Drumline

2002

Drumline

Critics Consensus

Essentially a sports movie with drums, the energetic Drumline somehow manages to make the familiar seem fresh.

82%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 84

70%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 322,144
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Drumline Photos

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Movie Info

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

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Cast

Nick Cannon
as Devon
Zoe Saldana
as Laila
Orlando Jones
as Dr. James Lee
Leonard Roberts
as Sean
GQ
as Jayson
Jason Weaver
as Ernest
Earl C. Poitier
as Charles
Earl Poitier
as Charles
Candace Carey
as Diedre
Shay Roundtree
as Big Rob
Miguel A. Gaetan
as Trey
J. Anthony Brown
as Mr. Wade
Afemo Omilami
as President Wagner
Angela Gibbs
as Dorothy
Tyreese Burnett
as Henry
Brandon Hirsch
as Buck Wild
Omar J. Dorsey
as James
Al Wiggins
as Principal
Nicholas B. Thomas
as Pooh Bear
Petey Pablo
as Himself
Stuart Scott
as Fox Sports Commentator
Courtney James Stewart
as Student No. 1
Von Coulter
as Devon Miles Sr.
James Sims-Prewitt
as Trumpet Section Leader
George A. Peters II
as Sax Section Leader
Gary Yates
as Coach Ellison
Rob Cleveland
as Music Professor
Enoch King
as Tuba Section Leader
AJ Calloway
as BET Announcer No. 1
Free
as BET Announcer No. 2
Reggie Gay
as Morris Brown Announcer
Ryan Cameron
as A&T Announcer
Blu Cantrell
as Nation Anthem Singer
Erin Brantley
as Dancer
Kiara Nicole Ely
as Dancer
Stacey A. Fann
as Dancer
Christy Gamble
as Dancer
Brianne Landry
as Dancer
Pauline S. Lewis
as Dancer
Glenda Morton
as Dancer
Shamea Morton
as Dancer
Jenear Wimbley
as Dancer
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Critic Reviews for Drumline

All Critics (84) | Top Critics (28)

  • Charles Stone III is a craftsman with brains and taste, an instinctive sense of where to put the camera and the discipline not to belabor scenes.

    Jan 10, 2003 | Full Review…

    Charles Taylor

    Salon.com
    Top Critic

  • A superlative B movie -- funny, sexy, and rousing.

    Dec 23, 2002 | Rating: A- | Full Review…

    Owen Gleiberman

    Entertainment Weekly
    Top Critic

  • 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.

    Dec 17, 2002 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    James Berardinelli

    ReelViews
    Top Critic

  • 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.

    Dec 16, 2002

    Richard Roeper

    Ebert & Roeper
    Top Critic

  • [Has] an abundance of heart and humor.

    Dec 13, 2002 | Rating: 3/4

    Joe Leydon

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • 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.

    Dec 13, 2002 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Wesley Morris

    Boston Globe
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (84)

Audience Reviews for Drumline

  • May 23, 2011
    easily the most greatest drumline experience you'll ever have! A+
    Juan C Super Reviewer
  • Sep 20, 2010
    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.
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
  • Jun 10, 2009
    this doesnt deserve a review. either youre dumb enough to like this kind of movie or you arent
    Coxxie M Super Reviewer
  • May 24, 2009
    I was in the band in high school. I appreciate it's cuteness.
    Jennifer D Super Reviewer
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Drumline Quotes

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