Drumline (2002)

Awesome beats. Great music. Average acting. Bad message.

Devon Miles (Nick Cannon) is a drum prodigy, a talent so profound he managed to receive a drum scholarship to Atlanta A&T, a school with a powerful band led by Dr. Lee (Orlando Jones), a band director who believes in the structure and beauty of old-school music. In other words, Dr. Lee takes music seriously. Too bad Devon doesn't.

Unfortunately, Devon is anything but a team-player, butting heads with Sean Taylor (Leonard Roberts), Section Leader of the Drumline. Despite his unquestionable musical ability, it doesn't take long to learn that Devon is a rebellious malcontent, an arrogant show-off, and an individual amongst the team concept. On top of that, he's a fraud and a liar - something clear because of the fact that a term of his scholarship offer was the ability to read music, something Devon can't do. In general, his hindrance to the band exceeds his abilities, and he is rightfully put on suspension from the band's activities. To be quite honest, I'm not sure why anyone would befriend Devon, let alone someone from the band he's so clearly trying to sabotage.

Eventually Dr. Lee gets soft, and succumbs to the pressures of competition during the final showdown at the BET Championship against Morehouse Marching Band. He lets Devon back on the band, thereby contradicting his own word and making a mockery of discipline. The movie culminates in an amazing musical display that relies heavily on great epic music and beats, but also showmanship and a one-ups-manship similar to "You Got Served". In the final battle, it's A&T versus Morehouse, a team known for slick, new sounds based upon today's top R&B and hip hop hits.

I'm sure nobody would disagree with the notion that the true star of this movie is the music. The underlying, predictable romance is pointless, and the entire performance by Cannon is forgettable. This movie would have been better served if it were cut in half and just used as a showcase for the incredible bands. From the tubas to the trumpets, and of course the dynamic drumline, the music is really the only real reason to watch this otherwise tiresome, banal waste of time.
July 1, 2008

The Band Was Almost In My Back Yard

I attended a 100% African American High School, and the Band was fierce. They looked good, sound good, and could get their dance on. So the marching band was always a very important part of my life, even though I wasn't in the band.

During the summer, when they would practice, I would go to the football field and watch them get their routines and formations together. In the movie, where the band members have to run around the track when one person messes up, I have witnessed numerous time.

During football season, the band would make a short appearance at the pep rally in the gym. They would march in, high steppin, do a number or two, and high step on back out of the door. The acoustics were fantastic.

During Mardi Gras, to see my marching band or any other of the two major black marching bands coming down the street was pure excitement. We would pray that they would stop in front of us and play a song.

Everybody and dey mama would go to the foot games when we played against two of our rival black high schools, just to see who whupped butts on the field during half time. We only considered each other as being real competition. You know black folks got their own style and ways of during things. We are so unique and innovative.

In saying all of this, I enjoyed this movie for all the memories it brought back of the Black Marching Bands. Yeah, when I was in high school, the only girls who could be majorettes were the "brick houses." You could not be fat or skinny. You had to have back, a small waist, flat stomach, thick and shapely thighs and legs, and easy on the eyes. The majorettes made the first impression, and it better be a good one.

To the folks complaining about the technical aspect and such, y'all it is a movie for entertainment. It is not a documentary. Anyway, how many tickets do you think such a movie would sell at commercial theatre - nada! I respect your opinion though.
May 12, 2008

Great used buy

As a collector I am always hesitant to purchased used DVDs without looking at them first. I am happy to say that this DVD was is good condition and plays without error. Also, the case is in like-new condition, and to a collector the case is just as important as the DVD itself. I received the DVD sooner than expected which makes for an overall great purchasing experience. April 8, 2008

Nick Cannon's best performance

Drumline was one of the best movies I can recall seeing in 2002. Nick Cannon in his first starring role carrys this movie very well. I took the film for what it was a crowd pleasing movie that makes you root for the underdog. Charles Stone III who directed the very good Paid In Full before this shows he can tell a good story. Zoe Salidana and Orlando Jones also give great performances. I paid to see this film twice and always give repeat viewings on DVD. April 1, 2008

I liked it.

This was a film I missed when it came out. Don't even remember it in fact. A shame but the beauty of DVD is that you can pick up what you missed.

This is a fun little film with the old story of the kid with great musical talent who has nothing; get's his big break with a full scholarship to a university.

Miles shows up expecting to be treated like royalty but ends up becoming the problem of the band.

Extremely talented drummer with a bad attitude challenges and shows up the line leader. Who later learns Miles can't read music.

It turns out that he lied to the music director and on his application. Rather then take his way out and study he gets an even bigger attitude which leads to him "showboating" during a band competition which ends in a fight between the two bands. He of course gets booted.

Things look bad as the band directory faces a firing for refusing to adopt to the new music of today. The drum line leader forgets he used to love the sound of the line more then his playing and Miles faces loosing his scholarship and his girlfriend.

A box arrives and it contains music from his estranged father to which Miles is surprised to music of his father. It gets him thinking and he goes to the drum line leader to get some help on an idea. They have a drum off and the line leader remembers his job and accepts the fact Miles is a better drummer but he points out to Miles that even though he is the best; the crowd can't hear him because they hear the band playing. He also works with Miles to help him learn to read Music.

They collaborate and present their Music to the band director who thinks it's a great idea.

The final showdown happens at the big competition to which there is a tie that must be settled with the drum lines. Miles gets his chance and this time he does not showboat.

Overall it's a nice film if you like the music. The side stories are ok and they don't distract. However, I would have liked to have seen something with the father where Miles sends him music. Just seemed the right thing to do for me.

There are extras and some music videos but they are are watch once and move on.
February 24, 2008

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