Take the Lead Critic Reviews

Antonio Banderas is reason enough to see the movie.Read the full review

The movie's best moments are between Banderas and the kids. When the plot shifts to reveal the students' back stories (one has a prostitute mother, another a drunken father), the story becomes a melodramatic rehash of other movies, like "Fame" or "Rent."Read the full review

Inspired by a true story (translation: a lot of it is made up), the movie shucks its corn straight from the cob. But it's no less engaging for that, thanks to the enthusiasm of the young cast and the fusion of classic dance with hip-hop moves courtesy of Rich and Tone Talauega.Read the full review

Well-intentioned, feel-good urban tale.Read the full review

Things hold together longer than they would have without Banderas' commanding, committed performance.Read the full review

An energetic young cast, consisting of a mix of professional dancers and actors who do convincing imitations of Arthur Murray graduates, is positively inspired in numbers combining traditional ballroom steps with hip-hop.Read the full review

Corny and uncool. Initially, it doesn't matter. Banderas is so winning in the lead that the film's early scenes are almost as persuasive as one of his lectures.Read the full review

The movie partners all the cliches of the inner-city school drama with the cliches of the dance instructional, and the two keep stomping on each other's toes.Read the full review

Take the Lead, despite its nifty concept and fiery leading man, feels sloppy and rushed.Read the full review