Main Cast: Nick Cannon, Zoe Saldana, Orlando Jones, Leonard Roberts, GQ
Release Year: 2002
Country: US
Run Time: 118 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG13
Plot
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, All Movie Guide
Review
Director Charles Stone III, responsible for the accomplished, gritty urban crime drama, Paid in Full, shows some versatility in bringing us the competent, high-energy competition drama, Drumline. Stone's film is pretty formulaic stuff, in terms of the basic plot outline. It fits into the same mold as Rocky and Top Gun, wherein a supremely talented but undisciplined outsider has to overcome various contrived obstacles, prove himself a valuable part of a team, and save the day. The specific setting of Drumline sets it apart, though, because it takes place in the uniquely exciting and vibrant world of "show-style" marching bands. Young leads Nick Cannon, Zoe Saldana, and Leonard Roberts are attractive and appealing, and Orlando Jones delivers an effectively toned-down performance. While the film is generally well acted, and the script is modestly efficient, the film works best as a splashy musical, coming to vivid life when the bands take the field to perform and compete. Stone, with help from cinematographer Shane Hurlbut (crazy/beautiful), does an excellent job of capturing the complex percussive rhythms and precise choreography of the drumline, and the energy and excitement these bands bring to the field. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
Jason Weaver - Ernest; Earl C. Poitier - Charles; Candace Carey - Diedre; Shay Roundtree - Big Rob; Miguel A. Gaetan - Trey; J. Anthony Brown - Mr. Wade; Afemo Omilami - President Wagner
Credit
Nicholas Scott - Art Director, Aleta Helena Chappelle - Casting, Salvador Perez - Costume Designer, Doug Torres - First Assistant Director, Charles Stone III - Director, Bill Pankow - Editor, Patricia Bowers - Editor, Greg Mooradian - Executive Producer, Dallas Austin - Executive Producer, John Powell - Composer (Music Score), Charles C. Bennett - Production Designer, Shane Hurlbut - Cinematographer, Timothy M. Bourne - Producer, Wendy Fihnerman - Producer, Jody Gerson - Producer, Amy McGary - Set Designer, Jim Hawkins - Sound/Sound Designer, Shawn Schepps - Screen Story, Shawn Schepps - Screenwriter, Tina Gordon Chism - Screenwriter, Dallas Austin - Executive Music Producer
When rap was still the new kid on the block in the '80s, some of the older R&B singers refused to take it seriously. But times have changed, and these days, urban and rap are joined at the hip. Rappers incorporate R&B singing; urban and neo-soul singers incorporate hip-hop. Rap and urban R&B are certainly joined at the hip on the soundtrack for the movie Drumline, which finds producer Dallas Austin receiving the title "executive music producer." Some soundtracks are nothing more than souvenirs of the corresponding film, but under Austin's direction, Drumline has a life of its own. This is a generally decent collection of urban and rap cuts, and it proves to be appealingly diverse; listeners are exposed to everything from neo-soul singing to Dirty South rapping. Petey Pablo's "Club Banger" and Trick Daddy's "Let's Go" are right out of the Dirty South school of hip-hop, while Syleena Johnson's "Faithful to You" and Alicia Keys' "Butterflyz" have a neo-soul outlook -- that is, they combine urban/hip-hop beats with classic pre-'80s soul values. Johnson and Keys are rootsy enough to be called soul singers, yet modern and high-tech enough to appeal to the urban contemporary market of the early 2000s. But while neo-soul is part of urban contemporary, not all urban contemporary is neo-soul. Monica's "Uh Oh" and Nivea's "What You Waitin' For" are among the urban tracks that don't have a neo-soul perspective. Overall, Austin does his job well on Drumline, which moves in different directions but still manages to have a certain continuity. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
