Watch Drumline

Drumline is a 2002 movie that takes the audience into the world of college marching bands. The film follows the story of Devon Miles (Nick Cannon), a talented young drummer from Harlem who earns a scholarship to attend Atlanta A&T University. Devon gets a chance to join the school's marching band, but his cocky attitude and unwillingness to conform to the band's strict rules quickly earns him the ire of the band's director, Dr. Lee (Orlando Jones). However, with the help of fellow band member Laila (Zoe Saldana), Devon starts to realize that being part of the band is more than just playing a drum – it's about being part of a team.

Drumline's plot is centered around the annual BET Southern Classic, a high-stakes competition between the country's top college marching bands. As the band prepares for the big contest, Devon must learn to balance his personal goals with the needs of the group. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges, from being hazed by his bandmates to navigating the school's cutthroat music program. With the support of Laila and other band members, Devon begins to find his place in the band, even as tensions between him and Dr. Lee continue to simmer.

What makes Drumline stand out from other teen films is its attention to detail. The film's marching band sequences are choreographed to perfection and capture the energy and excitement of a real-life halftime show. The movie also delves into the complex world of music education, exploring the sacrifices that students and teachers make in order to excel in the field. Despite its lighthearted tone, Drumline never shies away from the rigorous demands of being part of a marching band.

Another strength of Drumline is its cast. Nick Cannon is a magnetic force in the lead role, imbuing Devon with both swagger and vulnerability. Orlando Jones is equally impressive as the tough-love band director, bringing depth to a character that could have easily become a caricature. Zoe Saldana shines as Laila, providing a grounded presence amidst the film's more bombastic moments. The rest of the cast, made up of real HBCU marching band members, lend an authenticity to the movie that is hard to replicate.

At its core, Drumline is a movie about teamwork and the power of perseverance. The film's message is clear – no matter how talented an individual may be, it takes a village to achieve greatness. This theme is underscored by the movie's amazing soundtrack, which blends traditional marching band music with contemporary hip-hop and R&B. Drumline's music is the perfect representation of the film's ethos – a celebration of both tradition and innovation.

In conclusion, Drumline is a movie that is both fun and inspiring. It's a movie that celebrates black culture and the beauty of HBCUs, while also promoting the values of hard work and dedication. Drumline is a movie that will have you tapping your feet and cheering along with the band. It's a classic that still resonates today.

Drumline is a 2002 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 63.