ORLANDO, Fla. – The fifth quarter is recognized amongst Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football fans worldwide. The battle of the gridiron may be over, but not the war at hand. It’s time for the bands to show down.
Taking a look inside this cherished moment of musical rivalry, 20th Century Fox presents Drumline. A first hand look into HBCU bands, this coming of age film is full of laughs, tears and knowledge.
Seen through the eyes of Devon Miles (Nick Cannon of Nickelodeon fame), the viewer is propelled into the drumline of the fictional Atlanta A&T University. Miles is fresh out of a Harlem high school and ready to begin his tenure at the renowned university and more importantly, its drumline. The only problem is that Devon is set on marching to the beat of a different drummer…himself.
Cannon is suprisingly convincing, in this sometimes dramatic role, shedding tears at crucial moments in the film. Such moments where Cannon shows his true ability include a moment between Devon and his estranged father. However, his comedic background from Nickelodeon is not to be overlooked, as he provides comedic relief throughout the film.
Another lead actor in the film, Orlando Jones, also surprised this moviegoer. Jones, best known for his “Make 7-Up Yours” commercial spots, lends his talent as the initially stony band director, Dr. Lee. Dr. Lee is an “old school” band director unmoved by the flashy tactics and modern music rival schools are using throughout the movie to win the coveted fifth quarter battles. Instead he believes the oldies are definitely goodies. With the “Big Southern Classic” on his heels and the school’s president constantly on his back, Lee has to make a decision of whether the music he believes in or his job is more important.
Another standout in the film is Leonard Roberts (He Got Game, Love Jones). As Sean Taylor, the actor delivers a brilliant performance as the cocky, but dedicated drum section leader. At first the upperclassman resents every move Devon makes but ultimately embraces the young man as a friend as well as a fellow band member.
The film is directed by Charles Stone III. The director is best known for his cult classic Budweiser “Whassuup” commercials. Stone was very excited when approached with the idea of a film about HBCU drumlines. “Show-style bands really embrace the worlds of hip-hop and R&B with a style and choreography that is explosive,” said Stone.
Throughout the movie, I found it easy to forget that I was in a movie theatre and not in the football stands. The scenes are very realistic and reminiscent of almost every band that is famous for musical showmanship. Although Stone admits FAMU (Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University) was used as a prototype of sorts for the fictional band, there were footage tapes of other bands used to get it “just right.”
“There is also a lot of Southern and Grambling in this film,” said Stone.
The film also has an upcoming soundtrack in the works. Blessed by the fingertips of Dallas Austin, one of hip-hop’s top producers, the tracks will feature many of the songs played by the bands featured in the film. “These Southern show-style bands all play Top 40 music,” said Austin in the press release for the film. “My job here is to write a bunch of Top 40 songs, get them on the radio before the movie comes out, so audiences will recognize the songs as they’ve been arranged for the marching bands in the movie.”
The first single sure to get into listeners’ heads is I Want a Girl Like You, by R&B singer Joe featuring Jadakiss.
Drumline is sure to be a holiday hit coming to a theater near you soon.
