Stomp the Yard - PG-13

Well-intentioned film steps up the melodrama.

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Rating: PG-13 for a scene of violence, some sexual material and language. Studio: Screen Gems Directed By: Sylvain White Cast: Meagan Good, Columbus Short, Ne-Yo Running Time: 109 minutes Release Date: 01/11/2007 Genre: Drama

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this film's second scene is violent, then sad: A fight between groups of boys (featuring hectic editing and aggressive camerawork) ends when the main character's brother is shot and killed (bloody wound is visible). Characters discuss sex (one young man shows his selection of condoms) and use sex-infused slang. Aggressive language includes "bitch," "s--t," "hell," "asshole," and derogatory terms; a couple of African-American characters use the "N" word to show hostility. R&B singer Ne-Yo is one of the film's stars.

Families can discuss black fraternities' role in preserving and teaching about African-American history. How does DJ's exposure to Heritage Hall show him the "value" of fraternities? How do the movie's different male role models (particularly the college president and the formerly working-class landscaper) affect the young men they're close to? How does the movie set up relationships and differences between fraternities and sororities? What audience is the film trying to reach? What is it trying to tell them?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Cynthia Fuchs

Heavy-handed and well-intentioned, STOMP THE YARD focuses on competing fraternity steppers at fictional Truth University. The movie proposes that step groups (and similar organizations) provide structure and inspiration for students in need of guidance and a sense of belonging.

L.A.-based DJ (Columbus Short) channels his anger at "the system" though crunk dancing, and his innovative moves make him a crowd favorite. But when a fight with a rival team leads to his brother Duron's (Chris Brown) murder, DJ feels guilt and despair, which turns -- no surprise -- into more anger. Shipped off to Atlanta to live with his uncle and aunt, DJ finds new athletic, dance, and competition possibilities in stepping.

At Truth, DJ is recruited by two fraternities who think his skills will help them win the national championship. He selects Theta Nu Theta because its leader -- the very earnest Sylvester (Brian White) -- extols the virtues of brotherhood more than winning the title (though of course, everyone focuses on winning). It helps that DJ's charismatic roommate, Rich (R&B star Ne-Yo), is also pledging Theta. The guys can and do share the very hard work stepping involves; the film includes frequent, slow-motion montages showing their practicing and drilling (usually with too much editing, which distracts from the frankly incredible break-dancing-style moves that DJ choreographs).

DJ's other major move is his (predictable) wooing of the rival fraternity leader's girlfriend, April (Meagan Good). April happens to be the daughter of university president Dr. Palmer (Allan Louis), who has a longstanding grudge against DJ's Uncle Nate (Harry Lennix): it's all a little too melodramatic, especially given DJ's already-difficult emotional straits. The kid is dealing with enough issues to keep a soap opera going for a year.

Stomp the Yard is a decidedly masculine melodrama. Not only does DJ contend with paternal disapprovals (his uncle thinks stepping is a waste of time, and April's dad warns him that "My daughter is not some shorty for you to mess with!"), but he must also come to terms with his own competitive hostility and Duran's death. At the same time, he has to come up with a killer step routine for the group.

Luckily, DJ is inspired by Truth's amazing array of sorority and fraternity alumni, who are enshrined in Heritage Hall -- the list includes Esther Rolle, Hines Ward, Michael Jordan, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King, among others. Yes, it's a strained conceit, but Sylvain White's movie does well to remind all of us of these powerful embodiments of resistance, motivation, and "truth."

Fans might also want to see Spike Lee's School Daze, Drumline, You Got Served, and Save the Last Dance (or Save the Last Dance 2, starring Short). Or, see the rousing documentary on crunk, Rize.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Several scenes feature college-age students dancing provocatively (in clubs and in competitions) with girls wearing midriff/cleavage-baring outfits; sexual connection between characters; romantic slow dance leads to a kiss on the dance floor; DJ makes fun of his own flirting with April by making kissy noises in the library; start of their sexual relationship is signaled by her entering his dorm room and him shutting the door on the camera; handsome, well-toned step team goes jogging in slow motion, sweaty and shirtless; couple does homework in underwear and T-shirts.
Violence Early scene shows the murder of the protagonist's brother by gunshot (bloody, upsetting); stepping routines are aggressive (one team uses a live snake to show "potency," another wears wolf masks and costumes).
Language A couple of uses of the "N" word (by African-American characters); other language includes "s--t," "ass," "bitch," "hell," and "damn."
Message
	Social Behavior Protagonist is initially aggressive, then both chastened and frustrated by his brother's murder; aggressive competition between fraternity steppers; very positive and welcome affirmation of African-American historical legacies; doing the "right thing" by his girl wins honor for the hero in the end.
	Commercialism Coca Cola logos (film is set in Atlanta); MTV News (Sway "covers" and narrates the final competition).
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Drinking (beer, shots, other liquor) in clubs; background characters smoke cigarettes.