Iffy for 12+
Well-intentioned film steps up the melodrama.
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.
- 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?
The good stuff
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Messages: 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.
What to watch for
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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).
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Sex: 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.
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Language: A couple of uses of the "N" word (by African-American characters); other language includes "s--t," "ass," "bitch," "hell," and "damn."
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Consumerism: Coca Cola logos (film is set in Atlanta); MTV News (Sway "covers" and narrates the final competition).
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Drinking (beer, shots, other liquor) in clubs; background characters smoke cigarettes.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Reasons to See This Movie by JoJo89635
I went to go see this movie and I had doubts in my head. Of course I wanted to see it because it had some fine looking men in it but for some reason, I thought the acting was going to be whack. But the protagonist (played by Columbus Short) did his thing. He had such emotion in playing his character and it didn't come off forced (in other words, it came off real). The stomping was hot too, no doubt. It mostly a movie for teens and young adults but adults may get something out of it too. Go see it!!!
5
BETTER THAN YOU THINK by GEEBEEL
MUCH BETTER THAN I EXPECTED. THE SUBJECT IS OLD BUT THE APPROACH TO THIS ONE WAS MUCH MUCH BETTER. MY KIDS LOVED IT AND I WAS IN MY SEAT...NOT IN THE LOBBY....LOL
4
Very Suprised! Loved it! by pippibp01
I had low expectations. I covered my sons eyes for the little bit of violence in the beginning. But I loved the flick. It picked up quick and had my attention the whole time. The stomping was GREAT ......
3
Drumline 2? by Armychic
While the dancing was great, the message clear, and the movie relatively entertaining... this was Drumline 2, same story, with the addition of brother. It was good for what it was, but nothing more.
5
A Great Tribute to Our Talented Greek Letter Organizations! by mdalco
I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and I loved the tribute this movie made, not only to our sororities and fraternities, but to HBCUs and our heritage as well! I was so proud to watch this movie with my 9-yr old daughter and explain some of the traditions through out the movie. This movie brought back some WONDERFUL memories of my Pan Hellenic experience, and also inspired my daughter to want to pledge and work on being on the step-team as well... This is a great movie for everyone. It doesn't matter that it is similar to Drumline (also another favorite movie). The similarities just proves the wide range of experiences and life lessons that can be achieved and learned at our HBCUs! Keep the positive movies comin'. You make them, I'll continue to support them. Our children, black and white, need to see the positive, exciting, yet serious side of what an HBCU education can offer!
4
Stomp The Yard by jimtim
Even though I thought the movie would just be another version of Drum line, the story held my interest and the dance sequences were entertaining.
5
hecks yeah ! by soteyas
best movie EVER !! !
5
Stomp the Yard / This movis was the bomb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! by uqnuie
I enjoyed this movie from beginning to end, thank you so much for the invite.
2
The Steppin was cool but... by mstori1968
the story line was weak. They should've stuck to bringing it out on DVD, but we all need some change.
5
Stomp the Yard by adrian123
good