DRUMLINE
A rousing drumline drama better rented for family viewing.
Should You Watch It?
Drumline is a definite crowd-pleaser. Its elaborately staged musical sequences are wonderful, and the cast—especially Orlando Jones as Dr. Lee—keeps viewers interested through a somewhat predictable storyline. The movie also offers an interesting perspective on the dangers of pride, integrity, fellowship, and becoming a team player without losing individuality.
The cost is a humanist worldview rather than the redemptive Christian outlook of Remember the Titans. There are 28 mostly light obscenities, a few light sexual references, and a competitive spirit that can sour the movie for caring parents and discerning adults.
For family viewing, rent it at home so you can guide the experience and decide whether its strengths outweigh its concerns.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESDevon Miles, a gifted but undisciplined freshman hip-hop drummer, wins a full music scholarship to Atlanta A&T University. He must fit into a disciplined show-style marching band while clashing with Sean Taylor, the senior in charge of the drumline, and Dr. Lee, the demanding band director.
As the band prepares for the important Big Southern Classic, Devon’s pride and dishonesty threaten his future—and the band’s chance to succeed.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is a highly entertaining, polished crowd-pleaser despite its predictable, artificial storyline.
Nick Cannon, Orlando Jones, and the rest of the cast do a good job of keeping viewers interested. Jones is especially effective as Dr. Lee, lending reality to the material. The movie’s greatest strength, however, is its wonderful, elaborately staged musical sequences. They bring energy and excitement to nearly every performance.
The Worldview
Drumline presents a humanist worldview with strong moral elements. It values integrity, fellowship, discipline, individuality, and the willingness to become a team player. Its central lesson is that pride must be overcome, especially when selfishness threatens the unity of a group.
The film also shows pride in several forms. Devon must confront his selfish pride and dishonesty. Sean must stop taking Devon’s actions personally. Dr. Lee must recognize that his refusal to compromise his traditional musical standards is also rooted in pride. The movie ultimately supports combining old and new styles without abandoning discipline.
The film’s moral vision is limited, however. It lacks the redemptive, Christian outlook of Remember the Titans. Its intense, taunting spirit of one-upmanship between rival bands may also sour its presentation of competitive spirit for discerning viewers.
Scripture gives the film’s central warning a deeper foundation: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Humanist worldview with some strong moral elements about integrity, pride, fellowship, and how to become a team player while maintaining your individuality; 28 obscenities, including some “s” words and the use of a--; young man trashes his room in one scene and members of two different bands fight after taunting one another; passionate kiss, light suggestive dancing and other light, brief sexual references; female cleavage and sexy dresses; no alcohol or smoking; and, pride and rebellion against authority rebuked.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Devon, Sean, and Dr. Lee each have to confront pride. What is the difference between healthy confidence and selfish pride?
Proverbs 16:18 · Philippians 2:3–4Dr. Lee learns that discipline and new ideas do not have to be enemies. How can you honor what is good while remaining willing to learn?
1 Thessalonians 5:21 · Proverbs 18:15The band succeeds when its members maintain their individuality while working as one team. What gifts do you bring to your family, church, or team?
1 Corinthians 12:12–27The rival bands’ taunting creates an unhealthy spirit of competition. How can you pursue excellence without treating others as enemies?
Galatians 5:26 · Philippians 2:3The Final Word
Drumline is energetic, well-acted, and filled with musical sequences that can truly lift an audience. But its light obscenities, sexual references, humanist outlook, and competitive edge make it better suited to guided home viewing. Our answer is WAIT FOR HOME. For other options, see.
