‘Stomp’ charming despite unoriginality

At first glance, the film “Stomp the Yard” appears to be like any other performing-arts movie released in the last six years. There is drama, music, a heated rivalry with a not-so-attractive antagonist and a love interest who helps the delinquent hero find his dancing abilities. It sounds just like the plots of “Take the Lead,” “Step Up,” “Save the Last Dance” and “You Got Served.”

Surprisingly, “Stomp” is different. It portrays black, Greek-letter organizations as groups of students who collectively come together to form a brotherhood or sisterhood that encourages friendship, leadership and service.

A large part of the black Greek tradition is stepping. Stepping is a dance that requires determination, strength and the utmost teamwork.

It’s too bad DJ, played by Columbus Short, is everything but a polished team player. Straight from Los Angeles and attempting to cope with the recent death of his brother, he arrives in Atlanta to attend Truth University.

DJ can’t seem to do anything right. He gets in a fight in the registration line. He loses the girl, Meagan Good, in a sad attempt get her name. Then he does the unthinkable: he elbows his way through the step line of the Mu Gamma Xi fraternity, the same step line that has won seven National Step Competitions. And they’re not very friendly.

But DJ is a dancer, a good one. Being able to hold his own in a dance-off is the only thing that saves him from being maimed by the arrogant Mu Gamma president prodigy, Grant.

He impresses all of the doubters and draws the attention of Sly, a Theta Nu Theta, who wants to recruit DJ for its step line. DJ, annoyed and irritated, turns everyone down. DJ believes that fraternities are all about stepping and nothing but trouble.

Of course, “Stomp the Yard” is all about stepping, but it’s disappointing to come to the end and discover that there were no mentions of community service, cultural activities or educational advancement, all of which round out the black Greek experience.

The only scenes that involve studying are DJ trying to impress his love interest, April, by working his way into her tutoring sessions and an interesting moment later as April finishes her homework on DJ’s back and, ironically, in DJ’s shirt.

Speaking of shirts, clothing is banned in training and work-study job scenes, a plus for female audience members.

“Stomp the Yard” is predictable when it comes to who wins and who loses. But that’s forgivable considering you didn’t buy a ticket to see the modern-day version of Spike Lee’s “School Daze.” The movie is about the dance! It’s dazzling, energetic and innovative. Even the acting isn’t all that bad, despite a few cheesy lines.

“Stomp the Yard” is sweet, regardless of its shortcomings. If you have sat through another underdog dance story, you can definitely enjoy this one.

Grade: B+