Original subtitles

[CROWD CHEERING]

[CROWD CHEERING]

[HEAVY METAL MUSIC BLARING FROM SPEAKERS]

[SCREAMING]

[CHEERING & SHOUTING]

[BARKING]

Yo, we should just play this straight up.

Those cats will fold under pressure.

We can take these fools with our eyes closed, man. Come on.

No doubt, but I don't wanna diss them in front of their home crowd. I don't.

D, I got you.

I got y'all.

[♪♪♪]

All right, man. Come on, let's do it.

[CHEERING]

MADD: All right, all right, y'all, that was hot!

And the winner is

Sphere and the Thug Unit!

Who wants next?

Let's get it going on in here.

Y'all want some of this? We got next.

DURON: Let's go.

All right, all right, y'all, let's get it popping in this mall!

[HIP-HOP MUSIC BLARING FROM SPEAKERS]

You haven't seen him pop. Come on, come on.

GUY 1 : Hey, got that? Get out of here!

GUY 2: Get back. GUY 3: Break it up.

GUY 2: Get back. Get back. We good.

MADD: All right, all right, let's hear it for the Thug Unit.

[CROWD CHEERING]

MADD: Yeah!

Give it up for the Goon Squad!

[CROWD CHEERING]

What's up? I think the Goon Squad got it, y'all.

No, no, no. Double or nothing says you got lucky.

It's on.

Let's go! Let's go! What the hell are you doing?

Man, I'm out.

What the hell you walking away for, man?

I say we double up on these niggas, man.

You know this ain't our spot, D. Yo, Sphere's crew don't know us.

They don't know what game we're bringing, period.

The more paper we take home. Did you see that cat?

If he even thinks he's being hustled, that's paper we're not gonna be allowed to spend.

Why are you acting all scared? I'm not acting scared.

I'm acting smart. You should try it! Don't I always got your back?

Don't I always have your back? Have me on this.

You know I got it, man, but I'm-- If you ain't with it, just go home.

Like you could do this without me. BLACK: For real, DJ.

We ain't shit without your brother, man.

You know, it's gonna get nasty up in here!

I don't want stuff to get out of hand-- Yo, don't sweat it.

We came too far to turn back now, baby boy. I want this.

You want this? I knew you were gonna say something like you want this.

That's all this is about. Typical DJ.

It's not just about you, it's about all of us. We're a team.

Well, this team's about to double up on their asses. Come on.

MADD: All right now, y'all ready to rip this?

Let's get it going on up in this mall!

Let's go!

[YELLING INDISTINCTLY]

[HIP-HOP MUSIC BLARING FROM SPEAKERS]

MADD: It's over! It's over! All right, all right, y'all!

This one, hands down, the Goon Squad!

[CROWD CHEERING]

You're dead! You're dead!

Goon Squad! Goon Squad is up.

DJ: I'm telling you, man, we're taking over L.A.

BLACK: Believe that.

DURON: Hold up, guys.

Hey, man, what's your brother doing? Man, I don't know.

DURON: A little something for y'all. DJ: All right. All right.

That's what's up. You know what I'm saying?

[ALL LAUGH]

GIRL: Yeah, man.

We gotta take Von home. His mom's gonna trip.

I have your mama.

He'll get a beating. Miss Williams ain't banging on me.

Why you gotta do my mom like that? I was doing her like that. Last night.

SPHERE: Give me my money!

[ALL SHOUTING]

I got it! I got it!

I want my money. DJ: The money's mine.

SPHERE: I want it.

Where's my money? Where's my money?

Get out of here!

[GUNSHOT]

D!

GIRL 1 : Let's get out of here! Let's go! GUY 1 : Sphere, let's go!

Get up, D!

Come on!

[DJ CRYING]

I'm sorry, man. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Somebody do something!

[POLICE SIRENS WAILING]

[♪♪♪]

[SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]

[TRAIN BREAKS SQUEAL]

MAN [ON PA]: We'd like to welcome aII arriving passengers to AtIanta.

We are so glad to have you here, DJ.

See, now that you're in Atlanta, we're gonna have to get you a Hawks jersey or something.

Honey, nobody watches the Hawks.

That's your uncle's way of saying welcome to Georgia.

You'll get used to the humidity.

[♪♪♪]

You must be so excited to start school.

Or nervous.

But don't be. You'll do just fine.

You know that's where I met your uncle.

You guys went to Truth?

I did. Your uncle was working there.

Come on, let me show you up to your room. This way.

That's your bathroom over there, and this is your room.

If you get tired of campus food, you know you're more than welcome

to spend your weekends here with us, anytime.

You know, whatever makes you comfortable.

Thanks.

DJ, I didn't get a chance to tell you at the funeral,

but you know we loved him.

I know how close you two were.

I gotta run and show a house

so when I get back, I'll make us all some dinner.

Okay?

JACKIE: Honey, go ahead and help yourself to some apple pie.

I know it's your favorite.

No, no, thanks.

You know I had to call in a favour to get you into this school.

Don't make me look bad. Nate, please.

No, that's cool. I'm listening. Good.

Because the rules are very simple.

There's three things you're gonna have to deal with.

First, you must keep your grades up at all times.

Second, I'm in charge of your work study program,

but you'll not be treated any differently

nor will you behave any different than my other 26 employees.

And third? If there's a strike three, you out.

Period.

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

NATE: DJ?

What the hell is going on, man?

I'm not gonna sit out here and act like I wanna be here when I don't.

This whole college-boy thing is not for me, man.

You're the only thing your mama's got left.

And there's no way in hell I'm gonna let you put my sister through any more pain.

So you better make this college-boy thing work out. Can you appreciate that?

Get your black ungrateful ass in the goddamn truck.

What'd I say, man? Get in the truck!

At least you don't have a problem with waking up early.

Looks like you're just in time for registration.

[♪♪♪]

Next.

Yo, yo, hold my spot real quick.

This is my spot, thanks. Excuse me?

