DVD Review: Bring It On - In It to Win It

Seriously? You cannot actually believe there is a market for this stuff, can you? Okay, I am sure that there are those who love these films and look forward to spending a little of their disposable income on the latest installment. However, even if you enjoy it, do you really think it is a good movie? If so, I have to wonder what you think a bad movie is. Better not tell me, I really don't need to know.

As you can probably guess, I am not in the target audience for a cheerleading movie, nor do I know anyone in said demographic. I am also not likely going to be associating with anyone who enjoys this movie. This is probably making you wonder why I am writing about it. It seems that someone thought it appropriate to send this to me, as I would never willingly spend any money on it. It sat on my ever-growing "to be reviewed" pile. One lazy night, I was looking for something that was not terribly intellectual and would not require my intense attention. Guess what won?

Following my viewing, I decided I had to share a little with whoever happened to take the time to read it. It is not exactly for fans of the film, although I am curious to hear thoughts on the movie from the fans.

The story of Bring It On: In It to Win It is loosely based on West Side Story, and it does not do that much to hide its inspiration. I mean, the two main cheer teams are called the Jets and Sharks. It goes even further, with a forbidden romance between members of the teams, and a sequence that does a cheerleading take on a street confrontation between the two gangs. These elements just made me roll my eyes.

The further in I went, the more I difficult it was to take seriously. Are there people out there that seriously act and/or talk like this? I was reminded of those late morning/early afternoon Saturday teen shows.

Another side-effect of my viewing was the loss of some brain cells. Man, I could feel intelligence being sapped the more I listened to the blather that constituted the script.

Was there anything good about this movie? Not much. The script is bad, the acting is poor, and it has a bit of a travelogue feel to it (much was shot in and around Universal Orlando). As a whole, the movie failed to deliver anything thematically, it does succeed at delivering some flashy cheerleading routines. There was obviously a lot of time and effort put into the routines, which are clearly the centerpiece of the movie.

You know, not for nothing, but when it comes to making direct-to-video franchise expanding sequels, I have to wonder if anyone steps back to look at what they are making. I am sure that the studio execs are just salivating at the low-cost output against the potential returns. So, it is pretty much a no-brainer from a business perspective. What about the artistic perspective? Does anyone step back and look at the dailies, or even earlier read the script, and think that it is just a bad idea? Yes, it does allow for creative choreography, but as a complete film it does not deliver anything. Are we expected to believe that they feel they are doing great work?

Whatever. The Bring It On franchise has its fans and its target audience, neither of which count me as a member making this an exercise in futility. If you like it, I am happy for you. Enjoy it.

Audio/Video. While the content is seriously lacking, Universal delivers a very slick looking DVD. The video is bright and vibrant with sharp colors and no digital problems with audio that is sharp and fully responsive. There is no denying the high quality technical aspects.

Extras.

• Deleted Scenes. There are about ten minutes of cuts, including an extended version of the opening sequence.
• Lights, Camera, Bring It! Nine minute featurette that gives a fluffy look at the making of the film, where influences such as West Side Story and Romeo & Juliet are admitted.
• East Coast Proper. Five minutes of a cheer in the East Coast style.
• West Coast Flair. Same as the above, but for the Wes Coast.
• The Rumble with Tony G. 17 minutes of combining two teams in one setup, much like the rumble from the film.
• Cheer Off! Learn how to Cheer with Tony G. Another eight minutes of cheer stuff with Tony G (as if there hasn't been enough already). The difference is that this one has some of the stars of the movie.

Bottomline. If I don't have to watch this again it will be too soon. It is bright, goofy, and dumb, and I hope that none of the youth idolize these characters or look to them as role models.

Not Recommended.