'Take the Lead': Banderas glides through predictable plot

It's almost a rule of thumb in Hollywood. If you're an actor at loose ends — career's not in the toilet, but your previous film's opening weekend was a little, well, soft — best look for a movie about an inspirational teacher.

Michelle Pfeiffer in "Dangerous Minds." Richard Dreyfuss in "Mr. Holland's Opus." Robin Williams in "Dead Poets Society."

New Line Cinema 'Take the Lead' C+ The verdict: At its best when Banderas takes over. Director: Liz Friedlander Starring: Antonio Banderas, Rob Brown, Yaya DaCosta, Dante Basco, John Ortiz Run time: 108 minutes Release date: April 7, 2006 Rating: PG-13 for thematic material, language and some violence. See showtimes On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime Rate 'Take the Lead'   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

Now it's Antonio Banderas' turn. Not surprisingly, he's the best thing in "Take the Lead," a movie based on the true story of the man who brought ballroom dancing to New York City's public school system. Banderas plays Pierre Dulaine, a gentlemanly professional dancer who could make a comfortable living for the rest of his life teaching rich kids how to make it through their first cotillion. Instead he volunteers to teach dance at a tough inner-city school where hip-hop is more the norm.

Skeptical principal Alfre Woodard reluctantly agrees, but throws him a curveball. His students are to be the slackers, delinquents, druggies, and all-around losers who regularly spend their afternoons in detention.

You know the drill. He plays Cole Porter and they mime puking. They play him OutKast and he's, um, open... kinda. They learn to tango, foxtrot, cha-cha and respect themselves. He learns to respect their culture and the survival tactics they must use to keep it together in a poisonous environment bounded by drugs, drinking, poverty, broken families and drive-by shootings.

Shall they dance at the big city-wide competition?

Of course.

Yes, it's redemption by rhumba, but Banderas pretty much pulls it off. He invests the role with his considerable charm and smooth dance moves (remember, he starred in "Nine" on Broadway). The kids — though some are a little old for high school — are less interesting than the usual assortment of students, but they're an eager, inoffensive lot.

Which is as good a way as any to describe "Take the Lead" — a harmless crowd-pleaser that may overstay its welcome (closing in on two hours), but, for the most part, keeps on its toes. And keeps the camera trained on the irresistible Banderas as much as possible.