Although I went into Take the Lead, directed by Liz Friedlander, cautiously excited, I also prepared myself for another disappointing, trying-too-hard-to-be-edgy, hip-hop dance movie, a la Honey.

I was pleasantly surprised. Take the Lead has a simple plot -- a former professional ballroom dancer, Pierre Dulaine, played by Antonio Banderas (The Legend of Zorro), takes it upon himself to teach ballroom dancing to the troublemakers, a.k.a. "the school rejects", of an inner city public school.

The movie culminates in a citywide competition, pitting the rigid technical approach of Banderas' wealthier, advanced students against the hip-hop inspired style of the inner city kids.

Although it sounds as if it could easily fall into a cookie-cutter story, it very rarely slips into such banality.

Nevertheless, there are some of the stereotypical story lines that are pursued, most noticeably with Rob Brown's (Coach Carter) character, Rock. He gets caught up in a drug deal and ends up having to choose what kind of life he wants to lead.

Banderas shines as the chivalrous romantic from a different era, caught in the enchanting time of the Gershwins and Lena Horne.

Other than Banderas though, the acting neither added nor detracted from the movie. You're not going to find the next Academy Award winner in this bunch, but they weren't obnoxious, as young casts easily can be.

One of the most notable parts of the movie, apart from Banderas' acting, is the directing during the dance sequences; it is amazing -- the speed and shots are varied to give it a passionate feel. The choreography, as well, is fun and makes ballroom dancing a lot more interesting than your grandmother's foxtrot.

Overall, the movie is a fun time with an excellent soundtrack. It's not going to win any prestigious awards, but if you want to be entertained, this is the movie for you. Grade: B+

--Reviewed by Brianna Labuskes