Stomp the Yard

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for a scene of violence, some sexual material, and language
Release Date: Jan. 12, 2007

After the death of his younger brother, a troubled 19-year-old street dancer (Columbus Short) from Los Angeles manages to bypass juvie hall by enrolling in college in Georgia.

Of course, there’s a flaw in the plan. His efforts to get an education and woo the girl he likes are sidelined when he’s courted by the top two campus fraternities, both of which want — and need — his fierce street-style dance moves to win the highly coveted national step show competition.

You can count on at least two or three dance movies every year. And there’s usually a message about fitting in, connecting with other people, and working as a team member when you don’t have much experience in that area (yeah, those themes are in this movie, too).

But all in all, this movie sets the bar just a little higher for future dance movies, and the characters seem “real” (which is not always the case with dance movies). And man, can they move! They’ve got some good inspiration — the soundtrack features music by The Pack, Chris Brown, Huey, Public Enemy, R.E.D. 44 and others.

But be aware, it’s PG-13 rated for a reason (mild violence, some sex-related scenes, and a few language issues), so this flick is for the 13 and up crowd.