On-beat Drumline

The sheer novelty of Drumline, a film about marching bands, weighs heavily in its favor. Combined with surprisingly skilled fresh new Hollywood faces, a killer soundtrack, and a feel-good plot (just barely rescued from the brink of sappiness), Drumline, if not a full-fledged cinematic masterpiece, is certainly one of the most interesting, entertaining films of the year.

Virtually every film released nowadays is in some already explored setting, generally attempting to explore a new idea within the tired premise, but for the most part, blandly going where thousands of films have gone before. Drumline introduces an entirely new scene that few people know intimately, if at all, setting a fairly standard story within that, though predictable and used, seems more glamorous, more unusual because of its surrounding scenery (marching bands!).

Commencing with an early display of main character Devon Miles's (Nick Cannon) drumming skills, the film quickly establishes his close relationship with an extremely supportive mother and estranged relationship with a semmingly uncaring father. Devon is headed to college on a full scholarship to fine-tune his superior talent in Atlanta A&T University's top notch marching band.

Unsurprisingly, Devon falls for a pretty girl, Laila (Crossroads and Centerstage actress Zoe Saldana) literally upon his arrival (part of the unfortunately generic storyline). Yet despites its triteness (the sudden love, the break-up, the reunion), the relationship plot line ends up being surprisingly sweet and touching, in no small part due to both actors' decidedly charming personality quirks.

Devon arrives at college already arrogant, having always been the best drummer and expecting nothing less than homage from much more experienced band section leader Sean (Leonard Roberts). Band director Dr. Lee (Orlando Jones) recognizes Devon's extreme ego, and fights to restrain it, striving for an improved, cohesive band.

But he is unprepared for Sean's malice, stemming from wounded pride, that leads to the quick uncovering of Devon's inability to read music, a basic band member requirement. Devon manages to hang on to his membership by reluctantly taking music-reading classes, yet is soon stripped of that after he instigates a fight at an early band battle.

Both Devon and the band are suffering intensely, and Dr. Lee is faced with a critical dilemma: whether or not he can afford the loss of Devon's talents in the upcoming Big Southern Classic, an event disgruntled alumni are adamant Lee must win.

Intriguing and involving,Drumline poses many important ethical questions while maintaining a light, somewhat fluffy feel to the plot—a difficult task and one accomplished primarily through the endearing charisma of newcomer Nick Cannon. In the end, certain overly long,sappy speech scenes and the overall normalcy of the plot keep Drumline from the qualification of "spectacular";—but not by much.

Drumline (PG-13, 120 minutes) – Contains innuendo and profanity. At area theaters.