There was a girl saving my space. Nice try.

You have to wait in line just like everybody else.

You saw me standing in line behind the sister with the fro.

WOMAN: Next.

Now, one of you come up to the counter.

[♪♪♪]

DJ: l'm just saying it's a IittIe earIy to teII, Mom. That's aII.

No, l'm not saying l hate it.

I'm not quitting. I promised you I'd try. That's my word.

I love you too.

Okay. Bye.

[HUMMING]

Who--?

All right.

There are only a select few things of mine that are absolutely off-limits.

My toothbrush, my toothpaste, my shaving cream and my condoms.

Magnums, of course. You know about the gold packs?

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Other than that, playboy, anything else of mine,

you're welcome to. Rich Brown.

DJ. Nice to meet you, sir.

Some Deltas are having a little barbecue.

I've got some juice, I can get you in. I gotta work.

Classes ain't started yet. I got a job.

Oh.

Okay, I feel you. Which--?

Never mind.

All right, bro. In that case, I'll holler.

Yes.

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

Come in.

Don't just stand there, man. Sit down.

Is this your office?

Mm-hm.

Awfully nice digs for somebody who cuts grass.

No, I don't cut grass.

But you do.

DJ: You ever wonder where them trains be going?

They probably be going to Japan or something.

Japan? Oh, yeah, they can't cross the water.

You going to college? Don't say that when you get out there.

I'm just playing with you, man.

Listen, the key to success in going to school, what you do, you get a group of girls,

you get them to do your homework.

When they do your homework, you get A's.

[CAR HORN HONKING]

NATE: How's it going, man? I'm still standing.

Get in, man. I'll give you a ride back.

[SIGHS]

GUY 1 : Come on, come on. Pass the ball. Pass the ball.

GUY 2: Yeah, baby. Go deep. Go long.

They're getting the very same education as you

so don't pay them any mind.

[CROWD CHEERING]

[BAND PLAYING]

Oh, check it out.

Oh, that's old news, brother. I've been there. Been there and done that.

You're lying. I'm not lying.

Rich--

Yo! Yo, yo, yo!

DJ, right?

My new roommate, DJ. DJ, that's my friend Noel.

Good to meet you, brother.

[CROWD CLAPPING]

Now, Thetas.

Everybody got quiet like y'all can't get down!

THETAS: What?

[CLAPPING & CHEERING]

Are we the Pythons?

[THETAS HISSING]

What the hell are they doing, man? NOEL: They're stomping the yard.

THETAS: Yes.

Where are you from?

The Thetas are representing. All day.

Smooth it out now.

THETAS: Funky and you know it, cIap your hands.

Smooth! Ha-ha!

Smooth! Ha-ha!

Smooth! Ha-ha!

Yo, I meant to-- THET AS.. Smooth! Ha-ha!

THETAS: Theta Nu! THETAS: Theta what?

THETAS: Theta Nu! THETAS: Theta what?

THETAS: Theta Nu! THETAS: Theta what?

Theta Nu!

Theta Nu!

[STOMPING]

[MUS HOWLING]

Yo, yo, yo!

Get him out of here! Get him out of here!

Hey, get your hands off me, dog.

Fool, you're about to get your ass whupped.

Throw his ass to the wolves!

[GUY HOWLING]

Can I get up here, man? Because I can't see nothing.

Yo, yo, yo. Isn't that your boy, DJ?

Hold, hold, hold, G.

Listen, man.

I don't know if you're crazy or stupid,

but you gotta keep it moving. SLY: Hey, Zeke!

When you're done playing with your bitch,

we're gonna show you what a real ass-whupping look like.

CROWD: Ooh.

Line up, Mus!

Mus, march!

[STOMPING]

[CROWD CHEERING]

ZEKE: Mus, hut!

Back it up! Back it up! Back it up!

Mu!

Gamma!

MUS: Xi!

[CROWD CLAPPING]

The seven-year champs are here!

[CROWD CLAPPING]

T-H-E-T-A! THETAS: Nu!

SLY.. T-H-E-T-A! THETAS: What?

T-H-E-T-A! THETAS: What?

Who's that creeping in my window?

Now! Ha-ha! Theta Nu!

Who's that creeping in my window?

Now! Ha! Theta Nu!

Who's that creeping in my window?

Now! Ha-ha! Theta Nu!

What?

[CROWD CHEERING]

T-N-T! THETAS: Boom!

ExpIosive, expIosive, expIosive.

[CROWD CHEERING]

WoIf pack, march!

ZEKE: M-U! MUS.. Gamma Xi!

Gamma Mu Xi!

Gamma Mu Xi!

Gamma Mu Xi!

[CROWD CHEERING]

ZEKE: WoIf pack attack!

[CROWD CHEERING]

[HISSING]

[WHISTLING]

Mu!

[CROWD CHEERING]

MUS: The seven-year champs are here.

The seven-year champs are here.

The seven-year champs are here.

Hey. Hey.

How you doing?

Aren't you that guy that was fighting with that girl in the line?

Yeah, but it-- It wasn't like that.

GRANT: April.

Hey, babe. What's up, baby girl?

I thought I told you to wait for me. I know, I had to go to the library.

Who's your friend? DJ.

DJ was just passing by.

Oh, yeah. I remember you.

You're the idiot that tried to break our step line.

Yeah, well, it seems like DJ has a thing with lines.

You see those flags there?

You don't mess with the Mus and you don't mess with my girl.

I'm gonna bounce.

RICH: As usual, you don't know what you're talking about.

Around here, it's all about the haves and the have-mores.

Either you come in first place or you're not even in the game, player.

Oh, yo, guys, this is DJ. You know Noel, this is Byron, Paul.

That's Easy over there. What's up?

Yo, get that camera out of my face, man.

As I was saying, Theta Nu Theta is gonna wipe the floor with Mu Gamma.

[GUYS LAUGHING]

How's that? Because I'm gonna join.

