Courtesy of New Line Cinema

The thought of yet another movie where an inspirational teacher changes the lives of a ragtag group of disillusioned youth might make some people cringe, as it’s been done a million times over. From “Stand and Deliver” to “Dangerous Minds,” the genre’s pretty much been covered, but the new film “Take the Lead” attempts to make the idea seem fresh by offering its own unique twist. Well, not so much a twist as a waltz, foxtrot and rumba, among other standard ballroom dances.This film, which is inspired by a true story, focuses on Pierre Dulaine (Antonio Banderas), a professional Manhattan dance teacher who, on a whim, decides to infuse a little culture into the lives of some inner-city youths. Of course, the kids who are stuck in semester-long detention don’t react well when he first shows up with his Old-World music and wacky notions about dancing. Even the school principal, Augustine James (Alfre Woodard), scoffs at his efforts – actually, she basically scoffs her way through the entire movie until her predictable change of heart at the end.Also present is the resident curmudgeon, Mr. Temple (John Ortiz), who calls the students’ parents in to put a stop to Pierre’s radical teaching style. The scene was no doubt solely inserted so Pierre could give his inspirational speech about how dancing teaches the kids trust and respect, so much so that sheer confidence would ward off adolescent evils such as drugs or teen pregnancy. Every stereotype in the book is present among the delinquent high school students cha-cha-cha-ing their afternoons away, but there are a few standout performances. Endearingly goofy Eddie (Marcus T. Paulk) livens up scenes with his clownish antics; sultry Sasha (Jenna Dewan) finds herself in the middle of a fiery love triangle between Danjou (Elijah Kelley) and irrefutably charming Ramos (Dante Basco); and Lahrette’s (former “America’s Next Top Model” finalist Yaya DaCosta) controlled passion and intensity play well against unlikely love interest – the stoic Rock (Rob Brown). In fact, all of the young actors are likeable and even manage to do quite well with their one-dimensional characters.Banderas is charismatic as always and gracefully plays Pierre. He makes somewhat weak dialogue sound believable and is successful at motivating the audience to root for him on his quest. “Take the Lead” doesn’t offer any big surprises along the way, and, no, all of life’s problems aren’t solved just from learning a few ballroom dances, but the overall themes of learning to believe in oneself and working toward a goal are carried out well in the movie. And if that’s not engaging enough to draw the crowds in, “Take the Lead” is worth seeing just to watch the sparks fly as Sasha, Danjou and Ramos perform what has to be one of the sexiest, most original tango routines ever executed.It’s elements such as appealing actors and entertaining dance sequences that redeem “Take the Lead” and ultimately keep it from having two left feet.

-‘Take the Lead’ opens in theaters this Friday.