Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Movies Don't Discriminate, March 17, 2007
This review is from: Stick It (DVD)
I'm surprised by some of the negative reviews of this movie. I rented this last night to watch with my mom and we both really enjoyed it. Neither one of us are gymnasts (or under 13 for that matter) or even cared that much for bring it on, but Stick It was extremely likeable nonetheless.
Overall, my favorite thing about the movie is in the witty commentary and the humor that the movie sticks in very appropriately. I think Hayley was just hilarious, whether she was talking or thinking. She has a rather darkly sarcastic humor, but its very tasteful and witty. The not-so-smart Johann, complimenting the role of the bitchy teammate originally, gives a lot of comedic relief as well [Mina - "She got her GED when she was 15"
Johann - "What does drunk driving have to do with any of this?"]. Mina and Wei-Wei are somewhat minor characters but I can't help but find them a little bit entertaining even by their casual expressions, the actresses did an excellent job making them seem minor but still multi-dimensional enough to be amusing and loveable.
It was also a pleasant surprise that nearly all of the girls in this film are actually showed as being very strong and athletic. One reviewer said that the practice sessions were hard to watch, but I thought the opposite. If they skipped the practice sessions a huge part of the movie would have been taken away and detracted from its ultimate message. I enjoyed the practice sessions, it's not every day that you see teen girls embracing their strength and the girls were so much more attractive than the food deprived models that seem to run the media otherwise. I mentioned before, and I'll say it again that I do not do gymnastics and I don't think I ever will. However, I definitely found this movie inspiring, and I have a lot of respect for these athletes in the shape they must achieve to compete.
And as for what age group would enjoy this ... I definitely think it appeals to a wide spectrum. My mom and I were originally watching this but both my older brother and my younger brother were intrigued before the end and came to watch as well. I'm 16, my brothers are 13 and 18, and my mom is... well, yeah mommy age. But it doesn't take a certain gender or age to enjoy this movie.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Put down the phone!", May 2, 2006
Ok, so as some have already pointed out, this is not 'Bring it On', and I will admitt that walking into the film my wife and I were excited for the potential this film had to be the next 'Bring it On'...but seriously, who needs another 'Bring it On'? So, with that said, this movie is still in the same vein as it's predecesor, but has enough of a difference to stand out on it's own. The story here revolves around Haley Graham, played by newcomer Missy Peregrym, as she's forced to join VGA after one too many run-in's with the law. Haley has crumby parents who are now divorced and don't support her in anything she does, nor do they show any care or concern about her well being. Actually it's seems as if they just want her out of their hair. Haley's worst fear is returning to the world of gymnastic's for after she walked out of the World Championships leaving her team mates in the dust she's become regionally hated by her peers, and now she has to train with them. Worse yet is her new coach, Burt Vickerman (Bridges) who's harder on her than she'd like, but as she soon realizes, he's battling the same ground she is for he's in love with a sport that doesn't love him back. In the world of gymnastic's Vickerman is what you'd call 'washed up', and has-been if you will and so he must resort to lying to potential clients in order to get girls to train. The film itself may be a bit of a cliche but it has enough wit and humor to make the film worth your attention, and like 'Bring it On' I see this film making stars out of it's stars. Maybe 'Stick It' will do for Missy Peregrym what 'Bring it On' did for Kirsten Dunst...The film does try to convey a heartfelt morale of a message, and it works to a degree, but the best reason to see this film is for the quick wit and humor. 'Bring it On' it may not be but 'Stick It' still works like a charm.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
16 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's Not Quite A Ten, November 10, 2006
This review is from: Stick It (DVD)
"Stick It" had tough competition right out of the gates. Written and directed by "Bring It On" writer, Jessica Bendinger, everyone expected something along the same lines as that cheerleading comedy which, as time has passed, has become rather tired and corny. In all honesty, I feel that "Stick It" has potential to remain a solid film long after "Bring It On" has begun to gather dust on the DVD shelf.
In "Stick It," the very unlikeable Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym) winds up in court and her only options to stay out of jail are Texas Military Academy or VGA, Vickerman Gymnastics Academy, headed up by Burt Vickerman (Jeff Bridges). You see, Graham has a past in the gymnastics world, and she isn't welcomed very warmly, especially by her new teammates. Graham is obnoxious, selfish, and pretty much a brat. But as the film progresses and we begin to see more layers peel off of Graham's fake tough outer shell, we realize that she isn't all that terrible.
The climax of the film is very unbelievable, but it works in the format that it's presented in. Bridges and Peregrym play off of each other very well, and you eventually hope to see both succeed in the end. The supporting cast is wonderful, especially Peregrym's gymnastics mates, Joanna (Vanessa Lengies), Wei Wei (Nikki SooHoo), and Mina (Maddy Curley). These three alone are worth watching this film. Hopefully they will all have solid future careers.
Overall, this film is sort of formulaic, but it has just enough edge and just enough comedy to keep it from going stale. It fortunately tones down some of the silliness that plagued "Bring It On," and finds a decent balance between giddy teen fun and decent drama. The gymnastics sequences are nice to watch, but it's the training sequences that can become painful to see.
Mildly recommended to fans of teen comedy, but for those who enjoy decent drama/comedy, this is a definite flick to watch.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192250339_.gif){kind=small}
