A Fun Teen Flick

Rating: 7/10 (9 March 2008)

Torrence (Kirsten Dunst)thinks she has it made. She has a hot boyfriend, popularity, and has just made captain of her cheering squad. Unfortunately everything begins to go downhill. After her boyfriend goes off to college, he rarely talks to her. Her squad begins to turn on her after she puts the new rebellious girl on the team. If that wasn't enough, she discovers that the previous captain of the squad had stolen all of their routines from an inner-city high school. With both teams going to regionals, what is Torrence to do?
What really makes this film is the routines, the performances, and the chemistry between the four main actors - without all of the above, I don't think this film would have been the hit that it was. It has all the makings of a teen movie - attractive, well-known and loved actors, a likable heroine, a jerk boyfriend, a sweet guy who would be perfect for said heroine, drama between said heroine and those around her, and her finding out who her true friends are. Yet, this film manages to pull it all together with good humor and no nudity. Dunst and Bradford have so much chemistry they can make brushing teeth flirtatious. Dushku put in a great performance as the rebellious rocker chick Missy, and Union pulled off her role as the tough yet classy captain of the rival squad with ease.
Overall: A run-of-the-mill teen flick spiced up with believable performances, likable characters, great chemistry between the actors, and fun routines that the audience can get into. Recommended to teens of all ages.