By Wendy Simmons

I know some folks may be a little disappointed to know that Stomp the Yard: The Homecoming, sequel to a film baring the same name did not make it to the big screen and after seeing it I understand why.

Don’t get me wrong…it’s not a horrible film but it’s not a blockbuster either.

It keeps in tradition with the original and takes place at the fictional black university Truth revolving around the fraternity Theta Nu Theta, who once again are desperately vying to win the annual Sprite Step Competition.

For those of you that are foreign to this popular tradition stepping is a dance form that has been associated with African American fraternities and sororities since their existence beginning in the early 1900s. To the many Greek organizations in the world, it’s a big deal!

However, what may hold the Theta’s back from winning this competition is the hot headed new inductee Chance, played by Collins Pennie.  He’s an extremely gifted dancer who has gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd while battling in underground dance competitions off the school’s campus. Chance hides this fact from his family, friends and fraternity brothers causing them to be surprised once his seedy interactions resurface and confront Chance head on. People are out to hurt him and are willing to go through whomever in order to get to him.

Along with dodging past transgressions Chance is also trying to cope with the premature death of his mother which has caused a strain on he and father’s relationship…he’s being taunted by an ex-temptress trying to weasel her way back into his life…as well as arrogantly battling the rival fraternity for step supremacy of Truth’s campus. He is too arrogant for his own good and we hope that he eventually revels in the fact that the world does not revolve around him, there are others to consider.

For dance movie fans, there are a lot of action packed dance sequences that will have you feeling like jumping up and giving it a whirl. For people like me…college based movie fans…it gives you a similar feel as the classic Spike Lee joint School Daze.

Accompanying the outstanding dance choreographer and nostalgic feel of college good times there’s plenty of eye candy for the ladies. Pooch Hall of the sitcom The Game costars and Columbus Short, the star of the original Stomp the Yard also makes a cameo. In fact, there are many recognizable faces throughout the film. Jazmine Guy, Teyana Taylor and Terrance J from BET’s 106^th and Park also costar.

Although it’s more dance than substance it’s a classic tale of perseverance trumping adversity. 

Not worth the price of admission but good enough to enjoy at home.

I give it $$

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