Take the Lead (2006)

Director:

Liz Friedlander

Writer (WGA):

Dianne Houston (written by)

Release Date:

7 April 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Music

Tagline:

Never Follow.

Plot:

The real story of a dance teacher who believed in the talent of a group of problem kids.

Plot Keywords:

Dance Teacher | Ballroom Dancing | Ballroom | Dancing Lesson | Dance

Awards:

1 win & 6 nominations

Cast

Antonio Banderas	...	Pierre Dulaine
Rob Brown	...	Rock
Yaya DaCosta	...	LaRhette
Alfre Woodard	...	Augustine James
John Ortiz	...	Mr. Temple
Laura Benanti	...	Tina
Jonathan Malen	...	Kurd
Jasika Nicole	...	Egypt
Shawand McKenzie	...	Big Girl
Dante Basco	...	Ramos
Elijah Kelley	...	Danjou
Jenna Dewan	...	Sasha
Marcus T. Paulk	...	Eddie
Brandon D. Andrews	...	Monster
Lauren Collins	...	Caitlin

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for thematic material, language and some violence.

Runtime:

108 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

New Zealand:PG | Argentina:Atp | Hong Kong:IIA | Ireland:PG | UK:12A | Australia:PG | South Korea:12 | Singapore:PG | Finland:K-11 | Portugal:M/12 | Sweden:7 | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | Malaysia:U | Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) | Netherlands:6 | USA:PG-13 | Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) | Iceland:10

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company:

New Line Cinema

Trivia:

Originally, 'Antonio Banderas' turned down the part of Pierre when he looked at the script and realized the whole film was about ballroom dancing. The producers begged him for a few minutes for them to explain the story. After hearing this, viewing a documentary on and meeting the real Pierre, Banderas signed on.

Goofs:

Continuity: The first time when Pierre is in Augustine's office, he mentions the pictures of students on the wall. During the shot of the students, the pictures of Rock's brother and of LaRhette's brother are side by side. But when Pierre asks Augustine about Rock and LaRhette, she points out the students on the wall but LaRhette's brother's picture is below Rock's brother's picture.

Quotes:

Ramos: I'm so fly I can make anyone look good.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "HBO First Look: Take the Lead (#13.3)" (2006)

Soundtrack:

Mooncrest

Take The Chance

First off, let me say this. You've seen this movie a million times before. From the 'Black Board Jungle' from the 50's, to 'To Sir With Love' in the 60's, 'Dangerous Minds' and 'Sister Act 2' in the 90's, the formula is exactly the same. Well meaning teacher, or non-teacher (usually Caucasian) goes into the inner city to help mold the lives of the usual assortment of troubled kids who just want to be noticed and loved. On a side note, I find it amazing that Hollywood continues year after year to make the same movie over and over again. Come to think of it, I really shouldn't be surprise. It is Hollywood after all, the land of originality. But back to my review. After having said all that, and knowing within my head that I've seen this story done so many times, I have to admit I really enjoyed the film. Don't ask me why. Maybe it was the mood I was in. I definitely wanted to see something light and breezy, because the rest of my day would be pretty hectic. Somehow the film affected me in unexpected ways. I tend to be an idealist, and freely admit that I'm the perfect sucker for this type of film.

My recommendation is for you to go and experience this film. Don't expect to see the finest film ever made. Just go in and let it wash over you. You'll be surprised.