Bring It On: Fight to the Finish

Bring It On: Fight to the Finish is a 2009 teen comedy film directed by Bille Woodruff, centred around the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping world of competitive cheerleading. Starring Christina Milian, Vanessa Born, Gabrielle Dennis, and War Shazar, the film is filled with jaw-dropping choreography, vibrant characters, and high stake drama that brings to light the thrill, the hardships, and the camaraderie found in this unique sport. The movie is an electrifying cocktail of colorful moves, vibrant cultures, and youthful spirit.

Christina Milian leads the ensemble cast as Lina Cruz, a gifted cheerleader with a gritty spirit and remarkable gymnastic agility. Cruz is the powerhouse cheerleader from East L.A. whose world gets turned upside-down when her widowed mother remarries and she finds herself in Malibu's upscale, ocean-front high school, filled with privileged teens–none of whom look like they know the first thing about what it takes to "bring it". This new surrounding acts as a springboard for Cruz, fuelling her determination to lead her squad, the Sea Lions, to victory at the upcoming cheerleading competitions against their snobbish cross-town rivals, The Jaguars.

Vanessa Born plays Gloria, Lina's friend from East L.A., who, despite all differences, relocated with her to Malibu. Gloria is expressive, lively, and the backbone of Cruz's cheer team. Gabrielle Dennis stars as Treyvonetta, another of Cruz's new cheer crew, who is equally supportive, fierce, and driven. War Shazar, on the other hand, plays a contrasting persona as Evan, a member of the rival cheerleading team, adding an interesting dynamic to the narrative.

Aesthetic factors such as fashions, popular music, and choreographed cheerleading routines combine in the film to visually and audibly captivate viewers.

These routines, integral to the film's plotline, are an adrenaline-charged showcase of agility, strength, and coordination, combined with the rhythm and precision of a dance routine. They serve to highlight the competitive spirit of cheerleading, which might surprise viewers who had always thought of it simply as a sideline show at sports matches.

The movie smartly handles the culture clash angle, folding it into the plot in a way that adds depth to the story without turning it into a clichéd "fish out of water" narrative. As Cruz navigates the socio-economic tensions between participation in a cheer squad masquerading as a rich kids' clique and her roots in East L.A., the film educates viewers on cultural diversity and the importance of resilience, team spirit, and unwavering determination in overcoming obstacles.

The tension between individuality and conformity serves as another central theme, presented through the squad members' varied personalities and cheerleading styles. As the squad members bring their unique moves to the table, the film highlights the importance of individuality in a uniform group set up like cheerleading, emphasizing that it’s possible to be part of a team without losing one's personality and culture.

'Bring It On: Fight to the Finish' does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of youthful high school energy, blending it with the unique world of competitive cheerleading, and serving us entertaining rivalry, exciting cheer routines, and an emotional underdog story. A perfect pick for fans of dance movies and adrenaline-charged performance-based films, and especially for the followers of the Bring It On franchise. It’s a film that doesn’t just ‘fight to the finish’ but 'brings it on' in every sense.