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Bring It On: The Complete Story of the Cheerleading Movie That Changed, Like, Everything
Featuring dozens of interviews with the cast and crew, fans of the franchise, film scholars, former and current cheerleaders, fellow filmmakers, and more.
Gabrielle Union, Kirsten Dunst, and Eliza Dushku have all risen to fame since their performances in the original cheer classic, but boldface names like Solange Knowles, Rihanna, Hayden Panetierre, Ashley Tisdale, and more also appeared in Bring It On films. The first-time director who helmed the movie, Peyton Reed, now has multiple Marvel smash hit films under his belt.
Not bad for a movie that almost didn’t get greenlit in the first place—but went on to win the box office its opening weekend, gross more than $90.45 million worldwide, and spawn a half-dozen sequels, a Tony-nominated musical, and a whole new genre of female-led films.
With the support of the filmmakers and producers, author and pop culture expert Kase Wickman accessed Universal's archives and conducted new interviews with cast, crew, and more for a full reveal of all the stories fans will love in this complete history and examination of the legacy of the greatest cheerleading movie almost never made.
Beyond its 20th anniversary, the legacy of Bring It On endures. It’s time we all understood how it changed, like, everything.
Gabrielle Union, Kirsten Dunst, and Eliza Dushku have all risen to fame since their performances in the original cheer classic, but boldface names like Solange Knowles, Rihanna, Hayden Panetierre, Ashley Tisdale, and more also appeared in Bring It On films. The first-time director who helmed the movie, Peyton Reed, now has multiple Marvel smash hit films under his belt.
Not bad for a movie that almost didn’t get greenlit in the first place—but went on to win the box office its opening weekend, gross more than $90.45 million worldwide, and spawn a half-dozen sequels, a Tony-nominated musical, and a whole new genre of female-led films.
With the support of the filmmakers and producers, author and pop culture expert Kase Wickman accessed Universal's archives and conducted new interviews with cast, crew, and more for a full reveal of all the stories fans will love in this complete history and examination of the legacy of the greatest cheerleading movie almost never made.
Beyond its 20th anniversary, the legacy of Bring It On endures. It’s time we all understood how it changed, like, everything.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published December 6, 2022
11 people are currently reading
2191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 19, 2025
This was very fun, but I liked the first half better than the second. The first half is the making of the movie, the second is what's come after and viewing the movie's legacy through different lenses. I wasn't really looking for cultural/film criticism in this book and wasn't ready for it. Did enjoy the chapter on the movie's queer influence/legacy, though.
First book finished for Bookcamp 2025.
First book finished for Bookcamp 2025.
April 2, 2023
I'm rounding this up. Ultimately my expectations might have been loftier than what the book might have ever aimed to do, but I did have a good time reading and it was just as addictive to read as a book about Bring It On should be.
This is split into two parts. In part one Wickman chronicles the uphill battle that was getting what was originally Cheer Fever to get made in the first place. We go over the years it took Jessica Bendinger to write the scripts, how it was passed over and the series of yeses that were required to get the movie off the ground. The way that the movie could have fallen apart when the first choice of director had to leave to go do a different project. It was interesting for what it was. For me though it was easily the part of the book I was least invested in. Partly because that kind of behind the scenes content about the coming together of something can be interesting, and I know people love it; I just also know that I am not one of those people.
Instead I really looking forward to the second half of the book where I knew that the book was going to be spending its time talking about the legacy the movie left behind. While this was definitely more interesting to me... It was also here that I felt like we were starting to retread some ground?
Something about the writing of this book felt very circular; like Wickman was trying to hit a word count on a school project... For every new idea presented or tackled it felt like we were going backwards, and not in a way that always enriched the material but simply restated it in a way that already been expressed.
Ultimately I didn't have much of an issue with that pattern, but it certainly didn't escape my notice. I also doubt that anyone going out of their way to get their hands on this book will have much of an issue with it either.
