BRING IT ON Movie Reaction | First Time Watch | Kirsten Dunst, Gabrielle Union, Eliza Dushku, w/Jaby
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The hosts were genuinely surprised by the high quality of 'Bring It On's' direction and editing, noting its dynamic camera work.
- ❖The film directly addresses cultural appropriation, with the Toros' routines being stolen from the East Compton Clovers.
- ❖Performances by Gabrielle Union and Kirsten Dunst are praised for their commitment and believability, making challenging scenes feel authentic.
- ❖The movie's ending, where the protagonist team places second, is seen as an unexpected and effective narrative choice.
- ❖The hosts discuss how the film's technical precision, including long takes and perfect timing, makes it flow quickly and effectively.
Insights
1Unexpectedly Sophisticated Direction and Editing
The hosts were surprised by the film's advanced camera work and editing, comparing it to Martin Scorsese's style. They noted the use of pushing shots, steady cam, and precise blocking, which kept the movie dynamic and fast-paced, a rarity for a teen comedy of its time. This technical prowess elevated the storytelling beyond typical genre expectations.
Brandon notes the director's love for 'pushing shots' (), and Jabby later compares the camera work to Martin Scorsese (, ). They discuss the precision required for long takes and actor timing ().
2Direct Confrontation of Cultural Appropriation
A central theme of the movie is the cultural appropriation of cheer routines. The Toros' previous captain stole routines from the East Compton Clovers, a predominantly Black squad. The hosts highlight how the film explicitly addresses this, showing the Clovers' justified anger and the Toros' journey to create original content.
The hosts react to the Clovers confronting the Toros about stolen routines (, ). Jabby states, 'It totally speaks to real life, you know, like rock and roll. It's like all their stuff got stolen then appropriated and appropriated and you know you add blonde hair and now it's a new routine' ().
3Progressive Narrative Choices for a Teen Comedy
The film made several progressive choices for its era, including the protagonist team placing second at nationals, which subverted typical underdog tropes. The hosts also noted the positive portrayal of male cheerleaders and subtle inclusion of diverse sexualities, which was rare in early 2000s cinema.
Jabby expresses surprise at the ending, stating, 'for them to win at the end was actually such an interesting move because it's unexpected' (). Brandon mentions the film covering 'the sexuality of of the guys there' () as a positive inclusion.
4Strong Performances Elevate the Material
The hosts commend the lead actresses, particularly Gabrielle Union and Kirsten Dunst, for their committed performances. Union's portrayal of Isis (Clovers' captain) is lauded for its natural confidence and believability, while Dunst's role as Torrance (Toros' captain) is recognized as more challenging than it appears, requiring significant emotional and physical commitment.
Brandon praises Gabrielle Union's strength and 'perfect amount of confidence' (). Jabby notes Kirsten Dunst's role 'might be more challenging than it looks on paper' (), especially in solo scenes ().
Notable Moments
Discussion of the film's unexpected quality and comparison to Martin Scorsese's directing style.
Highlights the technical sophistication of 'Bring It On' that might be overlooked, repositioning it as a well-crafted film rather than just a teen comedy.
The hosts' reaction to the East Compton Clovers confronting the Toros about stolen cheers.
Emphasizes the film's direct engagement with cultural appropriation, a significant thematic element that resonated with the hosts.
Analysis of the film's ending, where the main team (Toros) places second.
Points out a narrative choice that defies typical Hollywood conventions, making the story more realistic and impactful.
Debate over which team's final routine was objectively better.
Illustrates the subjective nature of judging competitive performances and the film's success in creating two formidable, distinct routines.
Quotes
"This high school comedy is shot like a Martin Scorsese movie."
"It totally speaks to real life, you know, like rock and roll. It's like all their stuff got stolen then appropriated and appropriated and you know you add blonde hair and now it's a new routine."
"For them to win at the end was actually such an interesting move because it's unexpected."
"I don't care if this is a teen movie. I'm going to direct the out of this."
"I don't think at the time I appreciated her enough. I've grown to appreciate her more in reflecting on on that era."
Q&A
Recent Questions
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