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It came to me as quite a surprise when I discovered that Antonio Banderas could actually act. I had thought of him as only a pretty face, someone that was used for his rugged Andalusian looks rather than his smart, effective manner. Ever since discovering that the man can dance and sing, I've been much more interested. So last night I made a point of watching Take The Lead, a movie based upon the life of a ballroom dance teacher by the name of Pierre Dulaine. I recognised the plot immediately - teacher gets involved with inner-city youth, forces them to slow down and look at themselves, and enters them in big competition at the end. What was so surprising was the chemistry between Banderas and Alfre Woodard, who played the school principal. They acted magnificently off each other. Another thing about this movie was that Banderas has visibly aged. He has the look of a man who may have seen hard times, a man who has attained maturity, a slick but cultured man. All the qualities that he brought to his character appeared to be genuine. He was a delight to watch, especially during the few comedic moments in the film where he shone like the sun. Plus, he was terribly funny. Anyway, if you can deal with the usual Fame school atmosphere and just sit back and enjoy the music and dance, it turns out to be a very nice film. But by far, the best thing about it was Antonio Banderas' portrayal. I wish we had been allowed to see more of the teacher's life, but alas, since we were supposed to see this teacher from the eyes of a student, his history was lost to us. Yes, this film could have dwelt more upon the man and less upon the harrowing lives of his students, charming as the story turned out. I give it a 7 out of 10 for overall watch-ability and a 10 out of 10 just for Banderas. A fine one for kids 12 and older.Read full review
An energetic, entertaining dance drama flick. This ensemble cast of highly talented young actors/dancers exude the joy & passion of dance. Banderas gives an excellent performance as the real-life Pierre Dulaine, ballroom dancing teacher of inner-city delinquents and upperclass snobs. The contrast of hip-hop and all-time ballroom dancing music favorites eventually blends into a upbeat "remix" of both and paralells the subplot of the "delinquent kids" learning civility and grace in the midst of their grim lifestyles. Although you've seen most of this before, this one can stand alone for the young talent it showcases. Two tango dance routines are especially stunning, one with the lanky, sexy, blonde Morgan (Katya Varshilas) and Banderas and the other with the vivacious Sasha (Jenna Dewan) and dance rivals Ramos (Dante Basco) and Danjou (Elijah Kelley). Another treat that will add to the enjoyment of the film and onscreen talent are the Special Features about Pierre Dulaine and the "Delinquent Kids".Read full review
"Take the Lead" follows in the footsteps of "Sister Act", and other movies about do-good people who take disenfranchised youth under their wing. In this movie, salvation comes in the form of ballroom dancing. The characters are predictable, but fairly well executed: the incorrigible dance instructer, the cynical but kind-hearted school principal, the snoby dance student, and all of the usual love-triangles and romantic quarrels that could emerge from these embattled teenagers. Antonio Banderas does surprisingly little dancing in the movie. The kids make up for it with a variety of hip-hop and improvised ballroom moves, but I wasn't blown away as I had hoped to be. In these sorts of movies, you generally know what the outcome will be, but there was enough energy and soul to make it enjoyable enough. I'm glad I waited for it to come out on DVD. It was enjoyable, but not entirely unforgettable.Read full review
Take the Lead I didn't think that I would like this film, but I did, and I liked it a lot. Antonio Banderas is spectacular as Pierre Dulaine, a real-life Dance teacher, and it is one of his best performances ever. Based on a true story, Take the Lead delivers excitement, passion, laughs, and a handful of stand-up and cheer moments. Rob Brown is as brilliant in Take the Lead as he was in Coach Carter, and the rest of the supporting cast are spectacular as well. The dance scenes are sometimes hilarious, sometimes sexy, but always entertaining, and the message this film delivers is one of hope and faith. Take the Lead proves that with the right attitude anything is possible. Final Verdict: 5/5 Rent or Buy?: I bought it because I loved it, and I'm not a huge fan of dance movies, the story is great and the music is superb. That being said, if you're male rent it first, just in case. IF YOU FIND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE. Thank youRead full review
Banderas may not have a classical dancer's body, but he sure has the moves down pat. As a retired educator, maybe I'm a sucker for true stories of incredibly successful motivators, but this was genuinely inspiring. We all have a deep-felt need to feel we're making a difference. Sometimes it is so hard to break through, but when 30 year olds stop you on the street to say you were the last one, the only one who didn't give up on them, I get the message. I hung in there for forty one years... This movie reminds me of why it wasn't just a job. Word of mouth led me to rent it; seeing is believing. I had to own it.
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