Super Bowl Coach Joe Gibbs said "It's not about talent. It's all about character
" "Stick It", a movie set in the very competitive world of girls' gymnastics, has at heart the ideals of Coach Gibbs; however, it falters a bit on the landing. Some of the movie is as painful to experience as the girls brutally falling in the movie trailers, but for the most part I liked "Stick It"and embarrassed in admitting so. Fear is warranted in movies like this. Then again, there are a couple things worth the risk. Missy Peregrym is an absolutely stunning beauty with great screen presenceI think she is like 24 playing a little younger. I remembered Peregrym from the shorted lived marital arts TV series "Black Sash". In "Stick It" she is Haley, the renegade X-Games angst ridden gymnast; forced back to the sport she walked away from. Jeff Bridges is great as her ruthlessly compassionate coach, Burt Vickerman, whose Vickerman Academy is notorious for injuries. Director and writer Jessica Bendinger's story is formulaic with the gymnast diva stereotypes. That can be forgiven. However, Bendinger really squanders an opportunity to tell a story about reclaiming one's greatnessin this case Haley's (Peregrym). That is a bit of a shame given that both Peregrym and Bridges give their best. Although "Stick It" gets it right during the climatic competition, when Bridge's character tells Peregrym's Haley that he is proud of her, and to "Floor it!"
Apparently, Haley (Peregrym) as a star member of the U.S. National Team at the World Championships walked out on the Team, dashing in particular the Gold Medal hopes of National Champion Mina (believable diva Maddy Curley). Haley had a secret reason for doing so which when revealed is somewhat cathartic. Somewhat. So there is no love lost between the two. Also maverick Haley is all talent, void of discipline, and a total smart ass. Here Peregrym balances teenage bravado with an underlying strength of character. Vickerman sees the possibility in his young charge and inspires on a short leash. Finally Haley gets it through her thick skull that she can't do it alone. Haley like some smart young people just does some stupid things. The coaching is "Don't. Really." Storyteller Bendinger provides a lot of fluff in "Stick It" like the self absorbed star Vanessa (excellently bitchy Joanne Charis) and other stereotype girls on the team. Also Bendinger tackles the issue of subjective judges scoring in gymnastic events. Apparently, there is even an archaic rule that calls for minimum 0.2 point deduction if a gymnast's bra strap is exposed during an event. This is an odd focus, instead of greatness.
When "Stick It" does focus on the greatness and heart inspired by the sport, it is most engaging. The gymnastics are spectacular. Watching the brutal training these young girls endure as part of the mastery of their art is inspired. They are like little Navy Seals.
"Stick It" is no doubt enjoyable. What is a disappointing is that "Stick It" with a little more care taken in the writing might have been a great movie. That would be the responsibility of Jessica Bendinger. Jeff Bridges is wonderful and surprising as Vickerman. Missy Peregrym is a charismatic presence as Haleyshe is great in a movie that could have been. Overall, "Stick It" does manage to 'stick it' on the landing.
Apparently, Haley (Peregrym) as a star member of the U.S. National Team at the World Championships walked out on the Team, dashing in particular the Gold Medal hopes of National Champion Mina (believable diva Maddy Curley). Haley had a secret reason for doing so which when revealed is somewhat cathartic. Somewhat. So there is no love lost between the two. Also maverick Haley is all talent, void of discipline, and a total smart ass. Here Peregrym balances teenage bravado with an underlying strength of character. Vickerman sees the possibility in his young charge and inspires on a short leash. Finally Haley gets it through her thick skull that she can't do it alone. Haley like some smart young people just does some stupid things. The coaching is "Don't. Really." Storyteller Bendinger provides a lot of fluff in "Stick It" like the self absorbed star Vanessa (excellently bitchy Joanne Charis) and other stereotype girls on the team. Also Bendinger tackles the issue of subjective judges scoring in gymnastic events. Apparently, there is even an archaic rule that calls for minimum 0.2 point deduction if a gymnast's bra strap is exposed during an event. This is an odd focus, instead of greatness.
When "Stick It" does focus on the greatness and heart inspired by the sport, it is most engaging. The gymnastics are spectacular. Watching the brutal training these young girls endure as part of the mastery of their art is inspired. They are like little Navy Seals.
"Stick It" is no doubt enjoyable. What is a disappointing is that "Stick It" with a little more care taken in the writing might have been a great movie. That would be the responsibility of Jessica Bendinger. Jeff Bridges is wonderful and surprising as Vickerman. Missy Peregrym is a charismatic presence as Haleyshe is great in a movie that could have been. Overall, "Stick It" does manage to 'stick it' on the landing.