Take the Lead

Review by Clint Morris

I’d hope that the following songs are on the soundtrack for Take the Lead:

- ‘Gangstas Paradise’ by Coolio, -‘You Can Do It’ by Ice Cube, -‘Canned Heat’ by Jamiroquai, and -‘School Of Rock’ by ‘School of Rock’. 

All the tracks are from films, in this case, Dangerous Minds (1995), Save the Last Dance (2001), Centre Stage (2000), and School of Rock (2003), respectively. Why should those particular tunes be on this films’ CD? Because a soundtrack should fit the film, right? And in this case, Lead is no more than a compilation itself – an anthology of best bits from other, better, earlier films, like the ones the tracks originally appeared in.

Inspired by a true story (but aren’t they all?), the film stars Antonio Banderas as a charismatic, old-school ballroom dance teacher who gets a job at an urban – yep, metal-detectors, morning frisks; all the formulaic regulars – highschool where he’s assigned the task of keeping an eye on some kids (all naturally troubled, of course) whilst they’re in detention.

Captain Charmball ultimately decides the best thing for these kids – in an effort to boost their confidence, solidarity skills, and give them some direction – is to teach them to ballroom dance. After quite a few atypical retorts like ‘No way dog!’ and ‘Oh my god, what is that noise!’ (Upon hearing the teacher’s choice of musical to boogie to) they give in, and start cutting a real rug on the floor.

Your wife’s best friend, a prominent dancer, has invited you both to her recital. Now, who’s going to enjoy that night the most? That’s right, the wife. Not just because it’s your wife’s friend that’s doing the rumba, but also because she knows her, in all probability has an emotional connection to her and fundamentally, cares whether she does well or not – on the night.

The husband, on the other hand, probably doesn’t feel much of a tie, he isn’t even that worried about the outcome, and frankly, would rather be watching anything but. That doesn’t mean he can’t appreciate the talent involved though . . .but that’s about it.

Now apply that correlation to a bloke/non-dancing fan/someone that doesn’t give a shit whether Antonio Banderas’s ass gets some solid screen time, or has long yearned for Dangerous Minds: The Musical, and it’s clear we’ve got a film for a very specific crowd: If you dance or if you know someone that dances, if you easily swoon over Zorro, or if you’re a fan of ‘comfort food’ – you know, the gratifying same ol’ same ol- then you’ll be in heaven. For the harder to impress – they’ll wish the bland chips offered a bit more salsa.

The main problem with the film is the script. It doesn’t really even try to be anything more than the latest Save the Last Dance, Dangerous Minds or Centre Stage, but seems rather content just playing homage to all of them. It almost needs a cop out the front advising, “There’s nothing to see here folks, move along”.

At the same time, this is an Antonio Banderas movie – and even a straight man can appreciate his charm and likeability. Whether he’s a masked man sketching his name into hard wood, or drawing wood as he comes face to bust with Angelina Jolie, he’s always easy to watch. No exception here. In fact, because he’s dancing – something he’s very well known for, as fans of The Mambo Kings will attest to – he might even be more at home.

And yes, the wife enjoyed the heck out of it.

2.5 out of 5

Take the Lead
Australian release: 25th May, 2006
Cast: Antonio Banderas, Rob Brown, Elijah Kelley, Dante Basco, Jenna Dewan
Director: Liz Friedlander
Website: Click here.