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Nick Cannon, Zoe Saldana, Orlando Jones, Leonard Roberts, GQ ... see more see more... , Jason Weaver , Earl C. Poitier , Candace Carey , Shay Roundtree , Miguel A. Gaetan , J. Anthony Brown , Afemo Omilami , Petey Pablo , Angela Gibbs , Earl Poitier , Miguel Gaetan , Omar J. Dorsey

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... read more read more... 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, Rovi

Flixster Users

73% liked it

304,321 ratings

Critics

82% liked it

82 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 58 min.

Directed by: Charles Stone III, Charles Stone

Release Date: December 13, 2002

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DVD Release Date: April 15, 2003

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Stats: 14,644 reviews

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Drumline Drumline Nick Cannon as Devon Miles Drumline Drumline
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Flixster Reviews (14,644)

  • itsjustme2004
    October 12, 2010
    itsjustme2004
    Wow. A movie that can make watching marching bands interesting. The constant battles are very fun to watch. Young funny guy Nick Cannon really adds alot to this movie.
  • cosmo313
    August 18, 2010
    cosmo313
    I had never planned on seeing this (for whatever reason), but I saw it a few years ago in a film and music class and forgot to review it on here.

    It's predictable, a little corny, but it's still a harmless and heartwarming tale of inspiration that makes you feel good afterward... read mores. The music is good, and the performances are above average, so if you have some spare time and are bored, this is an okay time filler.
  • MeetMeinMontauk
    January 7, 2010
    MeetMeinMontauk
    I was in the band in high school. I appreciate it's cuteness.
  • LoughnerWasLucid
    June 10, 2009
    LoughnerWasLucid
    this doesnt deserve a review. either youre dumb enough to like this kind of movie or you arent
  • lewiskendell
    March 13, 2008
    lewiskendell
    I'm Nick Cannon! I play the drums! Boom boom boom!
  • superclerk25
    December 29, 2007
    superclerk25
    This is your basic everyday sports formula movie. A rookie comes in with all the talent in the world but no clue how to work as a team. He makes enemies and mistakes and then he redeems himself and becomes part of the team in the end.
    It is basic but this one is still pretty go... read moreod. I like the characters and the drum line battles in the movie are pretty cool to watch.
    The actors do a fine job with a basic story and it will keep you entertained.
  • fb619846742
    June 24, 2007
    fb619846742
    Pretty good.
  • gatorgirl13
    June 2, 2007
    gatorgirl13
    This movie has amazing drumming sequences.
  • binky013
    March 28, 2006
    binky013
    Made me want to try out for the drumline at my school. Too bad I can't play.
  • fb100002343630392
    July 13, 2011
    fb100002343630392
    easily the most greatest drumline experience you'll ever have! A+

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Critic Reviews

Charles Taylor
January 10, 2003
Charles Taylor, Salon.com

Charles Stone III is a craftsman with brains and taste, an instinctive sense of where to put the camera and the discipline not to belabor scenes. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
December 23, 2002
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

A superlative B movie -- funny, sexy, and rousing. Full Review

James Berardinelli
December 17, 2002
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Offers little that's surprising or groundbreaking, but, because the script is smart enough not to insult us and to develop a group of interesting characters, the act of watching the film is an enterta... Full Review

Richard Roeper
December 16, 2002
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper

I love that we get into this world of marching bands. We barely see any football players -- we see the top of their helmets as they're getting out of the way. Full Review

Joe Leydon
December 13, 2002
Joe Leydon, Variety

[Has] an abundance of heart and humor. Full Review

Wesley Morris
December 13, 2002
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

Drumline sags a little toward the middle ... But the final showdown is a skills-'n'-style spectacular that feels like vibrant outtake from a highly choreographed civil war. Full Review

Michael O'Sullivan
December 13, 2002
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post

Shakes, rattles and rolls the house. Full Review

Ann Hornaday
December 13, 2002
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

Brimming with energy and spirit. Full Review

Daphne Gordon
December 13, 2002
Daphne Gordon, Toronto Star

Drumline is -- the mere suggestion, albeit a visually compelling one, of a fully realized story. Full Review

Jonathan Curiel
December 13, 2002
Jonathan Curiel, San Francisco Chronicle

Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Drumline Trivia

  • Who was in Drumline, The Replacements, and Biker Boys.  Answer »
  • Which Nick Cannon movie actually got good ratings?  Answer »
  • Name the actor that is in movie Drumline and on a tv show called Wild N Out  Answer »
  • Who is the actor that plays "Devon Miles" in the movie, Drumline?  Answer »
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