Take the Lead (2006)

Director:

Liz Friedlander

Writer (WGA):

Dianne Houston (written by)

Release Date:

7 April 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Music

Tagline:

Never Follow.

Plot:

The real story of a dance teacher who believed in the talent of a group of problem kids.

Plot Keywords:

Dance | Teacher | Ballroom | Dance Teacher | Tango

Awards:

1 win & 6 nominations

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Antonio Banderas	...	Pierre Dulaine
Rob Brown	...	Rock
Yaya DaCosta	...	LaRhette
Alfre Woodard	...	Augustine James
John Ortiz	...	Mr. Temple
Laura Benanti	...	Tina
Jonathan Malen	...	Kurd
Jasika Nicole	...	Egypt
Shawand McKenzie	...	Big Girl
Dante Basco	...	Ramos
Elijah Kelley	...	Danjou
Jenna Dewan	...	Sasha
Marcus T. Paulk	...	Eddie
Brandon D. Andrews	...	Monster
Lauren Collins	...	Caitlin

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for thematic material, language and some violence.

Runtime:

108 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS | SDDS

Certification:

USA:PG-13 | Singapore:PG | UK:12A | Ireland:PG | Hong Kong:IIA | Argentina:Atp | Malaysia:U | Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) | Sweden:7 | Finland:K-11 | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | Australia:PG | Iceland:10 | Netherlands:6 | South Korea:12 | New Zealand:PG | Portugal:M/12

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company:

New Line Cinema

Trivia:

Originally, 'Antonio Banderas' turned down the part of Pierre when he looked at the script and realized the whole film was about ballroom dancing. The producers begged him for a few minutes for them to explain the story. After hearing this, viewing a documentary on and meeting the real Pierre, Banderas signed on.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: At the dance competition Dulaine lets Rock borrow his Tux coat. Dulaine is much smaller than Rock however, the coat looks over sized on Rock when he's on the dance floor.

Quotes:

Sasha: Look we don't need your charity or anything.

Movie Connections:

Features "I Love Lucy" (1951)

Soundtrack:

I Got Rhythm

Surprisingly really good!

I just returned from seeing this film at a preview/test screening.

This film was much better than I had expected. The story brings to mind movies such as Mad Hot Ballroom or Dangerous Minds, but is different enough that it is able to stand on its own.

Overall I thought the acting was well done. The dancing was great (both the hip hop dancing and the ballroom). And while I am not a huge Antonio Banderas fan, I thought he was excellent, and I really liked him. He was able to be the star of the movie, but not the center of attention at all times. He looked good and seemed to provide a different element to what could have been the same old "help the inner city kids find hope" story.

The script and dialogue had nothing too cheesy or corny, which is usually found in "feel good" films, or movies about highschool students. There are plenty of funny parts, as well as enough drama and interesting character conflicts to keep everything interesting.

My only complaint was that the ending didn't seem to wrap up everything - there were some back story lines and issues that weren't resolved. But a few unanswered questions can sometimes be better than a cheesy, unbelievable ending where suddenly all is right in the world. I'll be curious to see if they make any changes before it is released in theatres.

I give it an 8 out of 10, because I was genuinely entertained.