Barnes & Noble

It’s relatively rare to see good-hearted films showing young African Americans in a positive light, so this pleasant, character-driven drama makes for a refreshing change of pace. Drumline isn’t in the least bit Pollyannaish, but it offers believable, finely limned characters in place of broadly sketched stereotypes. The story concerns the marching band of a predominantly black university in Atlanta. Newly recruited drummer Devon (played by Nick Cannon) is a cocky Harlem hotshot whose showboating challenges the thoughtful, old-fashioned bandmaster, Dr. Aaron Lee (Orlando Jones), alienates former top drummer Sean (Leonard Roberts), and risks the loss of Devon's new girlfriend, dance major Laila (Zoe Saldana). As written by scenarists Tina Gordon Chism and Shawn Schepps, Devon is an ambitious young man who has remained relatively clean while growing up in an urban environment fraught with peril and temptation. He’s a bit of a showoff, but he genuinely wants to earn the admiration of his teachers and fellow students. Director Charles Stone rates kudos for keeping a tight rein on Cannon's performance; Devon could easily have lost our sympathy, but Stone makes us care about him and hope that he learns valuable life lessons without undue suffering. The other characters are equally weighty and well portrayed. Drumline celebrates accomplishment instead of romanticizing rebelliousness and defeatism -- for that alone, it deserves inclusion in the small but growing list of movies (including Soul Food, Barbershop, and Antwone Fisher) that have made positive contributions to the cinematic depictions of everyday African Americans. The DVD features a full-length director’s commentary, ten deleted scenes, and two music videos. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

Drumline brings the world of "show-style" marching bands (popular at traditionally black, Southern colleges) to the big screen for the first time. The story, by Shawn Schepps, was inspired by the high school drumline experiences of executive producer/executive music producer Dallas Austin. Devon (Nick Cannon of Nickelodeon's The Nick Cannon Show) is a Harlem drummer who earns a full scholarship to the fictional Atlanta A&T University. There, his talent gets the attention of the school's embattled musical director, Dr. Lee (Orlando Jones), who puts his students' education and appreciation for musical tradition ahead of the marching band's popularity. Devon's brashly egotistical attitude doesn't endear him to Lee, whose slogan for the band is "One band, one sound," or to the drumline's disciplined captain, Sean (Leonard Roberts, late of TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Devon has more success with the dance captain of the marching band, Laila (Zoe Saldana, who played a ballet dancer in Center Stage), a Southern belle who's won over by Devon's confidence. Sean feels threatened by Devon's talent, and his attitude, so when he learns that Devon can't read music, he uses the information to his advantage. With the band facing their archrival at a huge marching band competition, Dr. Lee has to decide whether to allow the brilliant drummer to perform, despite his attitude. Devon has to prove that he can show his skills while still being part of the team. Drumline was directed by Charles Stone III (Paid in Full), and features cameo appearances by musical artists Blu Cantrell and Petey Pablo. Josh Ralske

Entertainment Weekly

A superlative B movie -- funny, sexy, and rousing. Owen Gleiberman

New York Times

As you watch the drummers pound out their polyrhythms and twirl their sticks, you may find it hard to stay in your seat. A.O. Scott

Washington Post

Brimming with energy and spirit. Ann Hornaday

Hollywood Reporter

It's pretty difficult to resist the film's freshly choreographed charm. Michael Rechtshaffen

Product Details

• UPC: 024543563358
• Source: 20TH CENTURY FOX
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: DTS 5.1-Channel Surround Sound, Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound
• Language: Français
• Time: 1:58:00
• Sales Rank: 19,270

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Drumline / Big Momma's House

Features: