Drumline (Widescreen)

Drumline (Widescreen)
by Charles Stone III

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Movie Reviews of Drumline (Widescreen)

Movie Review: Fanfare for the Uncommon Band
Summary: 5 Stars

Devon Miles has just arrived from NYC at Atlanta A&T University with a full drumming scholarship. Used to being a stand-out, he's not ready to follow bandleader Aaron Lee's directive to be "One Band, One Sound." He thinks he's too good to follow the rules -- and he just may be. But, as Dr. Lee tells him, "You've got to learn to follow before you can lead."

Devon clashes with Dr. Lee and with the drumline's student leader, Sean -- who'd been the best drummer until Devin showed up. But Devin has an undeniably rich and creative spirit. Can he fit in without losing his individuality -- a question we recognize from real life. When does compromising have benefits and when not? Despite Devin's cockiness, he's a very likable guy and wanting to know how he resolves this issue carried me easily through this two hour movie.

Orlando Jones also makes the movie fly. As Dr. Lee, he's the personification of principled decency -- in fact, he's awesome and will totally make you forget those 7 Up commercials. In the beginning, a rival bandleader alleges that Dr. Lee has a baton stuck up his ... well, you don't hear it, but he probably didn't say "bass." But, as the story progresses, Dr. Lee reveals himself to be an interesting and complex personality who, despite a propensity for "old time music", does indeed know how to make his band pop. (And, in the end, he comes up with a stylistic triumph that evokes more than those "old time" tunes.)

Devon's ups and downs are somewhat predictable, but this is one of those movies with a feel-good factor that made me happy to overlook that completely. The music and moves are awesome. Nothing could have peeled me from my seat during the story's culmination in the BET marching band championship I had to remind myself that I was in a dignified movie theater setting to keep from cheering from our "stadium" seating. Although the movie is rated PG-13, it's appropriate for most ages. I don't recall any cursing, Devin's scenes with his girlfriend are very chaste and there's a brief scene of non-graphic fisticuffs. If you're a fan of percussion, you'll really love this movie. But even if not, and you're just looking for a seasonal up-lift, well, it can't be ... beat.

Summary of Drumline (Widescreen)