[ It also doesn't hurt that of all the various spin offs that spawned in the wake of Bring It On only the musical adaptation is discussed in any real depth and includes the Entertainment Weekly article about how LMM best work is part of that show and not In the Heights or Hamilton, and HARD agree. ]
This is split into two parts. In part one Wickman chronicles the uphill battle that was getting what was originally Cheer Fever to get made in the first place. We go over the years it took Jessica Bendinger to write the scripts, how it was passed over and the series of yeses that were required to get the movie off the ground. The way that the movie could have fallen apart when the first choice of director had to leave to go do a different project. It was interesting for what it was. For me though it was easily the part of the book I was least invested in. Partly because that kind of behind the scenes content about the coming together of something can be interesting, and I know people love it; I just also know that I am not one of those people.
Instead I really looking forward to the second half of the book where I knew that the book was going to be spending its time talking about the legacy the movie left behind. While this was definitely more interesting to me... It was also here that I felt like we were starting to retread some ground?
Something about the writing of this book felt very circular; like Wickman was trying to hit a word count on a school project... For every new idea presented or tackled it felt like we were going backwards, and not in a way that always enriched the material but simply restated it in a way that already been expressed.
Ultimately I didn't have much of an issue with that pattern, but it certainly didn't escape my notice. I also doubt that anyone going out of their way to get their hands on this book will have much of an issue with it either.
[ It also doesn't hurt that of all the various spin offs that spawned in the wake of Bring It On only the musical adaptation is discussed in any real depth and includes the Entertainment Weekly article about how LMM best work is part of that show and not In the Heights or Hamilton, and HARD agree. ]
November 25, 2023
Written by a friend, so of course I loved it—handing it off to my younger cousin, a competitive cheerleader who has watched Bring It On “for literally every cheer trip,” tomorrow.
I learned so many fun facts from this book and didn’t want to put it down. For instance: did you know that Sufjan loves Bring It On? Did you know about the mass amounts of effort that had to go into even convincing a studio to take the project on? Did you know that there is a theory that Missy is just “handing Torrance off” to the male version of herself (my shitty paraphrasing)? All this and more! I loved it.
I learned so many fun facts from this book and didn’t want to put it down. For instance: did you know that Sufjan loves Bring It On? Did you know about the mass amounts of effort that had to go into even convincing a studio to take the project on? Did you know that there is a theory that Missy is just “handing Torrance off” to the male version of herself (my shitty paraphrasing)? All this and more! I loved it.
December 7, 2022
Ah the nostalgia. It it real in this book. It brings back so many memories- from the fun times watching this entire franchise to the time I caused a spirit stick avalanche packing up the band room my senior year in high school (and yes…at least 5 hit the ground). Good times I tell you. Good times.
So I jumped at the chance to get this one from NetGalley. As an advanced copy, it had some troubles adjusting to dark mode on my kindle which caused my eyes issues reading it - so it took me awhile to get through it (but I’m sure the final product does not have this issue). That being said, it’s still such an interesting read! If you’re a fan of the movies (especially that first one) I highly recommend reading this to get the full backstory into the fight to create this absolute nostalgic masterpiece.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So I jumped at the chance to get this one from NetGalley. As an advanced copy, it had some troubles adjusting to dark mode on my kindle which caused my eyes issues reading it - so it took me awhile to get through it (but I’m sure the final product does not have this issue). That being said, it’s still such an interesting read! If you’re a fan of the movies (especially that first one) I highly recommend reading this to get the full backstory into the fight to create this absolute nostalgic masterpiece.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 28, 2024
“so what if someone likes a pumpkin spice latte or so what if someone likes harry styles, like that’s a bad thing? that the things that young women like, we need to make them feel small for liking it. the way in which this movie takes cheerleading seriously, i think is really, really valuable.”
