Watch Stick It

Stick It is a 2006 sports drama film directed by Jessica Bendinger and written by her with Megan Abbott. The movie stars Missy Peregrym, Jeff Bridges, Vanessa Lengies, and Nikki SooHoo in lead roles. The film centers on Haley Graham, a talented gymnast who walks out on her team in the middle of a competition, and her journey as she returns to the sport that she once loved.

The movie begins with Haley, a rebellious teenager who has had enough of the pressures and rules of competitive gymnastics, quitting her team midway through a competition. Her attitude lands her in hot water with the law and under the court's orders, she is forced to attend Austin Gymnastics Academy, a gymnastics training facility run by hard-nosed coach Burt Vickerman (Jeff Bridges).

Upon arriving at the academy, Haley is put into a group with other outcast gymnasts, which include the likes of Joanne, Wei Wei, and Mina. Although reluctant to work with the group, Haley realizes that their individual talents can be used to create a coordinated team routine. Together, they set out to change the rules of the sport and make their coach proud.

Throughout the movie, Haley struggles to deal with her past and the memory of her father, who left her and her mother when she was just a child. Her mother never supported her gymnastics career and Haley still carries the wounds of their strained relationship, which becomes an obstacle in her way of returning to the sport. A budding romance with a local boy named Jake also adds drama and a much-needed diversion to her life.

The film features an array of dynamic, nail-biting gymnastics routines that showcase the incredible capabilities of the film's actors, especially Missy Peregrym. The routines were choreographed by 2004 Olympic silver medalist Mandy Moore, who brought the perfect blend of technique, style, and originality to each performance. The movie also emphasizes the physical and emotional toll of competitive gymnastics and sheds light on the lack of support and acknowledgment given to athletes who burn out before they realize their full potential.

Stick It is a high-spirited and uplifting film that delivers a powerful message about the importance of teamwork, family, and forging your own path in life. The strong cast and beautifully choreographed routines add energy and excitement to the story, making it an enjoyable ride from start to finish.

Overall, Stick It is a must-watch for anyone who loves sports dramas, especially gymnastics movies. It delivers excellent performances from its cast, fantastic cinematography that showcases the extreme athleticism of the sport, and a winning message about the pitfalls of perfectionism and the importance of individuality.

Stick It is a 2006 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 53.