| Bring It On | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Peyton Reed |
| Written by | Jessica Bendinger |
| Produced by | |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Shawn Maurer |
| Edited by | Larry Bock |
| Music by | Christophe Beck |
Production company | |
| Distributed by |
|
Release date |
|
Running time | 99 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $11 million[2] |
| Box office | $90.5 million[2] |
Bring It On is a 2000 Americanteencomedy film directed byPeyton Reed (in histheatrical film directing debut) and written byJessica Bendinger. The film starsKirsten Dunst,Eliza Dushku,Jesse Bradford, andGabrielle Union. The plot of the film centers on two high-school cheerleading teams' preparation for a national competition.
Bring It On was released in theaters in North America on August 25, 2000, and became a box office success. The film opened at the number 1 spot in North American theaters and remained in the position for two consecutive weeks, earning a worldwide gross of approximately $90 million. The film received generally positive reviews and has become acult classic.[3][4][5]
It was the first of theBring It On film series and was followed by sixdirect-to-video sequels, none of which contains any of the original cast members:Bring It On Again (2004), which shared producers with the original,Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006),Bring It On: In It to Win It (2007),Bring It On: Fight to the Finish (2009),Bring It On: Worldwide Cheersmack (2017), and the TV film,Bring It On: Cheer or Die (2022).[6]
Cheerleader Torrance Shipman is a senior at Rancho Carne High School inSan Diego. Her boyfriend, Aaron, is at college atCal State Dominguez Hills, and hercheerleading squad, the Toros, is aiming for a sixth consecutive national title. Torrance is elected team captain after her highly successful predecessor "Big Red" graduates. In her first practice as captain, one of her teammates, Carver, is injured and must sit the season out. Missy Pantone, a skilled gymnast who transferred fromLos Angeles with her brother, Cliff, replaces her.
Missy accuses the Toros of plagiarizing their cheers and takes Torrance to L.A. to watch the routine of the rivalEast Compton Clovers. Isis, their captain, confronts them and confirms Big Red videotaped and adopted the Clovers' routines for the Toros. The Clovers, lacking funds to compete in previous years, vow to beat the Toros in the national competition. Torrance worries she is cursed after dropping the Spirit Stick, traditionally never never supposed to touch the ground, during a dare at summer cheer camp. Torrance and Cliff develop a mutual attraction as Aaron becomes more distant.
Torrance confesses to the Toros about the stolen routines, and they vote in favor of using the current routine, but Isis and her teammates mock the routine at the next home game, humiliating them. The team raises money through a car wash and hires choreographer Sparky Polastri, who puts the team on a diet and treats them harshly. At Regionals, another team performs the new routine Sparky taught the Toros. Officials explain to Torrance their choreographer provided the same routine for six other teams. As defending champions, the Toros are granted a place in the national competition inDaytona Beach, Florida, and told they must have a fresh routine. Big Red questions Torrance's leadership and she begins to doubt herself.
Aaron recommends Torrance step down as captain and considers selling her out to her team rivals Courtney and Whitney. When Cliff sees Torrance and Aaron together kissing, he severs his friendship with her. Torrance breaks up with Aaron and draws on Cliff's past encouragement and finds inspiration in a mixtape he made for her. When the Toros learn the Clovers lack the money to attend nationals, Torrance asks her father's company to sponsor the team. Isis refuses and the Clovers obtain the funds by writing a local talk show host.
The Toros and the Clovers reach the finals and Cliff appears unexpectedly to cheer them on. The Clovers emerge victorious, with the Toros coming in second. The two squads depart with newfound respect for each other. Isis compliments Torrance's leadership and Torrance admits the Clovers deserved their victory. As the Toros celebrate another successful season, Cliff and Torrance share a kiss.
Jessica Bendinger, a former journalist and music video director, originallypitched the idea for the film, then titledCheer Fever, as "Clueless meetsStrictly Ballroom set at the National High School Cheerleading Championships", saying she was obsessed with cheerleading competitions onESPN.[7] Bendinger said the idea combined her love forhip hop music andcheerleading.[7]
The film's depiction ofcultural appropriation was informed by Bendinger's experiences as a white writer coveringhip hop artists at music magazineSpin, a predominantly white publication.[7][8] Said Bendinger: "Having seen white kids emulating hip hop moves at those [cheer] competitions, I thought, 'Well, what if.' I started asking what if questions...until I got to, what if the best team in the country had been stealing their routines? What if that squad they'd been stealing from finally came to show up and compete for their crown?"[7]
Bendinger's pitch was passed over 28 times before finding a home atBeacon Pictures.[7][9]
Marc Abraham andThomas Bliss came on board to produce the film, as well as directorPeyton Reed who had previously helmed twomade-for-television films forWalt Disney.