Dude, why are you pledging Theta anyway? They tired.

They pull no women. They never win step championships.

So? "So?"

What else is there? RICH: What about history?

What about tradition? Give me my damn hat.

What about legacy? A legacy of losing.

NOEL: He's just saying that because his father was a Theta.

Anyway, DJ, please ignore their ignorance.

Brother, you need to roll with us to the Rep Yo' City Blast tonight.

NOEL: Roll with us. To the what?

[HIP-HOP MUSIC BLARING FROM SPEAKERS]

KOOL [ON PA]: Where my St. Louis folks at? S-T-L, show some love.

Y'all know how we do it every week at the Phoenix! Give me love, Miami.

C-H-I, my Chicago folks in the building.

Y'all show some love. Give it up for the A hometown people.

Where you at? Show your A.

I see you, Jamaica. Do your thing, mon.

Watch out for the lovely ladies in blue and white. I see you.

What's up, sir? What's up?

You good, man?

Oh, damn, Rich. You hanging with the freshmen now?

What--? Oh, no. This is my roommate.

This is DJ. DJ, this is Grant.

That's nice. But see, this section is for upperclassmen.

You know what we call freshmen?

We call them bootlickers, because that's all they good for.

[LAUGHS]

You know what we call guys like you where I'm from?

No, what? Pretenders.

You're gonna wish I was pretending-- You don't know me--

RICH: Okay, okay! Okay, okay!

And on that note, we gonna go to the bar.

Y'all have a good night.

Why you so sensitive, dog?

It's a little freshman hazing, man. We all have to go through it.

Straight up, that dude is whack, man.

Well, maybe. But he's Zeke's prodigy.

Who the hell is Zeke? He's the head of Mu Gamma,

seven-time national step champs.

NOEL: And your boy, Grant, he's next in line to take the throne.

So just chill. Y'all killing me with all that.

KOOL: Every week, you know how we do it in the Phoenix.

Go to the dance floor.

Rep your city, wherever you're from. It's about that time.

We got N-Y-C, obviously.

[HIP-HOP MUSIC BLARING FROM SPEAKERS]

I hope he had a condom on.

What's he doing?

I didn't think you were coming. What do you think you're doing?

Come on, babe. Don't play at being jealous.

I'm not playing at anything.

It was just a show.

Well, I didn't like it.

It's not like I was doing it for real. I was just adding a little flavor.

Now, you keep yourself looking this fine, you ain't never gotta worry.

Excuse me?

Hey, yo, Grant, where you at? Your city needs you.

Why don't you sit down with your girls, have another drink on me

and watch your man do his thing.

He's just being a man.

Remember, there isn't a single woman in here that wouldn't kill to be with him.

Don't make it easy on them. You know you don't deserve that.

It's not that big of a deal.

Didn't I tell you to keep your distance from my girl?

See, now, I thought you was just pretending again.

KOOL: New York City, where you at? Rep your city, it's your turn!

Grant, they need you on the floor.

When I'm done, you better be gone...

bootlicker.

I can take care of myself. I know you can.

No, really. Grant is not someone you want to mess with.

Well, somebody's gonna have to bring him down a notch.

What the hell is this nigga doing?

KOOL: What's this? Looks like we got a new addition added to the mix.

Hey, yo, kid. What city you representing?

I ain't repping nothing. Just me.

[HIP-HOP MUSIC BLARING FROM SPEAKERS]

KOOL: Oh, don't clown him. Don't clown him.

You'll hurt him, Grant. Don't hurt him.

Y'all know how Grant does it, y'all.

Give it up for G, Grant. New York in the house!

KOOL: Oh, snap! Is he clowning St. Louis?

Is he breaking on Jamaica?

Wait a minute. Oh, he's clowning everybody!

He's clowning on the Chi guy!

Oh, this is crazy. A-T-L, are you gonna take that?

Miami! Even Miami!

Wait a minute. Is he coming at Grant?

Wait. Oh, he's killing him!

That's my roommate. That's my roommate.

Give it up, D!

Oh, no, he didn't. Yes, he did.

[CROWD CHEERING]

Yo, goodness.

So I guess you thought you were defending my honor, huh?

April, what are you doing? I'm just talking.

You don't have to let this dude talk to you like that.

Let's just drop it. No, no, no. What did you say?

I said somebody gonna have to teach you how to talk to a woman.

You gonna show me? I already schooled you once tonight.

How many lessons you wanna learn? What, you think you funny, nigga?

No, but she clearly does.

What? No, no, no, Grant. It's all good, baby. Come on.

Let's go. Come on.

APRIL: Wait, wait! Stop!

Grant, stop it, stop. Stop. GUY 1 : Yo! Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Let's go. You stay out of this.

All right, just chill. Grant,

you know I ain't got nothing against you, but I told you already, dog,

this is my roommate, man. You do what you gotta do.

But you, Noel, I thought you was gonna pledge Mu Gamma.

I was gonna-- I guess you can kiss that goodbye.

I'm gonna bounce.

We got unfinished business, bootlicker.

Indeed. Come on, let's go.

I got myself here. I can get myself home.

Maya, will you take me home?

[ZEKE CLEARS THROAT]

Chill out, man. This is a friendly visit.

I'm Zeke, president of Mu Gamma Xi.

You know Grant.

We saw you at the Phoenix and we were impressed.

Ain't that right, Grant?

Yeah.

I got work to do, man.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Wolves!

Y'all heard the man. Get busy.

Now you got time on your hands, let's talk.

Look, I brought Grant with me just to show you

that we don't have any hard feelings.

You're a straight-up guy. I like that. You're working your way through college.

I mean, that's admirable, but this whole gardening thing

can't be getting you no play with the ladies, man.

Never had any problems in that area.

Okay, now I'll get straight to the point.

Mu Gamma Xi has the strongest alumni network, period.

One phone call from us when you graduate

and you've got a high-paying job just like that.

So you want me to join your frat?

If you step on our line.