Robert Kraft (Executive in Charge of Music), Tony Black (Engineer), Tony Black (Mixing), Dallas Austin (Producer), Dallas Austin (Executive Producer), Brian Frye (Engineer), Bernie Grundman (Mastering), Debra Killings (Vocals (Background)), Manny Marroquin (Mixing), Lee Scott (Music Supervisor), Rick Sheppard (Engineer), Rick Sheppard (Digital Editing), Rick Sheppard (Sound Design), Rick Sheppard (MIDI Design), Greg "Frosty" Smith (Engineer), Serban Ghenea (Mixing), Frank Romano (Guitar), Jonathan McHugh (Executive in Charge of Music), Pete Thea (Executive in Charge of Music), Phillip Scott (Engineer), Syleena Johnson (Arranger), Syleena Johnson (Vocals (Background)), Victor McCoy (Assistant Engineer), Jazze Pha (Vocals (Background)), Jazze Pha (Producer), Tony Reyes (Vocals (Background)), Charles McCrorey (Engineer), Tim Lauber (Engineer), Carlton Lynn (Engineer), Carlton Lynn (Mixing), Michael C. Ross (Engineer), Michael C. Ross (Mixing), Josh Butler (Engineer), Josh Butler (Mixing), Geoff Bywater (Music Supervisor), Chris Covert (Music Consultant), Michael Knobloch (Music Supervisor), Rich Tapper (Engineer), Barry Cole (Music Consultant), Danielle Diego (Music Supervisor), Patrick Viala (Engineer), Cedric Anderson (Engineer), Big Bob (Producer), Big Bob (Instrumentation), Toi Green (Executive in Charge of Music), InfaRed (Producer), Alicia Keys (Arranger), Alicia Keys (Producer), Andy Ackland (Engineer), Andy Ackland (Mixing), Brian Stanley (Engineer), Brian Stanley (Mixing), Teddy Davis (Engineer), Dion Peters (Assistant Engineer), Dragan "Chach" Cacinovic (Engineer), Doug Harms (Assistant Engineer), Kevin "KD" Davis (Mixing), Jasper DaFatso (Vocals (Background)), Tadd Mingo (Assistant Engineer), Greg "Ruckus" Andrews (DJ), Cesar Guevara (Vocals (Background)), Cesar Guevara (Assistant Engineer), John Powell (Producer), Cliff Jones (Producer)
The film opened to generally positive reviews, particularly towards the energy and playing of the musical bands in the film. It was also a success at the box office, earning over $56 million in the U.S., and almost $1.2 million in foreign markets.
The story concerns Devon Miles (Cannon), a teen who has just graduated from high school in New York City. Upon graduating, Devon heads to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Atlanta A&T University, a historically black college that takes enormous pride in its marching band. Devon was personally invited to attend on full scholarship by Dr. Lee (Jones), head of the band, for his prodigious talents. The A&T band separates itself from its competitors by requiring all members to read music, by focusing on various styles of music rather than what music is currently popular on the radio, and by dedication to the teamwork emphasized "one band, one sound" concept. The band has a preseason that is similar to an athletic team's induction in that it is very physically and mentally difficult. It challenges all recruits to push themselves past what they previously thought were their limits. At the end of preseason, the musicians audition for spots on the field, and Devon is the only freshman to make P1, the highest level player. While going through his rigorous process, Devon also finds time to romance an upperclassman dancer, Laila (Saldana).
College life starts well for Devon, as he has the girl and a spot on the field. Things begin to sour when Sean (Roberts), Devon's percussion leader, begins to grow weary of Devon's cocky attitude. Sean later challenges Devon to take a solo in his first game, believing the freshman will panic and be embarrassed in front of everyone. Sean is shocked when Devon takes the solo and is subsequently humiliated. This sets up some tension in the drumline which is exacerbated when Dr. Lee is told by President Wagner (Afemo Omilami), the school's president, to change his focus from music to entertainment or lose his funding. Lee does not want to give Devon more playing time because he feels Devon's attitude and respect are lacking. The situation further deteriorates when it is revealed that Devon cannot read music. Devon is demoted to P4 by Dr. Lee until he learns, then later put back on P1 when Wagner pressures Dr. Lee to do so. However, after inciting a melee with a visiting band at A&T's homecoming game by using his sticks to play on the visiting line's drums (a serious insult in drumline mythos), Devon is finally kicked out of the band by Dr. Lee. The fight also harms his relationship with Laila as she is embarrassed to introduce him to her parents, who attended the game.
Devon contacts A&T's rival school Morris Brown College, to discuss playing for their band next season. Mr. Wade (J. Anthony Brown), Brown's band leader, says that Devon does not need to know how to read music and will likely get a full scholarship and a good position on the drumline. When Wade wants to know what Dr. Lee is planning for the BET Big Southern Classic (a large competition of college bands), Devon realizes that his heart and honor are still with the A&T band. He rejects the scholarship offer from the rival band and returns to A&T.