Prior toauditioning for the film, actors were expected to have a cheer prepared.[10] To avoid the use ofstunt doubles, Reed required all the actors to participate in a four-week cheerleading camp.[10] Reed andGabrielle Union met numerous times to discuss the best way to approach her character.[10] "I think she was able to find what was cool about that character, in a way, I doubt other actresses could. Whenever she's on the screen she has this charisma," Reed said of Union.[10]
James Franco andJason Schwartzman both auditioned for the role of Cliff Pantone.[9] Kirsten Dunst originally turned down the role of Torrance Shipman as she was not interested.Marley Shelton was the second choice for the role but she decided to star in the filmSugar & Spice instead.[9][11]
While editing the film, Reed and editor Larry Bock watched cheerleading exploitation films from the 1970s.[4] The movie clip shown to the cheer team during the 'types of dance inspiration' montage is fromSweet Charity.[12]
Most of the scenes in the film were shot in different locations and high schools inSan Diego County, California, as well asSan Diego State University.[13][14] Local high school cheer squads were used as extras.
Bring It On was released in North America on August 25, 2000. The film grossed $17,362,105 in 2,380 theaters during its opening weekend, ranking first at the North American box office, beatingThe Cell andThe Art of War.[15][16] Although it experienced an 34% decline in gross earnings, the film held the top position for a second consecutive week.[16] The film went on to gross $68,379,000 in North America and an additional $22,070,929 in other territories for a total gross of $90,449,929.[2]
The film received a 65% approval rating onRotten Tomatoes based on 124 reviews, with an average rating of 6.00/10. The site's consensus reads: "Despite the formulaic fluffy storyline, this movie is surprisingly fun to watch, mostly due to its high energy and how it humorously spoofs cheerleading."[17] OnMetacritic, the film has aweighted average score of 52 out of 100, based on 31 reviews, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[18] Audiences surveyed byCinemaScore gave the film a grade B+ on scale of A to F.[19]
A. O. Scott fromThe New York Times commended the film for the ability to "gesture toward serious matters of racial/economic inequality", as well as for its "occasional snarl of genuine satire".[20] Kevin Thomas of theLos Angeles Times also favored the film, calling it a "Smart and sassy high school movie fun for all ages."[21] In addition, Thomas commended the film for how it "subversively suggests that sometimes there are more important values in life than winning", as well as for its inclusion of a gay cheerleader character who is comfortable in his sexuality.[21] Kim Morgan ofThe Oregonian dubbed the film the "newest, and probably first, cheerleading movie."[18] Michael O'Sullivan ofThe Washington Post also gave a positive review, praising the film's "tart, taut script by first-time screenwriter Jessica Bendinger" as well as its depiction of teenagers.[22]
However, some reviewers criticized the plot and tone of the film.Roger Ebert from theChicago Sun-Times disliked how the film's bowdlerizing of crude humor to avoid anR rating resulted in a tonally inconsistent film. Ebert opined, "We get a strange mutant beast, halfNickelodeon movie, half R-rated comedy. It's like kids with potty-mouth playing grownup", and awarded the film two out of four stars.[23]
David Sterritt ofThe Christian Science Monitor praised the writing, though he also likened the storyline's simplicity to "the average football cheer".[24] Vicky Edwards from theChicago Tribune found the film "Absurdly unrealistic at times."[25] TheSeattle Post-Intelligencer's Paula Nechak concluded the film was "predictable and surprisingly confusing in its ultimate message."[26]
Many critics praised Kirsten Dunst's performance. In his review, A. O. Scott called her "a terrific comic actress, largely because of her great expressive range, and the nimbleness with which she can shift from anxiety to aggression to genuine hurt."[20] Charles Taylor ofSalon notes "among contemporary teenage actresses, Dunst is the sunniest imaginable parodist."[27] Jessica Winter fromThe Village Voice shared this sentiment, commenting "[Dunst] provides the only major element ofBring It On that plays as tweaking parody rather than slick, strident, body-slam churlishness."[28] Peter Stack of theSan Francisco Chronicle, despite giving the film an unfavorable review, commended Dunst for her willingness "to be as silly and cloyingly agreeable as it takes to get through a slapdash film."[29]
The film ranked #30 onEntertainment Weekly's list of the 50 Best High School Movies.[30] Roger Ebert recanted his initial negative impression of the film, later referring toBring It On as the "Citizen Kane of cheerleader movies."[31][32]
In the years since its release,Bring It On has been lauded for being a rare teen film to address issues of systemicinequality,[5] cultural appropriation, andintersectional feminism,[33][34] which are seen as major factors for the film's continued legacy.
