Review of Drumline (2002) by Sonet H — 14 Dec 2009
Easily one of the biggest surprises I have ever gotten from a movie. I had no desire to see it. My wife made me and I really enjoyed it. I was expecting a hip-hop laden atmosphere laden with sex and stereotypes running rampant. Nothing of the sort.
The movie has a a straightforward storyline that, while predictable, does not try to overreach itself. Sure it meanders with some of the subplots, but they all work pretty well. The thing I most appreciate about Drumline is that it portrays a realistic main character who has a fall that allows him to learn from his mistakes while still feeling the consequence of his actions. Devon has to learn his errors while being kept out of the thing he loves best.
Orlando Jones gives a great performance as the band director, Dr. Lee. He really is a good actor who has taken some crap roles in his time. Where the hell has he been lately? The rest of the supporting cast does an admirable job. You do not get the sense that Nick Cannon is really acting, just being himself. Which is not really a bad thing, but it does not lend itself to the idea of performance. The drumming... was badass.
The big finale feels tacked on, but it is worth it. As is the movie, a true diamond in the rough...diamond in the... in the rough.
This review of Drumline (2002) was written by Sonet H on 14 Dec 2009.
Drumline has generally received positive reviews.
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