as someone who has always been and always will be a bring it on girlie and loves this kind of pop culture nonfiction, i’m livinggggggggg
the second half of this book is definitely the better, more engaging part, specifically the chapter on race as it’s probably the most in-depth and nuanced of all the topics discussed, and to a lesser extent, the chapter on queerness (though i forever don’t vibe with the “my queer interpretation of a text is the only and correct interpretation” attitude that pops up in this book). and of course, the general discussions of misogyny, internalized misogyny, and how the things girls like are devalued and mocked, and how this movie challenges those things.
i will say though, it’s a little....annoying that whenever valid criticisms of the movie are brought up (such as queerphobic slurs or the “digit slip” scene), the ability to criticize something you enjoy and like something that has flaws are pointed out, but almost immediately, those criticisms are lowkey dismissed (such as saying the slurs are okay because they came from antagonists or the gay character wasn’t offended, or the characters in the “digit slip” scene were clearly in a relationship and it wasn’t assault/nonconsensual). there’s a “well, yeah, it’s from the early 2000s what do you expect” vibe, as if it’s pointless to even make these criticism given the release date, and an immediate “but those things don’t take away from how important and iconic the movie is!!!” conclusion.
when discussing the sequels, it has a feel of “they didn’t have anyone from the original so they couldn’t possibly be good or important so who even cares anyways.” the author even expresses judgement of someone thinking the second movie is better than the first. the whole point of the book is exploring the movie’s legacy, so to not truly or kindly explore the franchise it spawned is very disappointing and a huge oversight, if i’m being honest.
content/trigger warnings; mentions or discussions of misogyny, sexism, racism, cultural appropriation, queerphobia, covid pandemic, body image, disordered eating, body shaming, sexual assault, pedophilia,
as someone who has always been and always will be a bring it on girlie and loves this kind of pop culture nonfiction, i’m livinggggggggg
the second half of this book is definitely the better, more engaging part, specifically the chapter on race as it’s probably the most in-depth and nuanced of all the topics discussed, and to a lesser extent, the chapter on queerness (though i forever don’t vibe with the “my queer interpretation of a text is the only and correct interpretation” attitude that pops up in this book). and of course, the general discussions of misogyny, internalized misogyny, and how the things girls like are devalued and mocked, and how this movie challenges those things.
i will say though, it’s a little....annoying that whenever valid criticisms of the movie are brought up (such as queerphobic slurs or the “digit slip” scene), the ability to criticize something you enjoy and like something that has flaws are pointed out, but almost immediately, those criticisms are lowkey dismissed (such as saying the slurs are okay because they came from antagonists or the gay character wasn’t offended, or the characters in the “digit slip” scene were clearly in a relationship and it wasn’t assault/nonconsensual). there’s a “well, yeah, it’s from the early 2000s what do you expect” vibe, as if it’s pointless to even make these criticism given the release date, and an immediate “but those things don’t take away from how important and iconic the movie is!!!” conclusion.
when discussing the sequels, it has a feel of “they didn’t have anyone from the original so they couldn’t possibly be good or important so who even cares anyways.” the author even expresses judgement of someone thinking the second movie is better than the first. the whole point of the book is exploring the movie’s legacy, so to not truly or kindly explore the franchise it spawned is very disappointing and a huge oversight, if i’m being honest.
content/trigger warnings; mentions or discussions of misogyny, sexism, racism, cultural appropriation, queerphobia, covid pandemic, body image, disordered eating, body shaming, sexual assault, pedophilia,
November 27, 2022
Awesome, oh wow! Like totally freak me out I mean right on! Click here to hear my thoughts on this book over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
January 3, 2023
So Bring it On is one of my favorite movies, which according to this book, is a common sentiment. This book has two distinct parts: 1) the making of the movie and 2) the cultural impact. Both parts were interesting. I am personally more interested in the latter, but enjoyed both.
The making of the movie part of the book was like reading an episode of The Movies That Made us.. except way longer and much more detailed. The author brings in TONS of quotes from the people who were involved in making the movie, which gives a more complete history, but depending on your interest level, can be overwhelming and monotonous at times. I would personally preferred this part to be more succinct, but I respect the more historical angle that the author took.
