Rear Window

L.B plays an outstanding character with limitations. Being limited to just a wheelchair due to a broken leg, he become curious of what is going around in this close and yet open neighborhood. He seen a variety of scenes from a dancing neighbor, to partying neighbors, to some neighbors who were privately having fun, to a neighbor who was desperate for a man, and just much more. His curiosity tuned him in along with the other characters, who at first thought he was crazy. He wanted the simple things in life but his girlfriend wanted more. As we view the different neighbors, some may say that each neighbor represented a life that L.B maybe wished for or would have liked to experience. he did not want to be in people's private lives but when something interesting attracts you, you can't help but to engage. Coming across a strange man, his intuition led him to solve a murder. "Why didn't you turn me in the first time?" L.B was asked before risking his life while being attacked by the murderer. L.B wanted to completely be in tuned til the end. He had to prove to himself before he could prove to others that his findings were correct. He knew that no one would believe him until his curiosity became less aggravating and more curious to others as well.
From the movie one could take that even when we do not want to be "nosey" or engaged in business that is not our own, we still tend to still unintentionally get involved. Robert Eberts makes it so profound in his review by saying that the very thing that we see takes control and grabs hold to us. Knowing that being nosey is wrong or at least a bit risky is one thing, but the wanting and yearning to be nosey is more dangerous. As for L.B he puts his life as well as his girlfriend and care giver's life on the line. Some may ask did he really mean for the others to get involved and put in such risky situations? But I ask did he really care of the risk while being so close to hard boiled evidence? Curiosity kills the Cat, depending on the situation.

Stomp The Yard

A very intense and compelling movie, Stomp the Yard teaches a young African American male about the significance of brotherhood. DJ (Columbus Short) grew up dancing and stomping with his brother who died in the beginning of a movie. DJ blames himself for his brother death because of the decision he made to battle a well-known dance crew in their own home and beat them. After winning the battle and the money, the crew attacked DJ, his brother and their crew, which led to killing DJ’s brother. From their own out Dj suffers with going to a new college, Truth University where stepping is historically known.

Dj street style of stepping was very competitive and new to the school and with being a freshman, he posed a threat to some of the authority in the Mu Gamma Xi and Theta Nu Theta fraternity. His pride did not let him back down to anyone as Grant (Darrin Henson), the leader of Mu Gamma Xi challenged him on many occasions. Dj’ s moves were carefully watched and were taken when it came down to the step competition between the two fraternities. April (Meagan Good), Grant’s girlfriend instantly became the interest of Dj. He tried his best to impress her and in the end she indeed became impressed. Dj joined Grants rival fraternity Theta Nu Theta and began getting ready for the big event. Grant tried to get Dj suspended due to the incident with his brother. The Dean of the school was April’s father and he expelled Dj because the school was not aware of the charges that Dj had from the incident and because April’s father did not think that Dj was good enough for her. Dj proved to the school and the dean that he was an overall good man with very good potential. In proving, he had to learn the meaning of brotherhood and being a team player. He took his and his brother’s dream and made it happen. He did not felt that he had fit in because this university was more of a professional atmosphere. However he overcame all the obstacles, stood his ground, and learned the value of brotherhood and respect.

This movie is captivating and keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know and see more. I felt the feelings, thoughts, pain and happiness that the main character felt. I also felt the intensity in the stepping. This movie showed pride in being an outsider and transforming to a successful, known individual. This movie shows a more intellectual meaning to dance and step. Columbus Short was the perfect gentleman to play this part. He was quietly intelligent which made him an interesting man to the school and especially April. He was an attractive young man coming from a rough neighborhood with yet a taste of class. He overcame his internal struggle, his struggle with competition and being a team player. All other actors were great as well. The stepping was heart felt in the sense that every step and beat made your heart pound. The excitement was phenomenal and made this movie the best dance and step movie yet.