Drumline

PLOT:

The story concerns Devon Miles (Nick Cannon), a teen who has just graduated from high school in New York City. Upon graduating, Devon heads to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Atlanta A&T University, an historically black college that takes enormous pride in its marching band. Devon was personally invited to attend on full scholarship by Dr. Lee (Orlando Jones), head of the band, for his prodigious talents. The A&T band separates itself from its competitors by requiring all members to read music, by focusing on various styles of music rather than what music is currently popular on the radio, and by dedication to the teamwork emphasized “one band, one sound” concept. The band has a preseason that is similar to an athletic team’s induction in that it is very physically and mentally difficult. It challenges all recruits to push themselves past what they previously thought were their limits. At the end of preseason, the musicians audition for spots on the field, and Devon is the only freshman to make P1, the highest level player. While going through his rigorous process, Devon also finds time to romance an upperclassman dancer, Laila (Zoe Saldana).

College life starts well for Devon, as he has the girl and a spot on the field. Things begin to sour when Sean (Leonard Roberts), Devon’s percussion leader, begins to grow weary of Devon’s cocky attitude. Sean later challenges Devon to take a solo in his first game, believing the freshman will panic and be embarrassed in front of everyone. Sean is shocked when Devon takes the solo and is subsequently humiliated. This sets up some tension in the drumline which is exacerbated when Dr. Lee is told by President Wagner (Afemo Omilami), the school’s president, to change his focus from music to entertainment or lose his funding. Lee does not want to give Devon more playing time because he feels Devon’s attitude and respect are lacking. The situation further deteriorates when it is revealed that Devon cannot read music. Devon is demoted to P4 by Dr. Lee until he learns, then later put back on P1 when Wagner pressures Dr. Lee to do so. However, after inciting a melee with a visiting band at A&T’s homecoming game by using his sticks to play on the visiting line’s drums (a serious insult in drumline mythos), Devon is finally kicked out of the band by Dr. Lee. The fight also harms his relationship with Laila as she is embarrassed to introduce him to her parents, who attended the game.

Devon contacts A&T’s rival school Morris Brown College, to discuss playing for their band next season. Mr. Wade (J. Anthony Brown), Brown’s band leader, says that Devon does not need to know how to read music and will likely get a full scholarship and a good position on the drumline. When Wade wants to know what Dr. Lee is planning for the BET Big Southern Classic (a large competition of college bands), Devon realizes that his heart and honor are still with the A&T band. He rejects the scholarship offer from the rival band and returns to A&T.

Though Devon is still not playing for the band, he cannot give up his drumming. He is sent cassette tapes from his estranged father and gets some ideas for new drum arrangements. He and Sean have a final confrontation that clears the air and they begin to work together. The two present their idea for an entrance cadence to Dr. Lee who decides they will be used during the Classic. Devon helps the drumline prepare and patches up his relationship with Laila.

At the Classic, the bands are shown performing a mixture of popular songs. Morris Brown’s band even gets rapper Petey Pablo to perform during their routine. A&T is not fazed by this and performs their mix of retro and current sounds. A tie results and the Morris Brown and A&T drumlines face off. Dr. Lee tells Devon he can play for this face-off, showing his faith in Devon’s improved character and in thanks for all the hard work he has done in getting the band ready for the Classic. Morris Brown goes first and A&T responds. Morris Brown’s second cadence includes their snares moving forward and playing on the A&T drums (the same move that incited the fight at A&T’s homecoming game), then throwing down their sticks. The A&T line manages to hold their composure in the face of the insult. They play their cadence and in the middle throw down their sticks, mimicking the Morris Brown actions, but then the entire line pulls out another set of sticks and continues playing. They end their routine in the faces of the Morris Brown drumline, but instead of playing on their drums, the line all drop their sticks onto the other drumline’s drums. The judges award the win to A&T.

REVIEW:

As a former band member myself, I found this film refreshing in that it is one of, if not THE only films that doesn’t portray band as a bunch of geeks an nerds, but rather shows the work that we do. Granted, fictional Atlanta A & T is a historically black college and showcased a different marching style that what I used in high school, college, and drum corps, the concept of band not being portrayed in a negative light earns this film 2 stars automatically in my eyes.

This is the role that really allowed Nick Cannon to breakout. He showed his acting chops and ability to carry a film. Orlando Jones is believable as a professor of music and, though this is a rare serious role for him, he appeared to enjoy it and it comes through in his performance. He does give the most memorable line in the movie, though, ” You’ve got to learn to follow before you can lead.” Leonard Roberts, who may be best known from the first season of Heroes is rather intimidating as section leader of the drumline and gives a stirring, solid performance. The beautiful and under appreciated Zoe Saldana is more than eye candy as she stretches her acting (and dancing) chops in this role. J. Anthony Brown is a mixture of his usual comedic stylings and a bit of seriousness as band director of Morris Brown College.

As a film, there a few plot issues, but the one that sticks out the most to me is that there seems to be a bit or a rivalry or animosity between Dr. Lee and both the university president and his apparent former employer Mr. Lee. While I realize this film is supposed to be about Devon and the drumline, I felt hey could have gone into that a little bit. Also, it is mentioned that Shawn was a lot like Devon when he was a freshman. A flashback to those days could have worked, too.

Finally, as a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, I’m torn on the initiation scene. It could have been left out, but hey, it gave my fraternity some national attention.

I loved this film when it first came out. Here it is 6 years later and I haven’t lost any affection for it. If you’re a music person, especially a band member, then this is a must see. For the rest of you, just watch and enjoy, and realize the hard work that goes into being in band.

5 out of 5 stars

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