# Bring It On (2000)

### reviewed by
Brandon Herring

    Rating: * * * out of * * * *

Rated: PG-13 for sexual innuendo and language.

    Running Time: 98 minutes

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, Gabrielle Union. Directed by: Peyton Reed

Teen movies became somewhat bothersome in the past two years, we've had so many with "10 Things I Hate About You", "Never Been Kissed", and "She's All That" just to name a few, plus three flops that came out this year. The bad thing about these films is that they follow the same teen movie routine: Boy and girl in high school, boy fights with girl, girl gets mad at boy, boy goes to prom and makes up with girl and then a bubble-gum pop song plays at the end. I had alot of hope for this movie, and to my surprise I was not disappointed. "Bring It On" has a great cast of female characters who bring out the clever dialogue in a great fashion. The chemistry they have on-screen together is so much fun.

Torrence Shipman (Kirsten Dunst) has just been elected Head Cheerleader of the Rancho Carne High School. Her duty is to make the best squad out there and win the National Finals for the sixth time in a row. She has even recruited a new cheerleader Missy (played greatly by Elize Dushku), who has the moves, looks and attitude all in one. While watching practice Missy notices something with the routine they do, and takes Torrence on a ride to an inner-city school: East Compton High, where Torrence witnesses that the Clovers have the same moves they do, except way better. Torrence learns that Big Red, their first head cheerleader had been videotaping these routines and copying them and winning the finals. Outraged, Torrence must take her squad to new lengths to win this competition, she has to get new moves, new music and a new routine. Of course along the way, they have the misadventures any cheerleader would have if in this situaton. Totally.

One thing I noticed about "Bring It On" is that it doesn't take itself seriously. It's a bright, lightweight, funny teen comedy that any person, regardless of age, sex or race can enjoy. It doesn't overly expose young teen girls (note that locker room scene) and contains some surprisingly realistic moments. The acting especially by Eliza Dushku and Kirsten Dunst is first rate for a teen comedy. They bring out their characters with style and seem to be having a great time making this movie. The direction by Peyton Reed really shows in the cheering scenes, these are some greatly choregraphed and directed scenes.

The cleverly written script was done by Jessica Bendinger is written with humor and even heart. At times I found myself almost dancing (almost) in my chair due to the fact that this movie is so fun, its almost crazy. However aside from the mostly good facts of the film, there is also the bad things. #1. Is the predictability, we pretty much know who is gonna win, but if you don't know I will not spoil it for you. #2. Is that some of the cheerleaders are highly cliched and shown as brainless bimbos (no offense to cheerleaders reading out there) and #3. Is the love story that goes on between two of the main characters, it was extremely under plotted and would have added a much more expansive atmosphere to the movie.

Aside from these flaws, "Bring It On" has more plusses than it does minuses. You can't find a teen movie these days that stays close to teen lives, especially PG-13 teen movies. The acting, directing and writing is all satisfactory and the group 'Blaque' appears on the Clovers squad and they do a great job supporting the cast. If your heading out on a movie right now and don't know which one to see, if your in the mood for fun see "Bring It On". You might be disappointed, but I know I sure enjoyed myself.

Reviewed by Brandon Herring 9/12/00.

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