DVD Review: Take The Lead

Inspired by a true story, Antonio Banderas stars as Pierre Dulaine, the world famous professional dancer who donates his time to teach in the New York City public school system. But when his classic methods clash with his students’ hip hop flavor, he teams up with them to create a new style of dance, becoming their mentor in the process.

When Pierre Dulaine (Banderas) decides to use his dancing talent to try and keep a bunch of New York public school students off the streets and out of trouble, he comes to realize that his ballroom methods clash with the students’ hip-hop ways. He must figure out how to create a new style of dance in order to conquer the barrier that lies between them. In the process, not only do they create a new art form, but they also learn many valuable life lessons about pride, self-esteem, respect and honor.

Review:
The plot-line of Take the Lead is one that should be quite familiar to everyone by now- Inspirational teacher arrives at tough, inner-city school, determined to make a difference and inspires the lives of troubled teens- however, you’re going to be checking out Take the Lead for the dancing, not for the original story and inventive script-writing. Delivering an inspiring performance as a dance teacher to underprivileged teens forced to serve detention, Antonio Banderas seems to carry an incendiary presence on screen. Initially the students are reluctant to entertain this box-stepping ballroom dancer, but eventually they succumb to the infectious sensuality of ballroom dancing and add their own hip-hop influenced intensity to the classic discipline. Simply based on its own merits, Take the Lead is thrilling and the dancing is infectious. Regardless of whether you’re a dancing enthusiast or a reluctant dance-a-phob, you can’t help but succumb to the thrill and the high-octane explosion when of hip-hop meets the sensuality of ballroom dancing. This flick is thoroughly recommended if you’re in the mood for something exciting and inspiring and, above, all something that’s undeniably enjoyable- and, hey, it’s got Zorro in it- so if that ain’t reason enough, I don’t know what is.

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: B+
Official site: http://www.taketheleadmovie.com/
Buy on Amazon: Take The Lead