Drumline brings the world of "show-style" marching bands (popular at traditionally black, Southern colleges) to the big screen for the first time. The story, by Shawn Schepps, was inspired by the high school drumline experiences of executive producer/executive music producer Dallas Austin. Devon (Nick Cannon of Nickelodeon's The Nick Cannon Show) is a Harlem drummer who earns a full scholarship to the fictional Atlanta A&T University. There, his talent gets the attention of the school's
embattled musical director, Dr. Lee (Orlando Jones), who puts his students' education and appreciation for musical tradition ahead of the marching band's popularity. Devon's brashly egotistical attitude doesn't endear him to Lee, whose slogan for the band is "One band, one sound," or to the drumline's disciplined captain, Sean (Leonard Roberts, late of TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Devon has more success with the dance captain of the marching band, Laila (Zoe Saldana, who played a ballet dancer in Center Stage), a Southern belle who's won over by Devon's confidence. Sean feels threatened by Devon's talent, and his attitude, so when he learns that Devon can't read music, he uses the information to his advantage. With the band facing their archrival at a huge marching band competition, Dr. Lee has to decide whether to allow the brilliant drummer to perform, despite his attitude. Devon has to prove that he can show his skills while still being part of the team. Drumline was directed by Charles Stone III (Paid in Full), and features cameo appearances by musical artists Blu Cantrell and Petey Pablo. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi
Offers little that's surprising or groundbreaking, but, because the script is smart enough not to insult us and to develop a group of interesting characters, the act of watching the film is an entertaining experience rather than a tedious exercise.
I love that we get into this world of marching bands. We barely see any football players -- we see the top of their helmets as they're getting out of the way.
Drumline sags a little toward the middle ... But the final showdown is a skills-'n'-style spectacular that feels like vibrant outtake from a highly choreographed civil war.
True bandos can see themselves in this exuberant, charismatic and lovingly accurate college marching-band movie that faked no flavor while staying in step with themes of instruction, character and respect.
On DVD, the movie struts and jives as the percussion pounds out a lively beat. This is a high-flying feature that those into the discipline and muscianship of show-style marching bands will enjoy.
Little happens in Drumline that we couldn't foretell from the outset. But it all unfolds in so earnest and heartfelt a manner, it's hard to outright hate the thing.
Wow. A movie that can make watching marching bands interesting. The constant battles are very fun to watch. Young funny guy Nick Cannon really adds alot to this movie.
I had never planned on seeing this (for whatever reason), but I saw it a few years ago in a film and music class and forgot to review it on here.
It's predictable, a little corny, but it's still a harmless and heartwarming tale of inspiration that makes you feel good afterwards. The music is good, and the performances
are above average, so if you have some spare time and are bored, this is an okay time filler.
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