Chalk It Up

Chalk It Up is a 2016 comedy film directed by Hisonni Johnson, resonating with modern feminine themes, and built around the world of competitive gymnastics. The film stars Maddy Curley, known for her role in the 2006 movie Stick It, along with John DeLuca, and Nikki SooHoo.

The lead role, Apple, is played by Maddy Curley, a confident and determined gymnast who aims to excel in her field. Apple's competitive journey takes a turn when she has to switch her devoted pursuit in gymnastics to the often underestimated but surprisingly competitive world of collegiate gymnastics.

Riddled with heartbreak and the disintegration of a long-term relationship, Apple finds herself seeking wisdom and shelter at the University of West California, a Smart State School for Liberal Arts. Waving goodbye to her Ivy League dreams, she attempts to navigate this academic landscape all by herself.

Apple's boyfriend unexpectedly breaks up with her and shifts his affections towards a new love interest who attends an Ivy League school. In a desperate attempt to win him back, Apple embarks on a unique journey to create a women's gymnastic team from scratch at her chosen university. This challenge places her at the heart of the story, showcasing her gripping ability to lead, inspire, and turn dreams into reality.

Maddy Curley's performance is convincing as a confused yet determined young woman, torn between gymnastics and love yet dauntlessly pushing ahead to succeed in both. Her performance is heartwarming and inspiring, depicting a realistic portrayal of a female athlete.

John DeLuca, playing the role of Apple's ex-boyfriend, delivers a great performance as well. Known for his roles in Disney Channel original movies, in this film, DeLuca successfully sheds light on the more frivolous aspects of college romance while highlighting the problematic pursuit of status over substance.

Nikki SooHoo, also a former Disney star, plays the role of a gymnast, showcasing her acting chops by depicting the tenacity, grit, and competitive spirit required in the field of collegiate gymnastics. The on-screen camaraderie between all the gymnasts is evident, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for viewers throughout the movie.

Chalk It Up is filled with comedic situations and moments of drama that unfold as Apple's team of inexperienced gymnasts wrestles with athletic challenges and interpersonal relationships. The film portrays the ups and downs of collegiate life, the balance between athletics and academics, and the value of friendship and teamwork.

The screenplay incorporates themes of self-discovery, ambition, resilience, and the power of determination. It subtly weaves in feminist narratives with Apple asserting herself in a male-dominated sphere and challenging the often limiting norms of athletic pursuits for women.

The film boasts well-orchestrated gymnastics sequences, showcasing all the flips, tumbles, and leaps that one would expect from a sports-centered narrative. The detail-oriented gymnastics scenes accurately capture the hard work, discipline, and perseverance intrinsic to the sport.

What sets Chalk It Up apart from most sports films is its ability to blend comedic elements effortlessly with narrative tension. It presents a winning combination of sports, comedy, romance, and drama. The film's cinematographic flair further adds to its charm, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the unique world of collegiate gymnastics.

Chalk It Up's narrative progression is marked by moments of humor, conflict resolution, and character growth. Its story resonates with those who have ever experienced love gone wrong, chased competitive dreams, or felt the pain of life not going as planned. But most importantly, it speaks to anyone who has ever dared to challenge the odds and pave their path. It inspires viewers to tackle life's hurdles head-on, all while finding humor and camaraderie along the way.

Whether you're a gymnast, a sports enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good comedy, Chalk It Up could be the light-hearted watch you need. After all, it's not just a movie about gymnastics – it's a reminder that with determination, innovation, and a little bit of resilience, one can indeed turn dreams into reality.