Take the Lead Review
by [email protected] (johnny_betts AT hotmail DOT com)April 7th, 2006
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Take the Lead
http://www.themoviemark.com/moviereviews/takethelead.asp
PLOT
Based on the true story of ballroom dancer Pierre Dulaine, Take the Lead tells the tale of a former professional dancer (Banderas) who volunteers to teach dance in the New York public school system. Naturally, his background and style first clashes with his delinquent students' hip-hop tastes, but of course everybody learns to mutually respect one another and they all live happily ever after. A movie about dance that is more watchable than I should be willing to admit ensues.
JOHNNY'S TAKE
A movie where Antonio Banderas teaches delinquents pride, respect, honor, and discipline through the fine art of ballroom dancing? Uh huh. I know guys; I thought the same thing as you when first subjected to the trailer. Unless you thought, "Man, Antonio Banderas dancing? That looks awesome! I can't wait!" In which case you most likely sleep with men.
But I have to admit that this really isn't all that unbearable. You should still definitely put up a fight and let your gal know that she's forcing you to go see it (you'll need the leverage sometime in the future), but there are certainly worse films she could drag you to. After all, Stick It is coming soon and it looks no less painful than an unhindered 90 MPH baseball straight to the groin.
I guess I should admit that the majority of my enjoyment comes from the fact that I rather like watching the female form in dancing motion, and that's a bit of superficiality that I refuse to be ashamed of.
Others, mainly women and guys most likely not attracted to women, will find plenty of appeal in Banderas' charm and the warm, fuzzy feelings derived from yet another "you can do it!" motivational tale about kids from the wrong side of the tracks. Did you know that kids from ALL walks of life can succeed if they put forth the required effort? It's true. I saw it at the movies. Several times. And trust me, we'll see it several more.
This really shouldn't come as a surprise, but there are times when the film produces more cheese than the entire state of Vermont. Bring along your trusty yellow bucket because you'll need it when Antonio starts using lines like (and I paraphrase), "I don't see rejects. All I see are choices ... choices yet to be made." Yeah, and all I see is my breakfast redirecting its way back through my esophagus, ready to make an encore.
The movie also teaches a strong message about the dangers of excessive eye-rolling. My left eye socket almost detached during a scene when a snobby, blonde bad actress/dancer and one of the delinquent dancers share a moment of mutual respect. Trust me, it's bad and you won't be able to deny it.
I also didn't buy it when all the regulars at the dance competition recoiled in abject horror at the appearance of the delinquents. Come on, would there really be so many blank-stared, open-mouthed looks of surprise? It's not like the kids waltzed in wearing t-shirts, baggy jeans, and high tops. They were in nice gowns and tuxes. The reactions were a tad over-the-top.
All right, I think I've poked enough fun at the movie to keep my man card firmly intact.
Take the Lead isn't a film I would've paid to see, but I'm man enough to admit that it is moderately entertaining for a one-and-done.
THE GIST
If you're a girl who really wants to see this then chances are you're gonna enjoy it. However, if you're a guy being dragged to it by your girlfriend, well, it might be better than you expect but I can guarantee there are better options. Just go along with it, but make sure your lady knows that she owes ya one.
Rating: 3 (out of 5)
Johnny Betts
The Movie Mark
http://www.themoviemark.com
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
