Stick It (C+ or 2.5/4 stars)
Kerri Strug would be proud about 'Stick It', a sports dramedy written & directed by Jessica Bendinger. After another run-in with the law, Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym) returns to the world that she left behind years ago. Although he initially turns her away, legendary Burt Vickerman (Jeff Bridges) accepts her back into his elite gymnastics program. Rebellious & scathing on the onset, Haley's attitude gives way to something that her critics, family, & team mates can cheer about. Anyone who likes gymnastcs (like myself) will like the plot, and cheer for what happens in the final competition scene. But 'Stick It' is also slow, pandering, & inconsequential to most.
To avoid juvenile detention, a choice is given for her return to her disciplined lifestyle of old. But Haley was not welcomed back into the academy with open arms because of what she did to them a few years back. Simply, she walked out on her Junior Olympic team when she couldn't handle the intense pressure (subsequently losing the Gold Medal for them). Things are tough for Haley because she's kind of a hot-head (provoking arguments with other girls, etc.). She has to work extremely hard to hone her skills, but also to gain respect and likeability with her rightfully skeptical teammates.
Uptight gymnasts gawk at her; pushy parents criticize. But over time, Haley is able to sway their opinions and produce some effective routines. You see, part of the reason Haley retired in the first place was because she hated the flaws in judging (trust me, it IS a huge issue in the sport). But her departure from gymnastics can't all be because of judging, of course. It seems Haley was troubled by the fact that her mom was having an affair with an ex-coach (melodrama ensues).
Having faced her demons & righted her way, the team proceeds to a big competition where mayhem unfolds. As an 'F-you' to the judges, the gymnasts decide, amongst themselves, who'll win each segment (each other competitor withdraws from the apparatuses). The 'rules' revolution works. And Haley would go on to contemplate several college gymnastics scholarships.
Take away the gymnastics component, and this film is as cliched as they come. But the cliches aren't annoying. Some of the dialogue is pedestrian, though some of it has touches of wit & humor. The editing of various gymnastic maneuvers, competition sequences, and the like, are handled extremely well (best part(s) of the film). Unfortunately, you get the sense that unless you're watching some cool gymnastics onscreen, there's a struggle to keep an interest on the basic human plot. YOU feel it, and the director probably sensed it, too. But the characters are relatable. The story is harmless. And it's a good popcorn, sports revenge flick.
To avoid juvenile detention, a choice is given for her return to her disciplined lifestyle of old. But Haley was not welcomed back into the academy with open arms because of what she did to them a few years back. Simply, she walked out on her Junior Olympic team when she couldn't handle the intense pressure (subsequently losing the Gold Medal for them). Things are tough for Haley because she's kind of a hot-head (provoking arguments with other girls, etc.). She has to work extremely hard to hone her skills, but also to gain respect and likeability with her rightfully skeptical teammates.
Uptight gymnasts gawk at her; pushy parents criticize. But over time, Haley is able to sway their opinions and produce some effective routines. You see, part of the reason Haley retired in the first place was because she hated the flaws in judging (trust me, it IS a huge issue in the sport). But her departure from gymnastics can't all be because of judging, of course. It seems Haley was troubled by the fact that her mom was having an affair with an ex-coach (melodrama ensues).
Having faced her demons & righted her way, the team proceeds to a big competition where mayhem unfolds. As an 'F-you' to the judges, the gymnasts decide, amongst themselves, who'll win each segment (each other competitor withdraws from the apparatuses). The 'rules' revolution works. And Haley would go on to contemplate several college gymnastics scholarships.
Take away the gymnastics component, and this film is as cliched as they come. But the cliches aren't annoying. Some of the dialogue is pedestrian, though some of it has touches of wit & humor. The editing of various gymnastic maneuvers, competition sequences, and the like, are handled extremely well (best part(s) of the film). Unfortunately, you get the sense that unless you're watching some cool gymnastics onscreen, there's a struggle to keep an interest on the basic human plot. YOU feel it, and the director probably sensed it, too. But the characters are relatable. The story is harmless. And it's a good popcorn, sports revenge flick.