Step on the line. I don't step, man.

I battle.

What's the difference? Pussies step.

You should think about what you say before you say it.

Wolves!

That's enough.

Let's let Mr. DJ get back to his...

His gardening.

ZEKE: You were right. GRANT: I told you.

I'm telling you, Sly.

You didn't see this dude punk Grant.

Look, I'm sure he's a cool dude, I just don't think he's Theta material.

You mean he's too ghetto.

I don't care where he's from.

I just don't think he got here based on his SAT's.

Okay, fine, so he's not the archetype of a Theta, but what he--

We've got a lot of other pledges to consider who have far more impressive résumés.

Thank you.

But are they gonna help us win Nationals?

Okay. Okay, so that's what this is about?

Well, what are you thinking? Aren't you sick of living in Mu Gamma's shadow?

I'm sorry. You mind if I join you?

Suit yourself.

I'm here to talk to you about Theta Nu Theta.

You're kidding, right?

No.

What about it? Members of my pledge committee,

feel you'd be an asset to the house. No.

Mu Gamma's murdered your asses for the last seven years.

And you're here because you think I can help change all that.

You know, you're real cocky for a brother that's got one trick.

Please spare me, man.

Spare you, fine.

There's a screening process. All applicants go through it.

You want to apply?

That's up to you.

Funny, because Mu Gamma coming here offering me a sweet deal.

And the best you can come up with is I can apply?

If a sweet deal is really what you're looking for, Theta ain't for you.

A fraternity, now, that's a brotherhood of men who forge a lifetime bond.

Okay, once you are a Theta, you will always and forever be a Theta.

Now, you can go out of here, you can leave Truth

as a young educated brother from the 'hood.

And homey, that's great.

But if you pledge Theta, you're gonna get that same education

and you'll become a member of our lifetime brotherhood.

Yo, what's up? Hey, hey, what are you doing?

You almost just ran me over with that thing.

I didn't mean to scare you. My bad. What?

[APRIL CHUCKLES]

It's the dance thug from the club.

So can we move on from that?

Move on to what?

I don't know.

You getting to know me?

I have a boyfriend.

So, what's up with this Grant guy? What is he, like a professional student?

Grant is in a six-year law program

and his father's a partner with a Wall Street firm, so when he graduates--

You know, it's funny, because I didn't take you as the type of girl that could be bought.

Bought?

Bought.

Wait, I didn't mean bought like that. I didn't mean bought like that. Listen.

What? Let's just start over.

Start what over? Have lunch with me.

I'm tutoring.

Tutor what? What do you tutor?

Yo.

Hi, can I help you? Yeah, I'd like to sign up for a tutor.

Okay. What subject?

Uh, what subject does April Palmer tutor?

Mm, history. History it is.

How'd you pull this off?

What?

What, you think I set this up?

Well, it's an awful big coincidence, don't you think?

What you take me for? Some kind of stalker?

Like I'm gonna work that hard to get your attention.

I mean you're fine, but you ain't all that, you know what I'm saying?

Did I set this up?

Can I use your pen?

Yeah. Okay. Thanks.

So where do we start?

You can start by moving over there.

[LAUGHS]

Really? No, I'm serious.

It works better if we can sit across from each other.

All right.

APRIL: This is gonna be good reading material for you.

Time to go.

Thank God. I'm starving. So let's go eat.

I can't.

Why?

You know why.

Why are you staring at me?

Okay.

I'll make you a deal.

Ask me any question from the history lesson, I get it right,

we go eat.

Okay.

What was the difference between the Republicans'

and the Democrats' political response

to the Great Depression in the 1 930s?

Some other time maybe.

But by "political response," were you referring to the Republicans' belief

that the marketplace would correct itself,

as opposed to the New Deal laid out by the Democrats?

Because the way you phrased it was a little...

[BOTH LAUGH]

I'll get my uncle's truck.

I'll drive.

[♪♪♪]

APRIL: So I heard the Mu Gammas are trying to recruit you.

So are you gonna pledge?

Probably not. I don't wanna step.

Being in a fraternity is about a lot more than just stepping.

Wow, you sound just like them.

You should check out Heritage Hall. What's that?

See for yourself.

Oh, it's right up here on the right.

[BAND PLAYING JAZZ MUSIC]

[LAUGHING]

How does a nice young girl like yourself know about a place like this?

MAN: We gonna take five. We'll be right back.

There's a lot of things about me you don't know.

[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING ON SPEAKERS]

I didn't know you can do that. I'm surprised.

I gotta show you how we do it in the A.

All right, I'm not mad. I'm not mad at all.

Really? No.

[SLOW SONG PLAYING ON SPEAKERS]

You wanna sit down?

No.

I-- I can't do this. What's wrong with this?

We're just having a little fun. I know. We just need to go.

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

Stop.

GIRL 1 : Let's heat it up!

[♪♪♪]

Yo, this one. Look at the map. I'm telling you, it's this one.

Quit playing, man.

GUY: All in!

[♪♪♪]

[STOMPING]

[CHANTING INDISTINCTLY]

GRANT: Since when? MU PLEDGES: 1932.

Bring it home!

Bring it home!

[MU PLEDGES CHANTING INDISTINCTLY]

GRANT: Come on!

Pledges, turn and face big brother Zeus!

ZEKE: Pledges, unmask yourselves!

[CROWD CHEERING]

Pledges, Mu Gamma creed!

MU PLEDGES: The year of compIetion, the manifestation.

1932 was the year our fathers founded Mu.

Camaraderie in gray, we are a woIf pack of brotherhood.

Fangs of power, fur of protection. BattIe cry:

[ALL HOWLING]

By the rising of the moon!

MU PLEDGES: Bring us our destiny, sir!

[ALL HOWLING]

THETA PLEDGES: Oh, brother , we gotta keep pushing, I wanna be a Theta Nu one day.

So big brother, wouId you heIp me on my way?

