Drumline (Widescreen)
by Charles Stone III
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DVD details
Actor: GQ, Leonard Roberts, Nick Cannon, Orlando Jones, Zoe SaldanaDirector: Charles Stone III
Writer: Shawn Schepps
Writer: Tina Gordon Chism
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 118 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-04-15
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Reviews of Drumline (Widescreen)
DVD Review: Believable and entertaining look at college bands
Summary: 4 Stars
There is no doubt that even the most casually knowledgeable football fan knows the importance of the marching band at historically black colleges. Each year, NBC shows the 'Bayou Classic' football game between rivals Southern University and Grambling State University, where the halftime performances of the two bands is as much a reason for watching as the game itself. "Drumline" is one of the first movies to plow this fertile ground for cinematic plotline, and it does so surprisingly well. I was initially skeptical about seeing this movie because the premise didn't appeal to me and the promotional ads for the film made the lead character, played by actor Nick Cannon, seem like an arrogant, unlikable young man. However, after listening to a number of positive reviews including, surprisingly, one by the curmudgeon of sports talk radio, Tony Kornheiser, I felt compelled to give it a chance. I'm glad I did. With all the garbage that is being passed off as movies these days, it's refreshing to see a movie come along that could very easily be a mess, but is handled so deftly that it is a truly enjoyable viewing experience. First time director, Charles Stone III (known previously for directing and starring in the Budweiser "Whasssupp?" commercials), handles the material well. The potential for clichéd storylines and unrealistic band performances was great and Stone managed to avoid those pitfalls.
"Drumline", itself, focuses on the story of young Devon Miles (Cannon), a gifted drummer, who has been recruited to be a member of the prestigious band program at the fictional Atlanta A&T University. Miles is an angry young man who comes from a background with very little money and an absentee father. In fact, had Atlanta A&T's band director, Dr. James Lee (Orlando Jones) not recruited him, Miles would not have gone to college. Director Stone could have played this 'angry young man' theme for all its worth in the movie, but he held back and created a more nuanced character in Miles, whose background explains some of what he does, but doesn't dominate or excuse it. Miles struggles with a jealous drum section leader, Dr. Lee's expectations, a burgeoning romance with an pretty upperclassmen on the dance team, and his own surprisingly inability to read music (he plays it by ear). What makes this movie deeper than it could be is that these other characters have there own struggles that coincide with those of Miles'. The drum section leader can't abide Miles' lack of respect for authority, but is troubled even more by the fact that Miles is a better drummer than he is. Dr. Lee faces pressure from the school administration to improve quality and entertainment of the band performances, but he doesn't want to sacrifice the quality and integrity of the musical and educational process to do that.
All of these subplots are intertwined with some of the most energetic band performances ever committed to film. This is where "Drumline" truly shines. As nearly a one-third to half the movie is band performances, it was imperative that the band routines be as authentic as possible or the audience will not believe what they are being told is happening. Fortunately, the performances are electrifying, especially the showdown battles at the BET band competition at the end of the movie. Whether or not these actors were really playing the instruments isn't important. The fact that it looked and sounded like they were was.
This is not an Oscar-caliber movie by any stretch. However, in a period of time when most studios are dumping their dreck into local cinemas, it's nice to come across a fun movie that stands out from the pack like this.
Description of Drumline (Widescreen)
Once you've seen Drumline, halftime shows will become works of art. This formulaic yet surprisingly captivating movie honors the military precision of college football marching bands, those battalions of eager, sternly disciplined brass sections, drummers, and fly girls who turn halftime shows into well-oiled Vegas variety acts on steroids. Devon (played by Will Smith protégé Nick Cannon) is a cocky Brooklyn kid with a snare-drumming scholarship to (fictional) Atlanta A&T University. He can't read music (he lied on his application) and his attitude sucks, but he's the best natural drummer the college has ever had, so he quickly rises through the marching band ranks. The school year brings Devon the obligatory girlfriend (Zoë Saldana, smart and charming); clashes with his old-school band director (Orlando Jones); and well-earned redemption at the championship marching band showdown. No surprises here, but great chemistry all around, and a fantastic, positive role-model showcase for a musical form that has evolved far beyond the main street parades of Smalltown, U.S.A. --Jeff ShannonBestsellers in DVD
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