Synopsis
A talented street drummer from Harlem enrolls in a Southern university, expecting to lead its marching band's drumline to victory. He initially flounders in his new world, before realizing that it takes more than talent to reach the top.
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Cast
- Nick CannonDevon Miles
- Zoe SaldañaLaila
- Orlando JonesDr. Lee
- Leonard RobertsSean Taylor
- Earl PoitierCharles
- Jason WeaverErnest
- Candace CareyDiedre
- Shay RoundtreeBig Rob
- Miguel A. GaetanTrey
- J. Anthony BrownMr. Wade
Recommendations
- 88
Charlotte Observer
The final drum-off (c'mon, you knew it would come down to that) resembles a combination of music, gymnastics and martial arts, and I don't think I've seen a more pulse-pounding scene this year. - 80
Chicago Reader
Exuberant music and precision choreography furnish the thrills in this thoroughly enjoyable saga. - 75
Chicago Tribune
That it's got a positive message may strike some as decidedly not "edgy" -- but they should be too busy stomping their feet to notice. - 75
Boston Globe
A bonanza of pop uplift. It wraps the up-from-nothing drama of ''Flashdance'' in the sassy, interracial pep rallying of ''Bring It On'' and the military romance of ''An Officer and a Gentleman.'' - 70
Variety
Brimming with heart and humor -- Drumline is a formulaic crowdpleaser set in the competitive world of university marching bands at predominantly black universities. - 63
USA Today
If it's conventional, it's also competent. Thanks to director Charles Stone III (of the famed "Whassuup?!" Budweiser spots), the clichés at least have a good beat. - 63
New York Daily News
Bogged down by a lazy script and underwhelming performances. Fortunately, there's no hiding his jubilant passion for ritual and symmetry, which makes each perfectly choreographed band scene a genuine thrill to watch. - 58
Portland Oregonian
It's an odd, overly long picture, filled with too many pauses but dotted with just enough funky band sequences to keep you interested.
