Looking at the trailers and previews, Stomp the Yard appears to be another urban hip-hop drama that lacks substance. If that is the case then looks are definitely deceiving. Stomp the Yard is a moving film that blends the rich history of African-American fraternities and sororities with the ability to heal from battling personal demons.
Directed by Sylvain White, Stomp the Yard has a colorful cast that brings award winning performances to the story. The cast includes R&B heartthrobs Chris Brown and Ne-Yo, actress and choreographer Valarie Pettiford, and actress Meagan Goode.
The film’s cinematography is phenomenal. The dance scenes are edgy and gritty, giving the audience the ability to feel the power in each of the dancers’ steps.
Budding actor Columbus Short shines in this breakthrough performance as DJ in Stomp the Yard. After a tragedy involving his little brother, DJ leaves California for Atlanta. In Atlanta, DJ enrolls in Truth University and discovers himself in ways he never imagined.
DJ visits a hall that pays homage to the great contributions that African-American fraternities and sororities have made to our society. Suddenly DJ, who is a street dancer, realizes joining a fraternity is bigger than himself and anything he has ever believed.
Short started out as a choreographer for Britney Spears. He entered acting through television and is featured in the upcoming sequel to the dance hit Save the Last Dance.
The movie has already suffered conflict. The movie depicts The Divine Nine, the nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities. The filmmakers did not gain permission from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to include the fraternity’s trademarks and symbols in the film.
Alpha Phi Alpha and its sorority counterpart, Alpha Kappa Alpha, denounced the film. NEIU is no stranger to Alpha Kappa Alpha. The university is home to the sorority’s Pi Nu chapter.
Members of these fraternal organizations were encouraged not to support the film. The filmmakers complied with the fraternity’s wishes and withdrew its symbols and trademarks from the film.
Stomp the Yard has the potential to be one of 2007’s best movies. This movie is gripping and moving; it is definitely worthy of praise. If you would like more information and profiles of Stomp the Yard’s actors, log on to www.myspace.com/stomptheyard.
sources:
www.imbd.com
www.aka1908.com