Stomp the Yard (2007)

O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / May 15, 2007

“Stomp the Yard” tells the same story as “The Karate Kid” movies but with dancing.

DJ Williams (Columbus Short) is sent from his mother in L.A. to live with his aunt and uncle in Atlanta, so he can attend Truth University. DJ is a dancer. But this isn’t your typical type of dancing, it’s a blend of hip hop, gymnastics, and at times, it appears to contradict the laws of physics. Surely such dancers risk paralysis. The movie’s dancing alone is sufficiently entertaining.

But DJ must adjust from L.A.’s street-dancing scene to the fraternities’ “step dancing,” a stomp-oriented version of cheerleading for men. DJ also must endure being the misfit new guy while trying to date the enemy frat’s star pupil’s girlfriend. And, of course, the movie has a big dance competition finale.

This edited version has some mild violence and a couple of brief scenes of scantily clad females dancing sensuously.

But what makes “Stomp the Yard” good is its positive portrayal of black youth: While many movies unfairly depict African Americans grimly, this movie shows them pursuing education and making good decisions. Even the vilified frat recites the Lord’s Prayer before the final competition.

Directed by Sylvain White
Columbus Short / Darrin Henson / Brian J. White
115 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 14 and up

DVD release date: May 15, 2007
Copyright 2007.
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