Oh, brother, we gotta keep pushing! We gotta keep moving!

We gotta keep fighting!

Oh, brother, we gotta keep pushing! We gotta keep moving!

We aImost there!

Pledges of Theta Nu Theta, face front!

Reveal yourselves!

[CROWD CHEERING]

Pledge Porkchop, please introduce yourself!

Porkchop!

Extra gravy.

[CROWD LAUGHING & CHEERING]

Brother Showtime, please introduce yourself.

Showtime!

[CROWD CHEERING]

Pledge Knucklehead, please introduce yourself.

[HISSES]

[HISSES]

Knucklehead!

[CROWD CHEERING]

Payback's a bitch, ain't it?

ZEKE: I'll see you at Nationals.

Yes, you will.

M-U! MUS.. Gamma Xi!

Theta Nu! THETAS: Theta what?

M-U! MUS.. Gamma Xi!

SLY: Theta Nu! THETAS: Theta what?

ZEKE: M-U! MUS.. Gamma Xi!

Theta Nu! THETAS: Theta what?

SLY: Theta Nu! THETAS: Theta what?

ZEKE: M-U! MUS.. Gamma Xi!

SLY.. Theta Nu! THETAS: Theta what?

PALMER: All right. Well, just make sure it's coming from the dean's office.

Stewart, something's just come up. I'll have to get back to you.

No problem. You don't have to get off the phone.

Don't be silly. How's my baby?

I'm doing good.

APRIL: Mm.

PALMER: l heard that you've been spending time

with this young man, DJ.

Oh, you heard.

So, what, did Grant call you?

Well, we spoke briefly-- You know what, Dad?

Ever since you've introduced me to Grant, he's all you talk about:

"Grant's gonna be a perfect provider," and "Oh, Grant's going to the top."

"Grant just thinks the world of you." You know what?

How about you and Grant hook up and leave me the hell out of it?

Watch your tongue, young lady.

This is ridiculous.

I gotta go, Dad.

[CHURCH BELL RINGING]

Hi. What's up?

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Hey, you know, if you wanna talk, I'm here.

Thanks.

All right.

Congratulations.

Why didn't you tell me you pledged?

Maybe I wanted to surprise you.

As if I didn't already know.

What?

I like your earrings. They're nice.

They're new, right? Yeah.

You noticed them?

I notice everything about you.

Oh, yeah? Yeah.

So, what's my favorite color?

Well...

You always wear green eye shadow.

Your favorite ring has green in it.

And I'm gonna bet your car is green.

Right?

We should probably get started.

Yeah.

SLY: Countdown, feIIas.

For the next six weeks, we prepare for the step show.

Since we don't have a lot of time, the other team members and I

will take you through the basics and break it down for you.

Now, some of you may think you know what stepping is.

SLY: Keep going!

[GRUNTING]

But l assure you... SLY: Freeze!

untiI you have stepped with Theta Nu Theta, you just don't.

SLY: One more time. It's gonna be a long day, fellas.

Come on, Thetas!

Move it, move it! l wiII do my part.

But l need you to promise to do yours.

From this moment forward, I wiII be your Step Master.

Come on. Let's go, baby boy. l teach, you Iearn.

Let's go.

Come on.

GRANT: I'd like to see a dessert menu, please.

So how was your dinner?

It was good. Good, good.

April, there's been something I've been wanting to talk to you about.

It belonged to my grandmother.

It's beautiful.

Try it on.

[CLEARS THROAT]

Grant...

What's my favorite color?

Red. Why?

No, no, no.

Blue.

What's this about?

I don't know.

Please tell me this has nothing to do with that kid.

I'm sorry.

If you don't come to your senses, and quick,

you are going to lose out on me.

I really can't believe you just said that.

You are spoiled and ungrateful, and I'm taking you home.

You know what?

Don't bother.

Oh...

my favorite color's green, asshole.

SLY: T-H-E-T-A!

[STOMPING]

All right, stop. Stop!

Please, put some heart into what you're doing, fellas.

Can I ask a stupid question?

Better than anyone I know.

[GUYS LAUGHING]

What? I-- I just wanted to know

why we're stepping in an empty pool.

SLY: Well, it was so we could keep our moves a secret.

But who would want them?

Let's pick this back up tomorrow at 8 in the morning.

Eight? Eight?

You got a problem with 8?

Let's make it 7.

GUY 1 : What? GUY 2: Oh, man.

GUY 3: I'm out of here.

[HIP-HOP MUSIC BLARING FROM STEREO]

GRANT: Are they putting this in the show?

I don't think so. You know Sylvester.

He doesn't like anything street in his routines.

GRANT: Good.

For us.

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

Hey. Hey.

What's wrong?

I broke up with him.

You okay?

I haven't slept all night.

What have you been doing?

Thinking.

What are you thinking?

I think I wanna come in.

Come on.

GRANT: Don't forget. We gotta practice on those new steps later on today.

[GRANT CHUCKLES]

Check this out.

Nice ride.

DJ: Whoo!

I'll see you guys later.

[♪♪♪]

We'll pick it up first thing in the morning.

If any of you have any conflicts with your class schedules,

let me know.

Prophytes.

We have been going strong for over two weeks now.

And we still suck.

We've got four weeks left.

NOEL: That's easy for you to say.

You can do this stuff in your sleep.

The problem is these lame-ass steps they got us doing, man.

So, what you saying?

I'm saying instead of us trying to fit step, we gotta make step fit our natural rhythm.

Here.

[HIP-HOP MUSIC BLARING FROM STEREO]

RICH: That's nice.

We're gonna try doing something like that.

All right, we're gonna try something. How you do that?

Right on the beat. You just hit it real quick. You go:

Ugh, ugh, boom, ka, ka-ka.

Throw it in gear. You come here.

Boom, boom, boom, ka-boom, ha-ha-ha-ha!

[HIP-HOP MUSIC BLARING FOR STEREO]

[MUSIC STOPS]

What--? What the hell was that?

