Drumline

Starring: Nick Cannon, Orlando Jones, Zoe Saldana
Directed by: Charles Stone III
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Box Office: $56,399,184
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A very gifted drummer (Nick Cannon) gets a scholarship to Atlanta A & T University, to be in their prestigious marching band. His problem with authority causes a number of headaches, as he clashes with the old-school band director (Orlando Jones).

Review:

Tim: This is a story of natural talent being told to adhere to strict standards that do not allow the talent to grow. Drumline was one of the biggest surprise hits of 2002. Who thought that a story about a college marching band could be so interesting? Unless you attended a huge university, you're probably wondering how anyone could watch a movie about a bunch of band geeks.

If that sounds like you, then you definitely need to check this film out. It will completely change your outlook on marching bands. The training regiment is fierce, the performances must be flawless, and the pressure rises with every note played. Sure, at times the film glorifies being in the band a bit, but all in all, you will be amazed at what you didn't know about marching bands.

This film pulls its success from two people. First, Nick Cannon, who gives an unbelievably powerful and layered performance of a gifted kid with a seeming hatred of authority. Make no mistake, the film shows that this a kid with skills- and oftentimes, in the absence of competition, arrogance and cockiness can blossom. This is a story of a kid trying to figure out who he is, and his place in the world. Besides being entertaining as hell, the film has a good message as well (which is rarer and rarer in today's Hollywood).

The second performance noting is that of Orlando Jones. Here, Jones is venturing away from his typical comedy roles into a very serious role. Many comedic actors have had trouble doing that (Jim Carrey in the Majestic? ) Jones, however, makes the transition flawlessly, and gives an equally powerful performance as a man living in the past, but forced to deal with the changing times of the present.

Drumlinefeatures so many levels of storytelling and themes that its hard to fit in one quick review. Your best bet is to take a chance with this suprise hit, and I guarantee you'll see what everyone else is talking about. Who thought a film about a band could be this good? I certainly didn't, and am very glad I was wrong.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Evolution, Bring it On, An Officer and a Gentleman