Drumline (2002)

Drumline tells the story of Devon Miles, a young and gifted drummer from Harlem who gains a music scholarship at Atlanta A&T University. As soon as he arrives, Devon sets his sights on leading his school band to victory in the yearly music competition. However, his attitude causes resentment and jealousy amongst his peers and Devon will soon learn it takes more than talent to reach the top.

Overall Review Score

7.5 out of 10

Review

Drumline is a 2002 musical drama that drops the audience into the world of competing university marching bands and the unique musical talents of Atlanta A&T University student Devon Miles (Nick Cannon). As soon as the drumbeats start and the marching bands take the field, the film comes alive with an intense, nearly palatable, energy that invigorates the audience. However, while the films script contains both a love-story and coming of age subplots these don’t really gel together instead they simply distract the audience from the fierce rivalry between Devon and Sean Taylor (Leonard Roberts), his percussion leader who is determined to reduce Devon’s arrogant attitude. Realistically the film did not need the love-story and the coming of age subplot could have easily been folded into the Devon and Sean rivalry, although despite this the film has a natural flow to it, which keeps the audience gong across its 113-minute run time. Overall, Drumline is a musical drama that does entertain the audience but it could have gone further to deliver a truly memorable and long-lasting film. The films main storyline is entertain but is often overshadowed by seemingly lifeless supporting cast members and unnecessary subplots. It is worthwhile watching, if you want a film to affect your mood and make you feel good about life. However, if you want a film that will leave you with a last impression than isn’t the musical drama for you.

Reviewer 1's score & comments:

Score: 6 out of 10

Comments:

Drumline is a 113-minute musical drama that manages to portray some very powerful messages of friendship, rivalry, and romance along the way. While some audiences may find the story a bit lacking, in that it adheres the usual ‘boy meets girl’ routine, Drumline manages to be a enticing film that will truly snare the attention of viewers.

Reviewer 2's score & comments:

Score: 7 out of 10

Comments:

Drumline is a coming of age story with a difference. It combines high octane drumming with a reasonably entertaining script, while the film will be remembered for its choreographed drumming set pieces the underlying message about dropping arrogance in support of teamwork will resonate with the audience. Away from this, only Nick Cannon (Devon Miles) delivers a multi-dimensional character as the majority of the cast are either focused on reducing Devon’s ego or promoting their own skills / benefits. Overall, Drumline is a good that will lift the audience’s spirits and see them jiving to the drum beat but it fails to deliver the up-tempo beat required of modern musicals.

#romance #musical #drama