“Take the Lead” (New Line Cinema)
Shall We Dance
“Take the Lead” is a new film with an old theme. In many ways it is “Mister Banderas’ Opus” since it borrows liberally from that old Richard Dreyfus flick, and from so many others that have a teacher/preacher/etc bringing out the best in a group of kids. But having said that, it is also necessary to add that thanks to Antonio Banderas starring in the film, and the fact the film is based on a true story, it works!
Banderas plays Pierre Dulaine, a widower living in New York City and teaching ballroom dancing. One night he spies a teenager demolishing a car, and wonders why there is so much anger in him. The next day he volunteers to help out at an inner city school. The principal (Alfre Woodard) doesn’t think he will last but a few days but she goes ahead and gives him a chance. She assigns him to work with the kids who are in detention.
These kids include Rock (Rob Brown), the boy who smashed up the car. He and the others make fun of Pierre but eventually come to appreciate his talent and his determination to help them. This transformation makes up the heart of the movie.
Banderas is perfect as the quiet but sincere Dulaine. He underplays the role but in doing so captures our attention and our imagination. Plus the man can dance, and when he is moving around on his talented feet all eyes are glued to him, including those of the students. It is Banderas’ best role in years.
Woodard plays the principal and she has played roles like this one time and time again, but still she is able to inject something fresh into it. Woodard is one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses and this movie shows us all again why that is.
The kids are fine in their roles with one or two breaking out of the pack. Not only do they have to be good actors, they also have to be able to dance – and they do dance. The final moments in a dance competition show just how talented they all are.
The film is rated PG-13 for profanity and mild violence.
“Take the Lead” is a feel good movie of the first order. It takes a while to get going but once Banderas begins to crack the hard exteriors of the kids then the movie begins to matter. And when he gets them on their feet and into the dances, well it is all a celebration from then until the end.
Some movies serve the purpose of being uplifting and full of a “feel good” effect. “Take the Lead” is such a film, and when is having a little hope and joy a bad thing “Take the Lead” is a celebration of the power of dance. Somewhere Drew Lachey, Jerry Rice and Stacy Keibler are smiling.
I scored “Take the Lead” a best foot forward 7 out of 10.
