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 AT 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 -- _entertainment_movies_comedy

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 (Comedy Movies) -- Entertainment-Movies

4 out of 5 stars!   Seen it twice now, liked it both times 2010-05-14

This movie was recommended to me by a friend when my daughter was in junior high. She is a percussionist and at that time, wasn't interested in marching band at the high school level, but we wanted to see the movie due to her interest in drumming. Since that time, she has gotten into marching band and an indoor drumline at her high school and the indoor drumline she participates in came in 14th at national competition last month (proud mom here). The first time I saw the movie, it really seemed over the top to me and while I enjoyed it, it seemed unrealistic in many ways. This is a feel-good movie with a talented but arrogant under-priviledged kid getting the opportunity of a lifetime and showing how he responds. I am always a sucker for this type of film. The second time I watched this just this past weekend, I enjoyed it even more. After going through a high school marching band season and an indoor drumline season, this all seemed perfectly normal. The number of hours, the discipline, the hardwork these kids put into this are very accurately portrayed based upon my own experience. To sum it up -- a fun, entertaining movie that anyone who has participated in marching band (and drummers in particular) will enjoy. The additional bonus material were great. Glad I bought it!
          -- Holly Kincaid Indiana, USA

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