Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Feelin Hot Hot Hot !!!!!!!!!!!! Antonio is sizzlin hot in this scorcher of a film!!!!!!!!!!!! MUST SEE, 10 Sep 2006
I went to see this film at the cinema, and thoroughly enjoyed it. All us ladies have seen how 'hot' Antonio Banderas was when he danced with Catherine Zeta Jones in Zorro, and with Madonna in Evita. He obviously enjoyed dancing as he chose to do this film and boy is he good!, and one cannot forget what fantastic dancers the whole cast were. This film will appeal to both the ladies and the fellas. The only reason why I have not given it 5* is because of the legendary Dirty Dancing (in the same genre). Dirty Dancing has survived the test of time. It is a film which continues to be extremely popular with each generation. However 'Take The Lead' is definitely my second favourite in this genre!
This film is better than 'Save The Last Dance', and it was so good that I'm buying it (forget renting - this ones for keeps), as it's one of those films you'll watch again and again.....and again.
MUST SEE!
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"I've got five bucks saying you won't be back tomorrow", 11 Aug 2007
When we read the description of this movie, the expectation is that we will get a story that has been told before, but this time using dancing as the motivator. Movies in a similar vein that came to mind were "Stand and Deliver", which uses math, and "Music of the Heart", which uses music. And in terms of the plot, there are not many surprises there. But the delivery is outstanding; the music and dancing are used perfectly to make us forget about the trite plot.
"Take the Lead" is based on the true story of Mr. Pierre Dulaine, a ballroom dancer and teacher who shows the traits of an old-fashioned gentleman and argues that the dancing cultivates these characteristics. This is a movie about contrasts and about how differences can be bridged. The music and dancing are used as a perfect metaphor for this idea. Right from the beginning we see people getting ready for a party at the beat of different music, hip hop on on side and a ballade on the other. The differences tumble down from there. From the clothing to the ambiance, the world of ballroom dancing and the world of a high school party dominated by hip hop, could not be farther apart.
The two worlds collide when Jason, a student at John Drake High School, is destroying the car of the principal of the school and Pierre comes along in his bike (and this is a bicycle, mind you) and inquires about Jason's acts. The next day, Mr. Dulaine shows up at the principals office and asks for a chance to teach these kids ballroom dancing. She laughs at him, but then decides to teach him a lesson and sends him to try his plan on a group of students on detention. Pierre, who we already suspect was yearning for a challenge, does not waver in his purpose. He experiences a disastrous first reunion, but little by little manages to reach these kids and show them that they can dream again.
There are several things that make this film enjoyable. First, there is the dancing, which is very entertaining and uplifting, and shows some very skilled performers. I was mostly impressed by Jenna Dewan, who is outstanding in an unconventional tango scene. Then, there is the music, which ranges from silky love songs to fashionable and catching hip hop. Finally, even though the story is unoriginal, it is told in such a way that keeps us engaged throughout the duration. Overall, this is a movie worth watching if you enjoy music and dance.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A feel good movie that will force you off the couch and doing the salsa!, 9 Jan 2007
A feel good movie that will force you off the couch and doing the salsa! I mean it! The reason is by far the amazing music in the movie, mixing classic jazz with modern rap and hip hop. It's not a typical dance movie, as it also focuses on the lives and social stances of the main characters. It is however a movie worth seeing. As a dance movie enthusiast I would like to have seen more dancing and definitely more close-ups of dancing, but still - the group of young actors and actresses in the film give it what it need to excel.
Louise.
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