Film Noir Review
Film Noir Review "Stomp the Yard" is a musical treat!
by Judy Marker, Movie critic
"Stomp the Yard" is a musical treat that spotlights African American Fraternity life. While there is no earth shattering performances, "Stomp the Yard" has attracted controversy even before its release.
The focus of "Stomp the Yard" is on the ritual of "stepping," the dance form that features choreographed performances of difficult movements and body motions.
As the theme of the movie dominating its fraternity/sorority life, "stepping" competitions can be as heated as intercollegiate sporting events.
That is what is causing concern among the nation’s nine Black Greek organizations and their 1.5 million members.
The movie fails they say to draw attention to any of the many other activities from fundraising to volunteering time and services besides learning to function as a team academically. Of course, we know better.
Forced to leave Los Angeles after a costly rumble with a group of rival hip-hop dancers cost DJ (Columbus Short "Accepted") his brother’s life, he is sent to Atlanta for his own safety.
Enrolling at the mythical Truth University, he quickly discovers that stepping dominates the campus. At first, DJ is not thrilled at the thought of stepping, but leave it to a pretty lady, April (Meagan Good "You Got Served") to start changing his mind.
With the Greek organizations dominating the campus competitions, DJ joins Theta Nu Theta, which for more than a decade has been battling archrival Mu Gamma Xi. It is led by Grant (Darrin Henson) who has not only helped lead Mu Gamma Xi to seven consecutive national championships, but turns out to be DJ’s rival for April.
Can DJ become a stepping champion? Will April choose DJ despite his stubbornness? Will Theta Nu Theta end Mu Gamma Xi’s reign? I think you already know all the answers. But it’s the dancing and music we come to see and hear.
"Stomp the Yard" may bring to mind "Drumline," which was also set in Atlanta besides recent dance themed "You Got Served," "Step Up" and "Take the Lead" but in a new light.
"Stomp the Yard" gives us a slightly longer than anticipated 1 hour and 55 minutes of a rare look at competitive "stepping" that we would not get to normally see and enjoy. Choreographer Dave Scott has done his job well.
This makes up for a terribly dull script that carries a "PG-13" rating for some violence, sexual material and language. "Stomp the Yard" is worth taking a look at on the big screen and that is why it receives my rating of "3-J’s/Worthy effort!"
