Stomp That Inner City

There is new must-see movie that opens January 12 called Stomp the Yard. In it DJ, a troubled youth from inner-city Los Angeles goes to the historically black Truth University in Atlanta, GA. When adapting to his new environment proves difficult, DJ finds solace in joining a struggling fraternity where he begins implementing his street-style dance moves in an attempt to help the step team win the coveted National Step Show Championship. Below is the trailer. Be warned, this movie is not for the uninitiated. No, I don't mean the scene of violence, some sexual material and language that give the movie its PG-13 rating. Nor am I referring to the "mad skillz" on display in the dance sequences. What I'm saying is that before you see this, the latest inner-city-themed, coming-of-age, mismatched-love, dance-as-a-way-of-life movie, you must pay your dues and see the films (listed below) that paved the yard that is being stomped. Step Up (2006) Tagline: Every second chance begins with a first step. Starring: Your basic male and female eye candy Plot: The only thing that stands between Tyler, a rebel from the wrong side of the tracks, and an unfulfilled life are his dreams of one day making it. The only thing standing in the way Nora, a privileged ballet dancer attending the ultra-elite Maryland School of the Arts, and of her brilliant future is finding a great dance partner for her senior showcase. As sparks fly between them, both on and off stage, Tyler realizes he has just one performance to prove that he can step up to a life far larger than he ever imagined. Comments: What is it with railroad tracks separating the high class from the riffraff? It's a good thing some people are brave enough to cross those tracks or we wouldn't have movies like this. Take the Lead (2006) Tagline: Never Follow. Starring: Antonio Banderas Plot: A former professional dancer (Banderas) volunteers to teach dance in the New York public school system. While his background first clashes with his students' tastes, together they create a completely new style of dance. Based on the story of ballroom dancer Pierre Dulane. Comments: Did you see Mad Hot Ballroom, the documentary this movie is based on? The kids were like 12. Somehow that wasn't dramatic enough so for the fictional version they made them all troubled inner-city youths. Antonio Banderas should stick to directing Melanie Griffith movies. Honey (2003) Tagline: Her dream. Her terms. Starring: Jessica Alba, Mekhi Phifer Plot: A sexy, tough music video choreographer shakes up her life after her mentor gives her an ultimatum: sleep with him or be blacklisted within their industry. Honey comes alive on the dance club floor, where her training collides with her passion and her smooth moves get her noticed. Comments: This is a pivotal role for Alba because she's essentially saying to herself "I can't act, but I'm hot. By dancing maybe people won't notice the bad acting, but they will notice that I'm hot." Maybe more dancing would have made The Fantastic Four a better movie. Drumline (2002) Tagline: Half time is game time. Starring: Nick Cannon, Orlando Jones Plot: The controlled mayhem of the football games makes way for the blaring sound of trumpets and the heart-thumping rhythm of drums. Into this rigorous, ritualistic world comes a kid from a different culture. Devon Miles, a young, gifted hip-hop drummer from Harlem, wins a full music scholarship to a Southern university with the hopes of gaining a spot as a drummer on the school's renowned marching band's drumline. One problem: He marches to the beat of his own drum. Comments: While not technically a dance movie, all the elements are here: a fish out of water trying to prove himself, the pressure of competition, misguided youth and mismatched lovers that must overcome the odds. Orlando Jones made the jump from 7-Up commercials to this. Save the Last Dance (2001) Tagline: The only person you need to be is yourself. Starring: Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas Plot: Sara, a 17-year-old high-school student, sets her sights on being a professional ballerina, but she has to put her plans on hold when her mother is killed in a car accident and she is forced to move to her father's bleak Chicago neighborhood. Intimidated by inner-city life, she turns to the clubs for refuge, where she meets Derek, a young black man who shares her love for dancing. As their mutual respect evolves, they soon discover that peer pressure is a more formidable obstacle to romance than differences in race or class. Comments: The only thing that would have made this movie better is a back story about an inner-city basketball league run by the gangs and how Derek must hit the winning shot to avoid a troubled future. Optional Related Viewing: Save the Last Dance 2 (2006). This straight-to-video sequel (with an entirely different cast) follows Sara to Julliard where she tangles with a rival and hilarity no doubt ensues. Bring It On (2000) Tagline: May the best moves win. Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, Gabrielle Union Plot: A champion high school cheerleading squad discovers its previous captain stole all their best routines from an inner-city school and must scramble to compete at this year's championships. Comments: "Cheerleaders are dancers who have gone retarded," says the dance instructor played by Ian Roberts (who also played the literal doctor on Arrested Development). What I find interesting, is the titular line "Bring it on" is never actually uttered in this movie. It's always the truer, more inner-city version "Bring it." Optional Related Viewing: Bring It on Again (2004) and Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006). The second of these straight-to-video sequels stars Hayden Panettiere. Without this role under her belt, her portrayal as a cheerleader in Heroes might not be as convincing. Dirty Dancing (1987) Tagline: Have the time of your life. Starring: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach Plot: Spending the summer in a holiday camp with her family, Frances ("Baby") falls in love with the camp's dancing teacher. Comments: Forbidden love and risqué dancing. How can a movie that sounds so bad be so boring? Optional Related Viewing: Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004). This is essentially the same movie but set in a pre-revolution Havanna so that the race relations can make the film more relevant. And yes, Patrick Swayze does make an appearance.