Movie review - Stomp the Yard

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking *Mally...why did you waste your money on a movie that is ranked 32 (as of today) in IMDB's Bottom 100?* To that I answer *Nuts to you! It's a dancing movie and I'll blow my money to see some phat moves!* And with that perspective in mind, I walked out totally satisfied.

Quick plot summary with cliches highlighted. DJ (Columbus Short) is a former teen gang member/dancer who got his brother killed in a brawl (he's got issues!). One of the last things his brother said to him before dying was something along the lines of *It's not about you, it's about the TEAM!* DJ is sent to Atlanta to attend Truth University where he meets a bunch of rich frat brothers who in his opinion are dance "pretenders" (they're different from each other!) and falls in love with April whose bf, Grant, is one of the leaders of a frat dance team that's been national champion 7 years running (chief rival here!), and whose Dad is provost (other side of the tracks!). DJ joins a rival frat whose dancing sucks, but using his fully sik street moves, quickly whips them into shape for the national competition. Two days before the competition, Grant digs up info on DJ's criminal record and he gets suspended (how can the team compete without him?), but April's Dad says he can get reinstated if DJ gives up April. April overhears DJ's aunt and her Dad arguing (they used to date, Aunt chose a janitor, Dad's bitter and holds a grudge!), says her Dad has lost her love, she loves DJ, he's gonna dance! DJ arrives just in time for the final, where his and the other frat tie for first place...so there's gonna be a dance off! DJ thinks the frat head should lead the dance because he deserves it - but the frat head says something like "But you're the best dancer - YOU GOTTA DO IT FOR THE TEAM!" Grant is selected as the other team's dancer (natch) and he uses a move that he stole from DJ! In the moment of crisis, DJ puts on his brother's gloves, pulls the elbow handstand, and the UNDERDOGS WIN!!!

Needless to say, I didn't think much of the story. Or the script. Or the acting. In fact, I think they made the actors look pretty damn stupid with all the dumb chanting and silly sounds - DJ's frat motto is the snake and they made a lot of *pythony* hand gestures and *sssssssssss* hissing noises. The rival frat's symbol is the wolf and they did a lot of dumb howling. But then, I didn't come for any of that - I wanted DANCING!
Yep, with dancing like that, is it any wonder I enjoyed myself!

The movie should have been just dancing and cut out the rest of the crap. I don't think its #32 worst but keep your expectations low and you'll enjoy yourself.
6/10