The steps you taught us was played, man.

You can't expect us to beat the Mus with that and you know it.

I'm just trying to give us something fresh.

Are we doing a step show, or are we doing a rap video?

It's a new day, man. I mean, I didn't sign on to be no loser.

No, losing, it's a state of mind.

What? NOEL: No disrespect, my brother.

But this frat has been living in that state for the last seven years, man.

The only reason you're holding on to all that talk about tradition

is because you cannot keep up with the present.

I'll make you a bet.

You go and you get your line brothers together.

And I'll get my guys.

And we'll throw down.

You're on. Tomorrow night.

At the Phoenix.

You sure about this, man?

Yeah, man. I got you.

KOOL [ON PA]: All right, y'all. We got the brothers from the TNT step team in the house.

Y'all know what it is. It's the age-old battle.

Old school versus new school. Here come the Neophytes.

[HIP-HOP MUSIC BLARING FROM SPEAKERS]

KOOL: Time for the Prophytes to counter.

KOOL: Oh, yeah. Uh-oh.

Here we go. Here we go.

Oh, wait a minute. Wait a minute. They're doing the real thing.

They're bringing the real stepping into the mix.

Okay, what you got for me, fool? Let me see you bring it.

Hold on, hold on. What's happening with this kid? What's he doing?

Oh, no, that's not gonna fly, Phoenix.

Y'all know the rules. Group against group.

What are you doing? Come on, man.

This is about the team.

[CROWD BOOING]

Man, why didn't you stick with the plan?

All my people in the Phoenix.

The prophytes of Theta Nu Theta wanna show these neos how it's done.

Prophytes, step together now!

[CROWD CHEERING]

KOOL: Yeah.

Hands down. No doubt about it.

Show some love, Phoenix. Y'all know what it is.

Old school wins. Old school wins.

Phoenix, you know you cannot mess with the prophytes of Theta Nu Theta.

CROWD: Prophytes! Prophytes! Prophytes!

Y'all, I was just-- Next time you're gonna show off,

do it on your own time and save us all the practice that you put us through.

I mean, we hardly did any stepping.

You know we should have won that.

It was a slanted crowd. Come on. Please.

It ain't always about you, dog.

We're a team.

Come on, man.

DURON: lt's not just about you, it's about aII of us. We're a team.

What's up?

I owe all you guys an apology.

I just wanna be part of the team.

That's good.

Because, uh, I'm gonna need you to teach all of us some of your moves

if we're gonna have any kind of shot at Nationals.

[ALL LAUGHING]

SLY: Pizzas and beer on me! I'm gonna take my car. Who else is driving?

ALL: Oh!

M-U!

Gamma Xi!

[ALL HOWLING]

Let's go! Let's go! Go!

M-U! MUS.. Gamma Xi!

M-U! MUS.. Gamma Xi!

Mu Gamma!

[ALL SHOUTING]

[♪♪♪]

SLY: Top of the rock, baby. Top of the rock. Come on.

ALL: Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas.

Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas.

Thetas, Thetas, we rep the,

ooh, ooh, ooh, boom.

Thetas.

Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas.

Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas.

Thetas, Thetas, we rep the,

ooh, ooh, ooh, boom!

Do your work.

I'm done.

Well, I still have one more chapter to read.

GUY: Remember you wanted me to check up on DJ?

WeII, meet Mr. DarneII James WiIIiams.

"Youth slain in brawl.

Brother and three other youths charged with assault."

All right, come on.

I'll take you to the place that makes the best fried chicken in Atlanta.

With a record like that, you would think the boy would keep a low profile around here.

Everyone knows that Darrows fries the best chicken in all of Georgia.

Twenty bills if this ain't the best fried chicken you ever had.

Twenty bills? Twenty bills.

So basically, the brother's a criminal.

GRANT: What a shame.

You're on.

I just gotta run in and get something real quick. It'll just take a second.

You can come in.

Just trust me. Come on.

Hello?

It's me.

Oh, hey there. Hey, Unc.

This is, uh, my friend, April.

Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you.

JACKIE: Baby, is that you? Yes, it is Sunday, right?

Just in time.

And who is this lovely lady? April.

Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you.

Hope you're hungry.

You can set your watch by my Aunt Jackie's Sunday night fried chicken.

[♪♪♪]

[APRIL & JACKIE LAUGHING]

Those are the most beautiful tulips.

Thank you, baby. You're welcome.

They are my favorite.

Nate brings them for me every Sunday since the day we were engaged.

Oh... Isn't that sweet?

Are you taking notes?

See? See what you started?

I mess up a lot. Yes, you do.

Listen, guys, there's plenty more so don't be shy.

Yes, this is the best chicken I've had.

JACKIE: Thank you.

APRIL: Your cooking actually reminds me of my mom's.

She must be a damn good cook.

She was a good cook. She passed away five years ago.

I'm sorry to hear that.

APRIL: Yeah, it was tough.

But, you know, me and my dad are real close.

Her dad's the provost.

[APRIL LAUGHS]

EI capitán. APRIL: Yep.

You're Palmer's daughter? Yeah.

Auntie, when are you gonna teach me how to make this fried chicken?

[JACKIE LAUGHS]

JACKIE: Not gonna do it, sweetheart. DJ: Why?

Because then I will never see you on Sunday anymore,

and I need to see my boy every Sunday.

Five, six,

seven, eight.

ALL: Ha, ha, ha! Ha, ha, ha!

Smooth.

T-H-E-T-A!

T-H-E-T-A!

Theta Nu!

[HISSING]

[♪♪♪]

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

PROFESSOR: Yes, come in.

Mr. Darnell James Williams, you're wanted in the Dean's Office.

According to the information provided to us,

you were charged with and convicted of aggravated assault

in a brawl that resulted in the death of your brother.

Is this correct?

I was-- I was trying to protect him.

The thing is, if I had told you the truth about my conviction,

I wouldn't be here anyway.

So either way, I was screwed from the get-go.

