A message of competitive independence permeates debut director Jessica Bendinger’s spunky sports drama.
Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym) a headstrong gymnast-disguised-as-rebel who learns to embrace her talents by way of careful coaching from Jeff Bridges.
As girls’ gymnastics coach Burt Vickerman, Jeff Bridges gives a fully rounded performance that bristles with sincerity and trust.
Jeff Bridges can do no wrong in a Hollywood career that outshines most others.
Bendinger (screenwriter on “Bring It On”) sets the story in Houston, Texas where Haley contemplates her judicial rehabilitation under a court-ordered semester at the Vickerman Gymnastic Academy.
Burt understands Haley’s fiercely independent streak and fosters an unconventional team atmosphere that inspires a surprising succession of tricks at the team’s championship event.
“Stick It” is a feel-good sports movie parents will enjoy as much as their kids.
Rated PG-13. 105 mins.