Beatrice Hazlehurst ofi-D wrote, "While its racial inclusion — especially among primary characters — already put the film far ahead of its time, the dynamics of social strata woven throughout the tapestry ofBring It On allow it to hold up so well 20 years later. By wrapping its arms narratively around 'not onlypeople of color, butqueer kids and kids who might feelothered,' Bendinger saysBring It On offered the overlooked and ostracized the chance to see themselves on screen."[5]
This was echoed by actorJesse Bradford: "[The movie] managed to shine a light on problems like appropriation andwhite fragility... in light of recent history,Bring It On seems relevant right now."[5]
Bring It On is followed by fivedirect-to-videosequels & onetelevision film sequel:
The only sequel to feature any of the original filmmaking crew fromBring It On was 2004'sBring It On Again. The producers of the original film did not return for sequels afterBring It On Again, and none of the films share recurring cast members.Steve Rash directed two of the sequels and Alyson Fouse wrote four screenplays. Otherwise, none of the films in theBring It On franchise share cast or crew.
The five released films followingBring It On share tenuous plot links. The plot of each film typically follows the first film—a competitive cheerleading team changes routines or other elements to win.
A stage version of the film premiered at theAlliance Theatre,Atlanta,Georgia on January 16, 2011. The musical has music byLin-Manuel Miranda andTom Kitt, lyrics byAmanda Green, and a book byJeff Whitty.[35][36][37] The director and choreographer isAndy Blankenbuehler. The cast includes Amanda LaVergne as Campbell, Adrienne Warren as Danielle, and Nick Blaemire as Randall, and "award-winning competitive cheerleaders from across the country".[35]
TheAlliance Theatre production was nominated for eight Suzi Bass Awards, winning awards for Choreography (Andy Blankenbuehler),Sound Design (Brian Ronan), and World Premiere Play or Musical.[38] The production was nominated for ten Atlanta Theater Fan Awards from in 2011.[39] The production won for Best Musical and Best Choreography (Andy Blankenbuehler).[40]
A national tour of the musical started at theAhmanson Theatre in Los Angeles in November–December 2011 and then traveled to San Francisco, Denver, Houston, and Toronto. The national tour starsTaylor Louderman as Campbell and Jason Gotay as Randall.[41][42] The cast celebrated kicking-off the national tour of the musical on October 22, 2011, by performing skits from the show.[43]
Charles Isherwood ofTheNew York Times wrote of the Ahmanson Theatre production: "After an opening number truly-dazzles as it reveals the cast's impressive gymnastic prowess, the score hits its stride after Campbell transfers to Jackson High. Surging R&B grooves and churning lyrics suggest the fingerprints of Mr. Miranda ... the dance numbers for the Jackson crowd kick the musical into high-gear for most of the first act.... Like most entertainments about the trials and triumphs of the teenage years, 'Bring It On' has as much sap as it does pep in its DNA, distinguished primarily by the electrifying dance routines and the elaborate cheer-squad performances."[41]
The musical opened onBroadway at theSt. James Theatre, in a limited run, starting on July 12, 2012, in previews, and officially on August 1 through December 30, 2012.[44][45][46]
Bring It On was released on VHS and DVD on February 13, 2001, and onBlu-ray on July 1, 2014. It was released onUltra HD Blu-ray and a remastered Blu-ray byShout! Factory on June 24, 2025, for the film's 25th anniversary.[47]
Bring It On: Music from the Motion Picture was released byEpic Records on August 22, 2000. It features multiple tracks fromBlaque, who play Clovers cheerleaders in the film.[48] It also includes songs fromDaphne & Celeste,3LW, and a cover of theToni Basil song "Mickey" byB*Witched.[49]
| Bring It On: Music from the Motion Picture | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Various Artists | |
| Released | August 22, 2000 |
| Genre | Pop,hip hop,pop rock,dance pop |
| Length | 47:36 |
| Label | Epic Records |
| Singles from Bring It On: Music from the Motion Picture | |
| |
| No. | Title | Music | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "As If" | Blaque feat.Joey Fatone | 3:47 |
| 2. | "See Ya (Radio Mix)" | Atomic Kitten | 2:52 |
| 3. | "Mickey" | B*Witched | 3:29 |
| 4. | "Anywhere USA" | P.Y.T. | 4:06 |
| 5. | "U.G.L.Y." | Daphne & Celeste | 3:24 |
| 6. | "Jump Up (If You Feel Alright)" | Da Beat Bros. | 4:00 |
| 7. | "Freakin' You" | Jungle Brothers | 3:36 |
| 8. | "Cheer For Me" | 95 South | 4:37 |
| 9. | "What's A Girl To Do (Urban Mix)" | Sister2Sister | 2:43 |
| 10. | "Bring It All To Me (Remix)" | Blaque feat.50 Cent | 4:08 |
| 11. | "'Til I Say So" | 3LW | 3:57 |
| 12. | "2 Can Play That Game" | Sygnature | 3:12 |
| 13. | "As If" | Blaque | 3:45 |
| Films |
|
|---|---|
| Musical | |