So I guess the only thing left to say is that...

since I've been here, I've become a better person.

It is the decision of this committee

to suspend you for the remainder of the year.

I'm sorry, Mr. Williams.

[CHATTERING]

Yo, DJ!

D?

You all right, man? What's going on?

I'm out of here. What are you talking about?

I'm suspended.

How the hell can they do that?

[PHONE RINGING]

Hello?

Yeah, this is him.

When?

Yeah, yeah. I'll be there.

D, what's going on? D!

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

Come in.

Excuse me, Dr. Palmer. DJ Williams.

PALMER: Have a seat, Mr. Williams.

The Ethics Committee reports to my office...

but I seldom interfere with their decisions.

I have the authority to have you reinstated.

So, what's the catch?

This thing you have going with my daughter, it ends now.

What does that have to do with--? Look, you little shit.

My daughter is not some shorty for you to mess with.

She's a woman with a bright and promising future,

and I'm not gonna have you come here and take advantage of her.

Excuse me? Am I not getting through to you?

If you don't agree to stop seeing my daughter,

you can kiss your education goodbye.

And you'll end up just like your uncle, cutting grass for a living.

Now, how long do you think April will go out with you then?

Well...

With all due respect...

sir...

it's her decision, not yours.

You have a good day.

Three days before the Nationals.

Are you sure there's nothing we can do to help change Dr. Palmer's mind?

No, he's one of them. Palmer's a Mu Gamma?

SLY: That's right. RICH: Damn.

We are screwed.

You guys are unbelievable, man.

You guys will be leaving here in three, what, four years

with your fancy job offers in your pockets.

It's my ass getting kicked to the curb, man.

This is my life that's messed up.

This is not about no damn Nationals.

PALMER: Did he tell you he has a criminal record?

What criminal record?

And I suppose he hasn't told you

that he's been brought up before the Ethics Committee

for lying on his scholarship application?

What are you talking about?

I was just about to call you.

So it's true.

What do you want me to say to you, April?

I believed in you.

Why wouldn't you just tell me?

I got arrested because I was...

Because I was fighting and my brother got killed.

It wasn't my fault. The only reason I got convicted was

because I had a public defender who couldn't even remember my name.

Then why are you leaving?

Good question.

Why don't you go ask your father?

DJ: And he would have given me back my scholarship

had I agreed to break up with her.

And you said no?

I wasn't gonna let him play me.

NATE: It was my fault. I don't get it.

I dated Will Palmer back at Truth,

my junior and most of my senior year, until I met your uncle.

You stole his girl? It's not that simple.

I wish you would've told me that before it blew up in my face.

SWAY: What's up, world? This is Sway with MTV News.

Coming to you live from Atlanta

for the 1 7th Annual Step Show Championships.

The Atlanta Arena will be overflowing as thousands of fans have gathered

from far and wide for the competition.

Hundreds of applications poured in,

but only 25 teams were chosen from universities

from all across the country to compete in the ultimate showdown.

[CHATTERING]

This year, defending champions Mu Gamma Xi

go for their unprecedented eighth title in a row.

Is there anybody that can stop these guys?

Seven-year champs!

Eight is on the way, baby. Eight is on the way.

Hey. Hey, Thetas, turn. Get over here.

Come on, fellas. I know what you're thinking.

But you're wrong. Come on, we can still win this thing.

Okay, now, I've been watching you.

And I can promise you,

we are not the same Thetas that we were six weeks ago.

ANNOUNCER: You ain't never seen stepping like this before.

So get ready. It's about to go down!

Let's go! You ready?

All right. Let's go.

NOEL: All right, let's go. Let's go. Let's go. Theta on three. One, two, three.

ALL: Theta!

JACKIE: Hello, William.

It's been a long time, Jackie.

William, how could you? Look, if this is about--

DJ told us about the deal that you offered him.

All I'm trying to do is make sure

my daughter doesn't make the same mistake you made.

I didn't make a mistake, William.

Do you know how different your life would be--?

If I would have married you?

William, I have a really good life.

Well, it's not good enough for my daughter.

Shouldn't that be my choice?

Dad, if you think me being with Grant is what's best for me,

then you don't even really know me. Baby, you are all I have left.

Well, you just lost that.

Look, sweetheart, don't say that. Just stop it.

I know I can forgive you for this one day, but I really...

I really can't imagine when.

Just give me a chance to fix things.

[BAND PLAYING]

[CHEERING]

SWAY: The procedure is simple.

Teams compete in an elimination round.

Only four teams are chosen to go to the finals.

These four teams will compete for the $40,000 grand prize

to use for the community service project of their choice.

And let's not forget, bragging rights for the year.

[CHEERING]

Let the elimination rounds begin.

[♪♪♪]

[CAMERAS CLICKING]

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[CHEERING]

[CAR HORN HONKING]

[♪♪♪]

[CHEERING]

Let's hear it for the sorority finalists.

[CHEERING]

Let's hear it for the fraternity finalists.

[CHEERING]

SLY: This is us, fellas. Get them pythons up.

Hi.

Is he here? Sure, sure.

Hold on one second. DJ, would you come down?

I know about the offer that my dad made.

All you had to do was talk to me.

I know. I should have just stayed in L.A.

Everything I touch gets screwed up.

Brother's dead, and that's on me.

DJ...

that's not true.

No, if it wasn't for me, he'd be here. Duron would be here.

Let it go.

Just let it go.

It's okay.

I love you.

[CRYING]

APRIL: It's not your fault. Okay?

I want to tell you something.

My dad overturned the committee's decision.

He'd much rather put up with you in my life than lose me in his.

But I don't know if that's for me.

But I thought this was your dream.

It's my brother's dream.

He was supposed to be this, not me.

Well, then do it for your brother.

Do it for Duron.

The elimination rounds are over and only the finalists remain.

This is the last chance for these teams to let out all the stops.

ALL: Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,

for thine is the kingdom, the power, the glory forever.

