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Director: Charles Stone III
Release Date: December 13th, 2002
Rating: PG-13 (for innuendo and language)
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 There is a certain recycled ingredient that seems to show up in at least three movies a year. Take one young, gifted kid, who can't get along well with others, and mix him up in the "real world" amongst jealous peers and a father-like adult. Toss in some situations that would make anyone want to quit life, don't forget a love story, and then stir. Poof! You now have a PG-13 film that will be about as timeless as Howard the Duck. These films thrive on today's trends and music, and thus end up being outdated two years after their inception.
Drumline follows this pattern perfectly. The movie was full of great acting and some killer marching band sequences, but the overdone story along with the random appearance of rap artist Petey Pablo was enough to give this movie a 2 out of 5 rating.
Devon comes from the mean streets of Harlem just graduating High School. After never giving a thought towards college, he accepts a full scholarship to play in the marching band at a university in Atlanta. Having been the best back in Harlem, Devon isn't accustomed to things like teamwork and following orders, but that is what is required of him. Does everything turn out okay in the end? I'd hate to ruin the plot for you since I'd be ruining the plot of about 300 other movies.
Don't get me wrong. Even though I was never in the marching band, I enjoy listening to it as much as the next guy. The problem is that it's only cool for about fifteen minutes during halftime. (Band members are probably throwing things at the computer screen right now). After that, you have to rely on things like "plot" and "intriguing story".
Make Orlando Jones YOURS!
There was one other redeeming quality about this movie - Orlando Jones, the 7-UP guy. Upon first seeing him, I immediately laughed recalling him walk down the street telling strangers to "Make 7 - UP YOURS!" But I quickly forgot his old antics as he put forth a solid performance as the token father-like figure.
Sadly, cool drumming and Orlando Jones are not enough to make me recommend this movie to a bored inmate in a county jail, but if you're in a band, you'll probably tell me to go to hell and see it anyway. If that's the case, enjoy yourself and Petey Pablo while you're at it.
Related Links:
Drumline Official Site
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