Take the Lead (DVD, 2006, Widescreen Edition)

This is a wonderfully moving film. It is especially powerful when you realize it is based on a true story.

If you watch the special features and meet the man who inspired this movie you realize what a wonderful job Antonio Banderas does in this role. He is superb. And that is not where the fine acting ends. There is a host of new, truly wonderful talent assembled for this movie.

The dancing is marvelous! So many styles of dance are shown in this movie. It lays an underlying theme, whether intended or not, that there are so many different styles of dance, just like people, and you can find something in each one to take with you. There is something in each one to embrace.

This movie takes you on a journey through the lifes of several students who are seen as rejects and how one man made a difference in their lives. And in the end, this man has made a difference in the lives of so many.

Take the Lead

I didn't think that I would like this film, but I did, and I liked it a lot.

Antonio Banderas is spectacular as Pierre Dulaine, a real-life Dance teacher, and it is one of his best performances ever.

Based on a true story, Take the Lead delivers excitement, passion, laughs, and a handful of stand-up and cheer moments. Rob Brown is as brilliant in Take the Lead as he was in Coach Carter, and the rest of the supporting cast are spectacular as well.

The dance scenes are sometimes hilarious, sometimes sexy, but always entertaining, and the message this film delivers is one of hope and faith. Take the Lead proves that with the right attitude anything is possible.

Final Verdict:

5/5

Rent or Buy?: I bought it because I loved it, and I'm not a huge fan of dance movies, the story is great and the music is superb. That being said, if you're male rent it first, just in case.

IF YOU FIND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE. Thank you

What an amazing movie. What an amazing man - Pierre Dulaine.

If for no other reason, watch this movie because it is based on a real life man that brought his passion and sense of etiquite to the children of New York schools.

You fall in love with the characters (students) in this movie. This movie doesn't just SHOW you their lives, it lets you FEEL their lives. You get a sense of what is right and wrong in their lives and how a little attention from a caring soul can help to change their destinies.

Please take the time to view the extras. You do not want to miss learning about Pierre Dulaine. His generosity and spirit is infectious!

The facts behind the movie are amazing. Anotonio is sexy in this dance with the teens movie. Not as good as "Shall We Dance" but still makes you wonder where you can find dance instructors like this.
Makes you wanna learn how to dance every dance there is.

Take the Lead mixes the old with the new. Inspired by a true story, Pierre Dulaine (played by Antonio Banderas) is a ballroom dancer and instructor who volunteers his services to a high school in the ghetto. At first the kids are uncooperative but when Dulaine brings in one of his students, a sexy long legged blonde, and performs a smoking hot version of the Tango with her they suddenly perk up. However, these kids are not ready to give in just yet and as they mix their own hip-hop moves with ballroom steps they create an exciting new style that will have you coming up off the sofa to dance along. As my husband said, "You just can't help yourself can you." 3 of the kids perform a number during the dance contest that will knock your socks off. Dulaine also strives to instill some of the old world values that he believes are so important to these kids futures.

If you like antion B you will love this movie. If you like dance , you will love this movie, If you dont like either then you wont like tis movie .

An energetic, entertaining dance drama flick. This ensemble cast of highly talented young actors/dancers exude the joy & passion of dance. Banderas gives an excellent performance as the real-life Pierre Dulaine, ballroom dancing teacher of inner-city delinquents and upperclass snobs. The contrast of hip-hop and all-time ballroom dancing music favorites eventually blends into a upbeat "remix" of both and paralells the subplot of the "delinquent kids" learning civility and grace in the midst of their grim lifestyles. Although you've seen most of this before, this one can stand alone for the young talent it showcases. Two tango dance routines are especially stunning, one with the lanky, sexy, blonde Morgan (Katya Varshilas) and Banderas and the other with the vivacious Sasha (Jenna Dewan) and dance rivals Ramos (Dante Basco) and Danjou (Elijah Kelley). Another treat that will add to the enjoyment of the film and onscreen talent are the Special Features about Pierre Dulaine and the "Delinquent Kids".

Although the story line was very typical, it was nice to see Banderas in action. He uses the tango to teach kids to trust themselves and build their confidence. This is the first time I've seen Yaya since America's Top Model; I though she was good in this.

