 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Stomp the Yard
- Review Date: May 14, 2007
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Well-intentioned film steps up the melodrama.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
STOMP THE YARD focuses on competing fraternity steppers at fictional Truth University. 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).
Is it any good?
Heavy-handed and well-intentioned, Stomp the Yard proposes that step groups (and similar organizations) provide structure and inspiration for students in need of guidance and a sense of belonging. It's 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."
What families can talk about
Families can talk about 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? What audience is the film trying to reach and what is it trying to tell them?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
LOVED IT!
If you love dance/stepping movies, this one's for you.
I didn't care for the beginning at all--much better once you got away from those camera effects. What were they thinking to start it that way.
Great movie, great moves. One of those that you've seen it all before, but I liked it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This is my favorite movie!!!!!
I LOVE DJ!!!!!!!!EW Chris Brown!:( Not a lot of sexuality or profanity.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
just junk , this should be outlawed.
Complete non-sense.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Screen Gems |
| Director: | Sylvain White |
| Cast: | Columbus Short, Meagan Good, Ne-Yo |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 109 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 11, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | May 15, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | a scene of violence, some sexual material and language. |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
