Take the Lead Photo

Take the Lead

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Dante Basco, Lauren Collins, Jenna Dewan, Elijah Kelley

Directed by: Liz Friedlander

RS: 2.5of 4 Stars

2006 New Line Cinema Drama

Antonio Banderas has the moves. So it's a kick to watch him play Pierre Dulaine, the dance teacher who took his skills into New York's public-school system and turned troubled teens into ballroom smoothies. 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. First-time director Liz Friedlander, who did videos for U2 and Blink-182, wisely lets Banderas tango with Katya Virshilas, who'd make anyone sign up for lessons. They're mad hot.