2008 Woodie Awards
"Take the Lead" Leads The Pack
Katie Pederson
Issue date: 4/21/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
Antonio Banderas, some sultry Latin dancing, and a bunch of misfit teenagers. Sounds like a commercial for "Zorro: The Musical," but in all reality it is actually the basis for this spring's hot new flick "Take The Lead." Combining the best that "Save the Last Dance," "Bring it On," "You Got Served" and many similar teen-focused, pop-dance movies brought to the table, "Take The Lead" is a true gem of inspiration-in-motion with a catchy soundtrack, some seductive moves, and an interestingly new approach to detention.
"Take The Lead" is the first major motion picture attempt from writer Dianne Houston as well as a first for director Liz Friedlander, who surprisingly is actually a well-known music video producer having worked with artists like R.E.M. and Babyface. The movie is based on a real story, and relives the struggle of an urban ballroom dance teacher, Pierre Dulain (Antonio Banderas, "The Mask of Zorro," "Once Upon a Time in Mexico"), who gives a group of misfit, problem-making high schoolers a second chance. Fate steps in for Dulain when he happens one night on the way home from his studio upon the confused and enraged Rock (Rob Brown, "Coach Carter," "Finding Forrester"), infuriated into destroying his school principle's car. When Dulain confronts Rock he flees the scene, leaving Dulain with only the principle's parking pass among the shattered glass to lead him toward answers.
The next day, Dulaine decides to take matters into his own hands, traveling to the run-down inner-city high school to meet with this principle (Alfre Woodard, "Something New," "Desperate Housewives"). When Dulain notices the dilapidated, ghetto-ized nature of the school and the lack of manners and mentors for its kids he offers his assistance to a doubting faculty who puts him in charge of monitoring the daily after school detention. Dulain merges his passion for community service and his love of dance, taking it upon himself to teach these inner-city youth the art of ballroom dance. Despite initial retaliation from the students and critical blows from parents and teachers, Dulain wins the hearts and respect of his students who merge their own hip-hop grooving styles with his to give an award winning performance.
This movie is truly one of the best dance-centered flicks I have seen in a long time. Granted, its lines are cheesy and its premise strange if all too true, but overall "Take The Lead" blends the right amount of passion, determination and soul together to deliver a must-see, foot-tapping and hip-shaking good time. Banderas takes a leap away from his traditional roles trading sword fighting for ballroom shoes with the utmost of grace, while still maintaining his debonair sensuality. Antonio aside, one of my favorite aspects of the movie was actually a cameo from the "King of the Lost Boys" himself, Dante Basco, who I had assumed to have gone MIA, fading into the land of Disney Channel series stints since he played Rufio in the 1991 hit film "Hook." Joined by a stellar cast of young actors and dancers "Take The Lead" is truly one of this spring's must-see movies that will warm your heart and make you want to shake your rump.
"Take The Lead" is the first major motion picture attempt from writer Dianne Houston as well as a first for director Liz Friedlander, who surprisingly is actually a well-known music video producer having worked with artists like R.E.M. and Babyface. The movie is based on a real story, and relives the struggle of an urban ballroom dance teacher, Pierre Dulain (Antonio Banderas, "The Mask of Zorro," "Once Upon a Time in Mexico"), who gives a group of misfit, problem-making high schoolers a second chance. Fate steps in for Dulain when he happens one night on the way home from his studio upon the confused and enraged Rock (Rob Brown, "Coach Carter," "Finding Forrester"), infuriated into destroying his school principle's car. When Dulain confronts Rock he flees the scene, leaving Dulain with only the principle's parking pass among the shattered glass to lead him toward answers.
The next day, Dulaine decides to take matters into his own hands, traveling to the run-down inner-city high school to meet with this principle (Alfre Woodard, "Something New," "Desperate Housewives"). When Dulain notices the dilapidated, ghetto-ized nature of the school and the lack of manners and mentors for its kids he offers his assistance to a doubting faculty who puts him in charge of monitoring the daily after school detention. Dulain merges his passion for community service and his love of dance, taking it upon himself to teach these inner-city youth the art of ballroom dance. Despite initial retaliation from the students and critical blows from parents and teachers, Dulain wins the hearts and respect of his students who merge their own hip-hop grooving styles with his to give an award winning performance.
This movie is truly one of the best dance-centered flicks I have seen in a long time. Granted, its lines are cheesy and its premise strange if all too true, but overall "Take The Lead" blends the right amount of passion, determination and soul together to deliver a must-see, foot-tapping and hip-shaking good time. Banderas takes a leap away from his traditional roles trading sword fighting for ballroom shoes with the utmost of grace, while still maintaining his debonair sensuality. Antonio aside, one of my favorite aspects of the movie was actually a cameo from the "King of the Lost Boys" himself, Dante Basco, who I had assumed to have gone MIA, fading into the land of Disney Channel series stints since he played Rufio in the 1991 hit film "Hook." Joined by a stellar cast of young actors and dancers "Take The Lead" is truly one of this spring's must-see movies that will warm your heart and make you want to shake your rump.
Be the first to comment on this story