There are so many good films being released and so many formulaic films like these are released that it seems like we can do without a film like TAKE THE LEAD.But guess what,this ain't your average coming-of-age inspiring story.This is rather more fun and effective drama powered by fantastic dance sequences,with the aid of Benderas who leads the kids.

The entire film depends on Benderas' energy and wit.He fills the film with energy and wit and excites everyone in the film.I really enjoyed the superbly choreographed dance sequences as it brings about different cultures together and shows how much fun it could be.It's really enthralling.

A finely made entertaining film with a different treatment to an old formula.Surprise is on their side.

Pierre Dulaine (Antonio Banderas) is ballroom dance teacher with his own NYC studio. One night, he comes across Rock (Rob Brown) vandalizing his school principal Augustine James (Alfre Woodard)'s car. So he goes to the school to offer his services to Augustine. She finds his offer ridiculous and stuffs him in with the detention kids.

For a movie based on a real person, this is a very unrealistic story. These kids are strictly PG. They are all misunderstood with hearts of gold. Not to mention the fact that these kids are selected from every race and color. It's the Fame kids doing Breakfast Club. The group is fun and Antonio Banderas has a good touch. Everybody is likable. It's all very corny, but enjoyable. Sometimes there's a need for that.

I remember liking the dance film starring Julia Stiles, Save the Last Dance, so I thought with a good leading actor and a recognisable title here, I might as well give it a try. Based on a true story, polite dance instructor/teacher Pierre Dulaine (Antonio Banderas) is determined to help a bunch of troubled kids (most often in detention) get a second chance, learning to dance. It takes a while for them to get enthusiastic in doing ballroom dances, e.g. samba, tango, waltz, etc, as they don't agree with Pierre's music and dance tastes, liking hip hop and rap, but he eventually catches their attention with a tango dance, and they soon commit, even creating a few new dance moves in routines. Pierre believes they could compete in a big dance contest coming up, with a big cash prize, and the last few dance scenes make the good ending. Also starring Rob Brown as Rock, Yaya DaCosta as LaRhette, Dante Basco as Ramos, John Ortiz as Mr. Temple, Laura Benanti as Tina, Marcus T. Paulk as Eddie, Jenna Dewan as Sasha and Alfre Woodard as Augustine James. Banderas obviously struts his stuff, the supporting cast all get their moments too, but the film is mostly interesting of course for the energetic and exciting dance sequences, backed up with a good soundtrack, including Black Eyed Peas. Worth watching!