Stomp the yard

Note from the editor: This movie review was orginally submited with a rating of "BRAVO-CLASSIC" however, it was the opinion of the editor that such rating does NOT reflect the caliber of movie rated BRAVO or above by this publication. Hence the rating was reduced to a BRAVO minus"

* review submitted by: VEE GEE *

Rating: BRAVO minus (rating scale)

OK. I know what you are saying "Are you serious?" but I assure you I am. I'll be the first to admit that my secret guilty pleasure is every now and again partaking in a straight to video worthy "blaxploitation film of the millennium" (think "Soul Plane"). It is also worth mentioning that I am a sucker for a dance/choreography-involved movie (still searing over the fact I never got to see "Step Up" - pardon me as I suck my teeth.) So when I purchased my matinee price ticket for STOMP THE YARD - I was indeed looking forward to two hours of potentially racially degrading, shuckin' and jivin'-ish material, infused with creative music and dance moves we haven't seen since the likes of Leroy from "Fame".

The fact that ever present poster girl for "Ghetto Flicks", Meghan Good (who stank up the place more than usual in this summer's "Waist Deep" along side the equally smelly, yet oh so fine, Tyrese seemed a definite assurance of my expectations)Boy was I wrong! What I experienced in the East NY Magic Johnson Multiplex (the only place it was showing. LOL) was a thoroughly entertaining, enjoyable cinematic experience that I did not want to end! The music and the moves were great! Columbus Short, the lead (who I understand from my 17 year old teeny bopper sister is of Disney Channel fame) - was a delight! But in addition to all that, they even had a half way decent story line with , get this, a positive message. I KNOW! It was phenomenal (yes I said phenomenal). It was part "U Got Served", part "Bring It On" with a dash of "School Daze" thrown in for good measure.and it came together beautifully.As a bonus the cast was great.

Columbus Short in a word AWESOME (he did his own dancing/stunts)..that choreographer guy from Soul Food (you know "pop-n-lock" - yeah I thought he was somewhere flipping biscuits for a living too.. but apparently he's been busy) was in it doing his thaa-ang. Teens will be pleased to see singing sensation Chris Brown among the credits. and my girl "Big Didi" from the now defunct UPN series "Half and Half" was representing (sadly with the same wig from the show - but eh.. limited budgets what can ya do).. Oh plus there were cameos from Keith Sweat and if I'm not mistaken.. Rickey Bell from New Edition, BBD fame.. OK I'll wrap up there. In my opinion.. not only is it worth the cost of a full price ticket plus snacks.. I'd say get the DVD too so you can watch it over and over again - perhaps pick up some of those snazzy moves to demo "L'il Magic style" at your next Par-Tay!