Entertaing. Stupid, but entertaining

Rating: 7/10 (15 December 2000)

Within the first 5 minutes you know that the film isn't supposed to be taken seriously. Which is just as well, because otherwise you'd have a hard time putting up with the rest that appears on screen.
The cheerleading sequences are quite impressive - it's a bit of a pity the remainder of the film isn't quite up to the same calibre. Don't get me wrong - it's fun, but you can't help wishing for something more. The characters speak like they're showing off to the camera, instead of just speaking like any normal teenager would, which gets annoying rather quickly. Also the attempts to try and give cheerleading a send up with the cheerleaders complaing that Torrance is running a 'cheerocracy' and is being a 'cheertator', and later on that she's having 'cheersex' with a guy in the audience fails to find many laughs at all.
Anyway, the cheerleading sequences are tops (as mentioned above). Dunst looks nice and cute as Torrance, but her character suffers from all the usual gimmicks and cliches that are seen in countless other teenage films (usually related to what is known as 'idiot plot' syndrome). The real standouts are Eliza Dushku and Gabrielle Union, who at times bring an air of reality to their characters - Dushku being the rebel who wonders what all the fuss is about, and Union the captain who just wants to give her team the best chance she can give it. It probably helps that they're supporting characters as well, meaning they don't have to be on the screen as much as Dunst (who at times struggles to keep her character afloat).
All up, 'Bring It On' is an enjoyable romp, but I think a viewer would get the most out of it if they happen to be a fan of any of the leading actors mentioned above. Otherwise it's yet another teenage/sports film with a twist (and some pretty good cheerleading sequences).
3.5 out of 5