The Lincoln Log

Sony Pictures

Sony Pictures’ new film, “Stomp the Yard,” is the best dance film I’ve seen in my entire life. It introduces a new adequate dancing which gives this film more nods than Sony’s 2004 release of “You Got Served.” The film creates an intense and far more preferable atmosphere than “You Got Served.” With hot new dance steps and a number one opening in the box office, which sold over $27 million the first week, it was a great movie.

“Stomp the Yard” may not be nominated for best ensemble, but its actors and actresses are more than fit to play their characters in the movie. Lead actor Columbus Short plays his role of DJ Williams quite well by giving intensity and a little comedy to the film. R&B icons Chris Brown and Ne-Yo, deliver exceptional performances when playing the roles of DJ’s brother and DJ’s friend Rich Brown. Meagan Good, the leading actress, may be good, but grows weary as we’ve seen her in “You Got Served.” I think it’s time for her to move onto different types of films to do.

“Stomp the Yard” is about DJ Williams attending Truth University and how he learns about being in a brotherhood. The movie starts off with DJ and his friends competing in a dance-off against the best team of the neighborhood. After winning twice and taking the other team’s money, the opposing team ambushes DJ and his friends. The fight ends when DJ’s brother is shot. DJ is then sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Atlanta, Georgia, and attends Truth as a student and worker. At Truth, he learns a new type of dance called “stomping the yard,” which is when they stomp solidly while rapidly slapping their hands on parts of their bodies to create a unique beat. In the movie, Truth had two rival fraternities and DJ joins the “cursed” Beta team. While being in the frat, he goes out with a girl, learns how to be on a team (known as the brotherhood), and how to become a better person.

“Stomp the Yard” was astonishing overall but the plot was too unoriginal and predictable. The dancing was very enjoyable to me because “stomping” is a very unique type of dance that we rarely see. It creates an intense feeling when you see the dancing. It seems that “stomping” is a very dramatic dance that shows a lot of expression. The plot seemed very similar to others as if it were combined with other plots from other dance movies. The events that occurred were similar to those of “You Got Served.”

Similar movies such as “Take the Lead” and “Save the Last Dance” are nothing compared to “Stomp the Yard.” The movie may have some flaws in the plot but people should watch it for the unique dancing alone. The movie has a little violence, some sexuality, and bad language giving the movie its PG-13 rating. The movie has a great cast and its characters are quite unique. If you’re fan of dancing, I’ll recommend “Stomp the Yard” for you to watch so that you can learn a few new dance steps.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars