Stick It (2006)

5.5/10

Fun, but could have been so much better.

After a run-in with the law, Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym) is forced to return to the world from which she fled some years ago. Enrolled in an elite gymnastics program run by the legendary Burt Vickerman (Jeff Bridges), Haley's rebellious attitude gives way to something that just might be called team spirit. (imdb)

Directed/written by the same writer wrote Bring It On, Stick It tries to give gymnastics the same appeal as it did with cheerleading. Sadly, despite the strong performance by lead Miss Peregrym, this movie lacked iin the power that Bring It On had.

Stick It lacked in character development, which made it such a weak film in comparison to Bring It On. Bring It On focuses on a few characters but develops each character slowly so the audience can feel a connection to the character. Stick It focuses on Haley, but it does not give the supporting characters much background or development to Haley. For example, Haley's teammate Joanne is shown at first to hate Haley but towards the end of the film becomes friends with Haley. But we are never shown by any history between Haley and Joanne. At the same time Haley's parents, who plays such a big part in the story, are given only a few minutes on screen, which left gaps in the story.

Stick It spent too much time trying to capture gymnastics but failed to write a strong storyline. The thin storyline could have benefitted more by giving some flashbacks on Haley's history and family.

I watched Stick It mostly for Missy Peregrym, who plays Officer Andy McNally in the show Rookie Blue. Stick It is Missy Peregrym's movie debut and she gives an amazing perforance as Haley Graham. Peregrym saved this film from being a complete disappointment, I give Peregrym 5/5 for her performance and 0.9/5 for the weak script. I cannot believe Peregrym isn't in more movies.

Overall, a fun film but lacked in content