Though Devon is still not playing for the band, he cannot give up his drumming. He is sent cassette tapes from his estranged father and gets some ideas for new drum arrangements. He and Sean have a final confrontation that clears the air and they begin to work together. The two present their idea for an entrance cadence to Dr. Lee who decides they will be used during the Classic. Devon helps the drumline prepare and patches up his relationship with Laila.
At the Classic, the bands are shown performing a mixture of popular songs. Morris Brown's band even gets rapper Petey Pablo to perform during their routine. A&T is not fazed by this and performs their mix of retro and current sounds. A tie results and the Morris Brown and A&T drumlines face off. Dr. Lee tells Devon he can play for this face-off, showing his faith in Devon's improved character and in thanks for all the hard work he has done in getting the band ready for the Classic. Morris Brown goes first and A&T responds. Morris Brown's second cadence includes their snares moving forward and playing on the A&T drums (the same move that incited the fight at A&T's homecoming game), then throwing down their sticks. The A&T line manages to hold their composure in the face of the insult. They play their cadence and in the middle throw down their sticks, mimicking the Morris Brown actions, but then the entire line pulls out another set of sticks and continues playing. They end their routine in the faces of the Morris Brown drumline, but instead of playing on their drums, the line all drop their sticks onto the other drumline's drums. The judges award the win to A&T.
The film is widely regarded as one of the best modern interpretations of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to date. Romeo and Juliet's themes of family and class rivalry as well as displays of flamboyant confrontation are displayed in the Charles Stone III's brilliantly directed film.
The film was released on VHS[2] and in fullscreen and widescreen editions on DVD April 15, 2003.[3][4] DVD features include a full-length director's commentary, ten deleted scenes with commentary, a thirty minute "Making of..." special, and music videos for the singles "I Want A Girl Like You" by Joe and "Blowin' Me Up (With Her Love)" by JC Chasez from the film's soundtrack.[5] A "special edition" DVD version of the film was later released on January 29, 2008.[6] The film was released in the Blu-ray format on January 27, 2009.[7]
Critical Reception
The film was given 3 1/2 stars at Allmovie, where reviewer Josh Ralske gave positive note to the performances of the main cast and Stone's direction but still called the plot "formulaic."[8] At Metacritic, the film has averaged a 63 out of 100 rating from critics, based on 28 reviews.[9] The film aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes has an 80% "fresh" rating,[10] and a noteworthy 92% from the Cream of the Crop (Top Critics) section.[11] It is currently tied for the #98 spot on the site's list of 100 Best Films of 2002.[12] At Yahoo! Movies, the film has been given a B average based on 14 reviews from critics, and a B- by over 30,000 users.[13]
Natasha Grant at BlackFilm.com called the movie "irresistible," "wonderfully crafted," and "fascinating."[14] For the Chicago Sun-Times, Roger Ebert gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, giving the film credit as being "entertaining" and "admirable."[15] At the Los Angeles Times, Kenneth Turan believed the film to be entertaining, although he states that the plot is "way-familiar."[16] Writing for The New York Times, A. O. Scott, while feeling the movie had a "skimpy, hectic plot," still believed the film to be "bouncy, boisterous and charming," and the play of the marching bands to be "downright thrilling."[17] Mike Clark at USA Today awarded the film two and a half of four stars, feeling the film to be conventional but competent, and giving particular positive note to J. Anthony Brown, Orlando Jones, and Leonard Roberts performances.[18] One of the films negative reviews came courtesy of David Levine at FilmCritic.com. Giving the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, Levine called the screenplay "standard formula" and "predictable," and went on to say that it was unfunny as well as uninspiring. He did however say he was impressed by the precision and artistry of the marching bands.[19]
The film's soundtrack was also executive produced by Dallas Austin. Released December 10, 2002,[21] it reached the number 61 spot on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, number 10 on the Top Soundtracks list, and peaked at 133 on The Billboard 200 in 2003.[22] The tracks "I Want a Girl Like You," "Blowin' Me Up (With Her Love)," and "Club Banger" were all released as singles, with JC Chasez' "Blowin' Me Up..." obtaining the highest level of success, reaching the number 24 spot on the Canadian Singles Chart, number 17 on the Top 40 Tracks chart, and number 14 on the Top 40 Mainstream chart.[23]
