Do not get excited. This is not a sequel to the hit Will Ferrell comedy, Step Brothers. It is not a film synonymous to Step Brothers at all. Step Sisters is actually a film about white girls, in a white sorority, stepping. When we saw the trailer, we were less than impressed. But, it is a film with a Black director, Black producer, and stars Black people, so we had to support.
Step Sisters, directed by Drumline's Charles Stone III was shot in Atlanta, Georgia, on the campus of Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College, a familiar stomping ground for Stone. Even though it seems like the film was suppose to take place in Chicago...(the United Center was shown in transition shots). None the less, the Atlanta University Center is a very recognizable setting, and to see people running and riding bikes on the scared grass was very uncomfortable.
Jamilah (Megalyn Echikunwoke), the main character is a member of Theta Chi something, a Delta Sigma Theta wannabe organization. She has a white boyfriend and two Harvard educated parents, one of them who hates Michelle Obama. The movie in itself is different. Jamilah is entrusted with helping a white sorority, Sigma Beta Beta, to create a cleaner image for themselves in hopes that her Dean will write her a letter of recommendation to Harvard after her almuni parents essentially cut her off. Her way to create that image? Have SBB compete in a step show to raise money for a charity.
It is a story about how sisterhood can be found anywhere, but to say that stepping isn't ours, (Black people's) is a reach. Culturally, stepping is a part of Black culture, with origins tracing back to Africa. It is ours.
The film was also supposed to touch on cultural appropriation and there was no direct talk about it. Which is kind of difficult to think about when that is what the movie revolves around.
The film had a few comedic moments; white girls dancing off beat, gags, and a couple of sly jokes but it was not exactly a gut buster. All in all, it was not a terrible film. Something different could have been done. 4/10.
Step Sisters is now streaming on Netflix.
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