Drumline (2002)

82% of critics liked it
(82 reviews)
73% of users liked it
(304,321 ratings)

Drumline brings the world of "show-style" marching bands (popular at traditionally black, Southern colleges) to the big screen for the first time. The story, by Shawn Schepps, was inspired by the high school drumline experiences of executive producer/executive music producer Dallas Austin. Devon… More Drumline brings the world of "show-style" marching bands (popular at traditionally black, Southern colleges) to the big screen for the first time. The story, by Shawn Schepps, was inspired by the high school drumline experiences of executive producer/executive music producer Dallas Austin. Devon (Nick Cannon of Nickelodeon's The Nick Cannon Show) is a Harlem drummer who earns a full scholarship to the fictional Atlanta A&T University. There, his talent gets the attention of the school's embattled musical director, Dr. Lee (Orlando Jones), who puts his students' education and appreciation for musical tradition ahead of the marching band's popularity. Devon's brashly egotistical attitude doesn't endear him to Lee, whose slogan for the band is "One band, one sound," or to the drumline's disciplined captain, Sean (Leonard Roberts, late of TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Devon has more success with the dance captain of the marching band, Laila (Zoe Saldana, who played a ballet dancer in Center Stage), a Southern belle who's won over by Devon's confidence. Sean feels threatened by Devon's talent, and his attitude, so when he learns that Devon can't read music, he uses the information to his advantage. With the band facing their archrival at a huge marching band competition, Dr. Lee has to decide whether to allow the brilliant drummer to perform, despite his attitude. Devon has to prove that he can show his skills while still being part of the team. Drumline was directed by Charles Stone III (Paid in Full), and features cameo appearances by musical artists Blu Cantrell and Petey Pablo. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 58 min.
Directed By: Charles Stone III, Charles Stone
Written By: Reginald Blythewood, Tina Gordon Chism, Shawn Schepps
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 13, 2002 Wide
On DVD: Apr 15, 2003
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Critic Reviews

Charles Taylor, Salon.com
Charles Stone III is a craftsman with brains and taste, an instinctive sense of where to put the camera and the discipline not to belabor scenes.
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
A superlative B movie -- funny, sexy, and rousing.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Offers little that's surprising or groundbreaking, but, because the script is smart enough not to insult us and to develop a group of interesting characters, the act of watching the film is an entertaining experience rather than a tedious exercise.
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
I love that we get into this world of marching bands. We barely see any football players -- we see the top of their helmets as they're getting out of the way.
Joe Leydon, Variety
[Has] an abundance of heart and humor.
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
Drumline sags a little toward the middle ... But the final showdown is a skills-'n'-style spectacular that feels like vibrant outtake from a highly choreographed civil war.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Outstanding cast, great message, strong language.
Nick Rogers, Suite101.com
True bandos can see themselves in this exuberant, charismatic and lovingly accurate college marching-band movie that faked no flavor while staying in step with themes of instruction, character and respect.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Director Charles Stone III, once again takes on overly familiar material and gives it an enthusiastic spin.
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
A most unusual musical...Learning something from his subject, Stone gives the picture a snappy rhythm. [Blu-ray]
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...though the movie does overstay its welcome, it's never boring and the majority of the music is infectiously catchy...
Diana Saenger, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
A fun story for the whole family -- with some very good lessons about growing up.
Tyler Hanley, Palo Alto Weekly
Slick choreography and a confident performance by Orlando Jones keep this tale from beating to the tune of the same old drum.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
On DVD, the movie struts and jives as the percussion pounds out a lively beat. This is a high-flying feature that those into the discipline and muscianship of show-style marching bands will enjoy.
Sarah Chauncey, Reel.com
Drumline is proof that you can make an original movie with a tired old formula.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Little happens in Drumline that we couldn't foretell from the outset. But it all unfolds in so earnest and heartfelt a manner, it's hard to outright hate the thing.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...it must be a good story, it's been told so many times before.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

Wow. A movie that can make watching marching bands interesting. The constant battles are very fun to watch. Young funny guy Nick Cannon really adds alot to this movie.
Chris W

I had never planned on seeing this (for whatever reason), but I saw it a few years ago in a film and music class and forgot to review it on here. It's predictable, a little corny, but it's still a harmless and heartwarming tale of inspiration that makes you feel good… More
I had never planned on seeing this (for whatever reason), but I saw it a few years ago in a film and music class and forgot to review it on here. It's predictable, a little corny, but it's still a harmless and heartwarming tale of inspiration that makes you feel good afterwards. The music is good, and the performances are above average, so if you have some spare time and are bored, this is an okay time filler.
Jennifer D

I was in the band in high school. I appreciate it's cuteness.
Coxxie M

this doesnt deserve a review. either youre dumb enough to like this kind of movie or you arent
Lewis C

I'm Nick Cannon! I play the drums! Boom boom boom!
Jason S

This is your basic everyday sports formula movie. A rookie comes in with all the talent in the world but no clue how to work as a team. He makes enemies and mistakes and then he redeems himself and becomes part of the team in the end. It is basic but this one is still pretty good.… More
This is your basic everyday sports formula movie. A rookie comes in with all the talent in the world but no clue how to work as a team. He makes enemies and mistakes and then he redeems himself and becomes part of the team in the end. It is basic but this one is still pretty good. I like the characters and the drum line battles in the movie are pretty cool to watch. The actors do a fine job with a basic story and it will keep you entertained.
Dan S

Pretty good.
Rachel F

This movie has amazing drumming sequences.
Lanning :

Made me want to try out for the drumline at my school. Too bad I can't play.
Juan C

easily the most greatest drumline experience you'll ever have! A+
Yinalí R

It made me want to dance.
Andrew F

I am ONLY giving it this because of all the cool bands. What held this back was me hating Nick Cannon's character. I don't think I have ever hated a character that much.
Ira Z

Cool drum solos. Aside from that, the military-like training of the marching band and the showdown in the end was cool to watch.
Sam C

Nick Cannon's only entertaining movie...and I do mean ONLY
Leo L

great movie.
Sunil J

Good one time only really. I watched it a second time and could have done with a little less drumming.
jason d

Nick Cannon continues to show his acting chops. And by acting I mean making kissy lips and squinting a lot. The drumming stuff was sort of cool if you were into that whole banging drum beats on your school desk in middle school.