Take the Lead (2006)
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44% of critics liked it
(119 reviews) -
78% of users liked it
(350,712 ratings)
A teacher and his students open up new worlds for one another in this urban drama inspired by a true story. Pierre Dulaine (Antonio Banderas) is a prize-winning ballroom dancer and instructor from Manhattan who volunteers his services to a high school in one of the roughest neighborhoods in the… More A teacher and his students open up new worlds for one another in this urban drama inspired by a true story. Pierre Dulaine (Antonio Banderas) is a prize-winning ballroom dancer and instructor from Manhattan who volunteers his services to a high school in one of the roughest neighborhoods in the Bronx. Principal Augustine James (Alfre Woodard) in turn gives Dulaine a tough assignment -- a detention class with some of the biggest troublemakers on campus. When the kids learn that Dulaine intends to teach them how to dance in the classic style, they're incredulous at best and dismissive at worst -- until Dulaine demonstrates his moves for the class. While Dulaine's charges -- including Rock (Rob Brown), LaRhette (Yaya DaCosta), Ramos (Dante Basco), Eddie (Marcus T. Paulk), and Sasha (Jenna Dewan) -- respect his talent, they have their own way of dancing, and as they mix hip-hop moves with ballroom discipline, they create an exciting new style. Dulaine also strives to instill self-confidence and a work ethic in his kids, insisting they can make their way out of the ghetto if they're willing to try. Screenwriter Dianne Houston based Take the Lead on the real-life story of Pierre Dulaine, who taught dance as a volunteer to at-risk students at New York elementary schools. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Liz Friedlander
- Genres
- Musical & Performing Arts, Drama
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Apr 7, 2006 Wide
- Studio
- New Line Cinema
Critic Reviews
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Anna Smith, Time Out
While their transformation is predictable, it's quietly enjoyable, and the teen angle opens the door to romance and gritty gang-war subplots.
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Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
it's just ridiculous, it's just ridiculous. One cliché right after another. Not for one second did I believe any of this.
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Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
While we may be able to pretty much guess everything that's going to happen in Take the Lead, its considerable charm lies in the way it fulfills, rather than bucks, our expectations.
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Claudia Puig, USA Today
Think of it as the fictionalized version of last year's engaging documentary Mad Hot Ballroom, with teen dancers and sexier moves. It is also more formulaic and clichéd, thanks to the predictable plot and theme.
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Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Take the Lead is pure entertainment, if only for the endless amusement of watching Banderas spread the gospel of ballroom like he was born wearing a tuxedo.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Antonio Banderas
as Pierre Dulaine
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Rob Brown (VI)
as Rock
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Lauren Collins
as Caitlin
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Brandon D. Andrews
as Monster
- Anna Demitrie Melamed
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Jenna Dewan
as Sasha
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Alfre Woodard
as Augustine James
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Katya Virshilas
as Morgan
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Dante Basco
as Ramos
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Marcus T. Paulk
as Eddie
- Elijah Kelley
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John Ortiz
as Mr. Temple
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Laura Benanti
as Tina
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Yaya DaCosta
as LaRhette
- Jasika Nicole
