Take The Lead MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 Content: -1 1/2

Antonio Banderas, Rob Brown, Yaya DaCosta, Alfre Woodward, John Ortiz, Laura Benanti, Dante Basco, Jenna Dewan, Marcus T. Paulk. Written by Dianne Houston. Directed by Liz Friedlander.

Inspired by a true story, Antonio Banderas stars as internationally acclaimed ballroom dancer Pierre Dulaine (the man behind the inspiring school dance program chronicled in the last years hit documentary Mad Hot Ballroom) in the family drama Take the Lead. The film revolves around a professional dancer who volunteers to teach in the New York City public school system. But when his classic methods clash with his students' hip hop instincts, he teams up with them to create a new style of dance and becomes their mentor in the process. As Dulaine becomes a mentor for his students, many of whom havent had much to strive towards in their lives, he inspires them to hone their craft for a prestigious city ballroom competition, and in return they share with each other valuable lessons about pride, respect and honor.

A fine title, but Mr. Hollands Dance Class would have been more descriptive, for Take the Lead is about as formulaic as a movie can get. In keeping with all the new-teacher-befriends-urban-high schoolers movies, this one follows the numbers, well, to the letter: he must win them over, they learn to like his music by blending in their own; and they gear up for the big contest, despite their underdog status and coming of age travails.

That said there are several positive elements that make this familiar effort a worthy entry into the genre. Antonio Banderas injects a suave honesty into his teacher with a heart role. The music, a blend of Gershwin and hip-hop, is lively and tolerable for purists of both styles. And then there is the insightful message only some get the dream, those who show up to receive it. Breezy and humorous, Take the Lead is lightweight, but fun.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: New Line Cinema