoroughly enjoyed it - the only criticism I would have was that due to the way the film was shot, you were not able to follow great parts of any routine - the shots kept cutting from one couple to another rapidly, which personally for me was quite annoying, but aside that the film as a whole was teriffic and well done. Enjoy.

mels thoughts
england
10th April 2007

had me hooked
I really enjoyed this film, i thought it was a good story, and i definatly loved the tango !!!!!! (say no more ! )

nicm
Suffolk, UK
19th March 2007

Lead never follow
I just love this film. The dancing is great and you can learn from it...I just need a partner now!!
It has lots of messages in it and this is a positive thing.
It's just a fantastic and enthralling film.