Amen.

ANNOUNCER: And now, ladies and gentlemen, the defending champions,

the unstoppable brothers of Mu Gamma Xi.

[CHEERING]

[HOWLING]

[GROWLING]

GRANT: Wolf pack launch!

MUS: Whoo! Ah!

Whoo! Ah!

Give it to me one time. MUS: Ugh!

Give it to me two times. MUS.. Ugh, ugh!

Give it to me three times. MUS.. Ugh, ugh, ugh!

MUS: Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!

Whoo!

GRANT: Wolf pack slide!

♪ Gamma ♪

♪ Xi ♪♪

Ugh!

[CHEERING]

[MUSIC BLARING FROM SPEAKERS]

[MUS HOWLING]

[CHEERING]

Sylvester! I can't let you save the best for last.

GRANT: Because I think the crowd out there is really feeling us.

RICH: Man, what's it to you, dog? Why don't you mind your own--?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, let's go. GRANT: All right.

[THETAS LAUGHING & CHEERING]

You're suspended.

It seems like your man Dr. Palmer changed his mind.

You're not gonna matter.

You never did.

ZEKE: Come on, Mus. Where's my Mus at?

So this is for real? You're back?

MAN: Theta Nu, you're on.

SLY: All right, huddle up, huddle up, huddle up.

Okay, now, we are TNT.

That's one of the most powerful explosives known to man.

And that's what we are. GUY 1 : Right.

That's what you are. That's what you are.

That's damn sure what you are, and that is what we have always been.

Okay, so tonight, can we be explosive?

THETAS: Yes! No, no.

Can we be better than we ever have been?

THETAS: Yes! Because we are repping the Thetas.

ALL: Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas.

Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas.

Thetas, Thetas, we rep the,

ooh, ooh, ooh, boom!

ANNOUNCER: And now, get ready for the brothers of Theta Nu Theta!

[CHEERING]

[SIREN WAILS ON SPEAKERS]

[EXPLOSION]

[CHEERING]

THETAS: T-H-E-T-A!

Theta Nu!

[HISSING]

[HIP-HOP MUSIC BLARING FROM SPEAKERS]

♪ l got a feeIing Can't touch this ♪

[HISSING]

[CHEERING]

SLY: All ours, we get!

[THETAS SCREAMING]

[HIP-HOP MUSIC BLARING FROM SPEAKERS]

Ah!

Ah!

[CHEERING]

[CHEERING]

ANNOUNCER: All right. That's it for the finals.

Now it's all up to the judges.

[♪♪♪]

And now for the winner of this year's

National Fraternity Step Team Champions...

We have a tie.

[CROWD GRUMBLES]

Now, I know what you all are thinking,

but the judges will not let this end in a tie.

I'm gonna stay here live until we have a definitive winner.

Alpha Tau Chapter of Mu Gamma Xi...

[CROWD CHEERING]

and Beta Delta Chapter of Theta Nu Theta.

We're gonna let y'all go head-to-head one more time.

Theta Nu Theta and Mu Gamma Xi, are y'all ready to battle?

[CHEERING]

Then let's go! SLY: Come here.

All right. We're gonna need you, man.

We're gonna need you to bring this home for us.

You waited for four years for this moment, man. You need to be the one leading us out there.

I'm not doing it. It's not about you, okay?

It's not about me. It's about the whole team.

GUY 1 : That's my man. GUY 2: Bring him in here. Let's go.

Looks like DJ is gonna lead them.

I knew they was gonna do this.

Don't worry. I've been studying his every move.

It'll be like taking candy from a baby.

ZEKE: All right. All you.

[CHEERING]

Why you on our stage? THETAS: Stage!

THETAS: Why you on our stage?

Why you on our stage?

[CHEERING]

Whoo!

They stepping too damn close!

MUS: Step back! Step back away from me!

Step back! Step back away from me!

Step back! Step back away from me!

Step back! Step back away from me!

[CHEERING]

Pythons! THETAS: What?

Pythons! THETAS: Come on!

[HISSING]

[HISSING]

[HOWLING]

[LAUGHING & CHEERING]

[THETAS IMITATING AMBULANCE SIREN]

[WHISTLING]

[WHISTLING]

I don't know what you've been told,

but that's the Mu Gammas is in this house!

MUS: I don't know what you've been toId,

but that's the Mu Gammas is in this house!

Whoo!

Whoo!

Whoo! Step back! Step back! Step back! Step back!

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Ugh!

[CHEERING]

[IN FEMININE VOICE] Gamma who? One word:

THETAS: Bitches!

Ha, ha, ha!

Ha, ha, ha!

[HISSING]

[CHEERING]

The last time I heard

the Mu Gammas run this house.

Right? MUS.. Right!

And we run them!

GRANT: Let's give them the remix.

Hit me one more time, Mus!

Ho!

Ho!

Ho!

Ho!

Ho!

Ho!

Ho!

Ho!

Ho!

Ho!

Ho!

[CHEERING]

SWAY: This competition has entered the battle zone.

These two teams are relentless.

I don't know about you, but I've never seen stepping like this before.

This is crazy. MUS.. Mu Gamma Xi! Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!

Mu Gamma Xi! Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!

Mu Gamma Xi! Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!

Brother gotta...

give me that beat one time!

THETAS: Whoo!

Whoo!

Whoo!

Whoo!

Ho!

Ho!

Ho!

T-H-E-T-A! Can you move?

[♪♪♪]

[CHEERING]

[THETAS SHOUTING]

ANNOUNCER: The 2007 National Step Champion...

Theta Nu Theta!

[CHEERING]

That's what I'm talking about.

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

GUY 1 : Yeah! GUY 2: Yeah!

GUY 3: Thank you!

Ah!

[♪♪♪]

THETAS: We rep the Thetas!

Thetas, Thetas! We rep the Thetas!

Thetas, Thetas! We rep the,

ooh, ooh, ooh, boom!

[♪♪♪]