This is a wholesome movie, featuring young girls from about 9 to about 15. Some are gymnasts, there is no foul language, no sexual innuendo. The parents are all nice. The only hint of anything improper are a few "white lies" a couple of girls tell because the truth would be embarrassing. Like having your best friend know you need a tutor.
Cute Jade Pettyjohn, about 9, is 4th grader McKenna Brooks. She is a naturally gifted gymnast and is putting a lot of pressure on herself for an upcoming tryout. Her goal is to get to the 2016 Olympics as a gymnast. Her parents want to make sure she doesn't neglect other things, like school studies.
Two things take the story where it goes. First McKenna's grades are in danger, she has trouble focusing on what she reads and as a result has little actual comprehension. So another student, about 14 or 15, helps her. Second she ignores her coach's instruction and does a difficult balance beam dismount, fracturing an ankle requiring her to be in a cast for 8 weeks.
The story is handled well and young Pettyjohn plays McKenna very well. Her tutor, confined to a wheelchair, is Kerris Dorsey as Josie Myers. Best friend gymnast is Ysa Penarejo as Toulane Thomas. It was nice to see Cathy Rigby, still looking good at 60, playing the coach.
We pretty much know where the story will go, there are several side stories that help make it interesting. It was set in the Seattle area with nice shots of Mt Ranier in the background, but it was filmed in Canada.
Cute Jade Pettyjohn, about 9, is 4th grader McKenna Brooks. She is a naturally gifted gymnast and is putting a lot of pressure on herself for an upcoming tryout. Her goal is to get to the 2016 Olympics as a gymnast. Her parents want to make sure she doesn't neglect other things, like school studies.
Two things take the story where it goes. First McKenna's grades are in danger, she has trouble focusing on what she reads and as a result has little actual comprehension. So another student, about 14 or 15, helps her. Second she ignores her coach's instruction and does a difficult balance beam dismount, fracturing an ankle requiring her to be in a cast for 8 weeks.
The story is handled well and young Pettyjohn plays McKenna very well. Her tutor, confined to a wheelchair, is Kerris Dorsey as Josie Myers. Best friend gymnast is Ysa Penarejo as Toulane Thomas. It was nice to see Cathy Rigby, still looking good at 60, playing the coach.
We pretty much know where the story will go, there are several side stories that help make it interesting. It was set in the Seattle area with nice shots of Mt Ranier in the background, but it was filmed in Canada.