"Take the Lead" follows in the footsteps of "Sister Act", and other movies about do-good people who take disenfranchised youth under their wing. In this movie, salvation comes in the form of ballroom dancing.

The characters are predictable, but fairly well executed: the incorrigible dance instructer, the cynical but kind-hearted school principal, the snoby dance student, and all of the usual love-triangles and romantic quarrels that could emerge from these embattled teenagers.

Antonio Banderas does surprisingly little dancing in the movie. The kids make up for it with a variety of hip-hop and improvised ballroom moves, but I wasn't blown away as I had hoped to be. In these sorts of movies, you generally know what the outcome will be, but there was enough energy and soul to make it enjoyable enough.

I'm glad I waited for it to come out on DVD. It was enjoyable, but not entirely unforgettable.

I own it, and I loved it, teaching the teens the values in life
and living today, as well as how to be good all over dancers...
Great movie....

I had seen the movie, and loved it. My granddaughter wanted it for Christmas and I found here on ebay for a much more reasonable price than in the stores. It wasn't used, it was brand new. Love the deals on Ebay. ENJOY

The movie is a great family time. Some of the begining you start to wonder but it opens our eyes to everyday things that we have a tendency to overlook. It is a great door opener for talking to your kids about people that are different they you are.

it was a wonderful movie it showed how kids can change with the help of someone really cares and takes an interest in their lives.

I like movies that combine modern and ballroom dance. Watching the younger learn discipline and self worth is wonderful to see. Highly recommend.

This was my first ebay purchase and it was a great experience. I was using this purchase to determine what steps I needed to make to complete a purchase on a larger scale. The process was very easy and the seller was very quick at sending me the DVD. I was sceptical about the condition of the movie but to my surprise it was packed very well and in excellent shape. Since I purchased the movie I have seen it in retail stores for more than what I paid even with shipping. Having a good experience with this purchase gave me the courage to complete two additional larger purchases.

This is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Based on a true story which makes it even more impressive, it was a movie I decided I needed to buy for myself. Great movie, see it.

I have to say I was a little unsure of this movie before I viewed it. I was pleasantly surprised at the content. It is beautifully done and the plot moves along nicely. It is not just about "dancing". There is so much more to it. It is so good. A great family movie. Also very inspiring.

This movie was very moving.. The way antonio banderas takes the lead and helps the teens in this movie work out problems with dance! This movie is very heart warming and should be seen by many!

Take the Lead is inspired by the True Story of Pierre Dulaine who took the task of helping troubled youth by filling their lives with things that are productive, in his case, Ball Room Dancing.
The director does a good job of transforming the true life story into a modern day cinematic by using several different styles of dance and music. Eventually, the students mix there hip hop and rap music into his ballroom dance songs. Antonio Banderas is a perfect match for the lead Pierre. All the kids cast as his students also seem to fit and have some humor as well as good chemistry.
I enjoyed the comedy that went on between the redhead gangster and the slightly larger female. Using rufio and this other black kid as two guys fighting over the same girl they have a very creative and fun to watch dance involving all three of them near the end.
My girlfriend is a professional dancer and I enjoy all forms of dance... This movie was good for me all the way through...
My girlfriends one complaint was that she wanted to see more dancing, but she would rather watch a full length movie of just dancing than have some sort of plot involved... and the plot is one of the best parts in my opinion.

Hope this helps,
Aloha,
Trent McKell

I loved this movie...if you love dancing and want to see Antonio move the way he does ...wow this is the one for you! But honestly aside from my humor..this movie being based on a true story really was emotional for me..what this man did for these kids....it brought tears to my eyes...along with some pitter pattering of my heart watching him dance...overall this movie is great..even for the little ones...inspiring and great overall!

This movie is a MUST HAVE in everyone's DVD collection!!
It's the kind of movie that touches your heart, yet makes you want to get up and dance with it. If you don't buy it you will REGRET IT..

This movie Take the Lead shows Antonio Banderas as a teacher as well as learning the new moves from this generation and combining them into new dance. Great movie and includes techniques that you can learn as well. A great movie to add to your collection!

i loved this movie because of the theme and the actors in the movie. it's a real feel good story and you can't help but feel it.