Barnes & Noble

If the women’s gymnastics film Stick It calls to mind the cheerleader flick Bring It On, the comparison isn’t accidental: The films share a writer, Jessica Bendinger, who steps up to director with this entertaining feature. After a run-in with the law, disgraced former gymnast Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym) is ordered to serve out her probationary period in the world she fled years before. Enrolled in an elite gymnastics program run by legendary trainer Burt Vickerman (Jeff Bridges), she initially retains her rebellious attitude but eventually wins the respect of her fellow athletes. With the exception of the ever-reliable Bridges -- perfectly cast as the no-nonsense coach -- the performers aren’t as diverting as the spunky cast of Bring It On. Stick It does, however, feature some awe-inspiring displays of gymnastics, and the DVD extras, rather than focusing primarily on behind-the-scenes glimpses, are geared to fans of this exacting, physically demanding sport. Others will simply enjoy the uplift of this solid directorial debut. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

A cocky teenager learns some important lessons about playing by her own rules in this comedy drama. Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym) is a gifted 17-year-old gymnast with a strong rebellious streak -- strong enough that she walked away from her teammates on the eve of a major international tournament because she'd had enough of the rigid regimentation of Team U.S.A. After experiencing a scrape with the law with her extreme-cycling friends, Haley is given an unusual sentence -- attending the Vickerman Gymnastics Academy, a world-class training facility run by Burt Vickerman (Jeff Bridges), who has led some of the world's greatest gymnasts to championship status. Haley makes no secret of her dislike of life at Vickerman's, and her fellow athletes aren't about to forgive her just yet for letting down her teammates. But while Vickerman makes clear things are to be done his way, he respects Haley's talent, and together she shows him and her new teammates how to follow the rules while still expressing your individuality. Also starring Tarah Paige and Vanessa Lengies, Stick It was the first directorial credit for Jessica Bendinger, who wrote the critically praised teen comedy Bring It On. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 786936795639
• Source: TOUCHSTONE / DISNEY
• Region Code: 1
• Time: 1:43:00
• Sales Rank: 8,389

DVD MENU