As for the cultural implications, I loved that part. It took on the movie from several different angles - about how it was subversive at that time, the pieces that didn't hold up well today (spoiler: most of it did hold up!), and the parts of it that went on to inspire so much more art and pop culture. It definitely made me want to watch the movie again in a new light.
It was a bit long overall for my taste and what I was looking to get out of it, but again, that's personally preference, and I think it's fun for anyone who wants to know more - just practice your art of skimming.
The making of the movie part of the book was like reading an episode of The Movies That Made us.. except way longer and much more detailed. The author brings in TONS of quotes from the people who were involved in making the movie, which gives a more complete history, but depending on your interest level, can be overwhelming and monotonous at times. I would personally preferred this part to be more succinct, but I respect the more historical angle that the author took.
As for the cultural implications, I loved that part. It took on the movie from several different angles - about how it was subversive at that time, the pieces that didn't hold up well today (spoiler: most of it did hold up!), and the parts of it that went on to inspire so much more art and pop culture. It definitely made me want to watch the movie again in a new light.
It was a bit long overall for my taste and what I was looking to get out of it, but again, that's personally preference, and I think it's fun for anyone who wants to know more - just practice your art of skimming.
October 23, 2022
In 2006, a friend introduced me to Eliza Dushku and I quickly sought out all of her roles. When it came time to watch Bring it On, I put the DVD in the player with a sense of embarrassment as I hit play. But when I actually watched the movie, I was surprised by how much it had going for it.
I was one of the teens who wasn’t accepted by cheerleaders. Yet by the time the Toros reached Nationals, I was so completely hooked that I cried happy tears for the Clovers (and I still do to this day).
Reading this book made one of my comfort movies even better. There wasn’t much in the way of any scandals. Instead, everyone looked back on making the film with so much fondness. And that right there is why you should buy this book. Because it talks about all the important stuff (racial inequality, homophobia, etc.), but it also shows the sheer joy that so many people experienced while filming. That’s a really rare occurrence and it should be celebrated.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.
I was one of the teens who wasn’t accepted by cheerleaders. Yet by the time the Toros reached Nationals, I was so completely hooked that I cried happy tears for the Clovers (and I still do to this day).
Reading this book made one of my comfort movies even better. There wasn’t much in the way of any scandals. Instead, everyone looked back on making the film with so much fondness. And that right there is why you should buy this book. Because it talks about all the important stuff (racial inequality, homophobia, etc.), but it also shows the sheer joy that so many people experienced while filming. That’s a really rare occurrence and it should be celebrated.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.
February 16, 2024
On a whim I picked this up off a table on my way to checkout a separate set of books and I was not disappointed!
If you love learning about the behind the scenes production and workings of movies this is a great book that offers a lens into a more recent cult classic film.
What I loved about this book was its structure. The first half is all about the production and making of the movie while the second half is about it’s cultural influence. I am not a huge fan of Bring It On but it was cool to revisit it and see what the movie meant in its time and also how it stands and continues to be relevant today.
If you love learning about the behind the scenes production and workings of movies this is a great book that offers a lens into a more recent cult classic film.
What I loved about this book was its structure. The first half is all about the production and making of the movie while the second half is about it’s cultural influence. I am not a huge fan of Bring It On but it was cool to revisit it and see what the movie meant in its time and also how it stands and continues to be relevant today.
November 12, 2023
It’s a very niche audience who would find this level of minutiae interesting (I’m in that niche) but even I wanted this to have better editing. There is good stuff here — fun tidbits and delightful anecdotes and thoughtful takes — but it’s buried under sort of opaque writing and references and could have been tightened up pretty significantly. For me, it was still worth a read though. If you’re a Bring it On fan, probably you too.
October 13, 2022
I can still remember seeing this film in theaters. Iconic. Loved the close details on the concept, creation and legacy of this movie that was such a staple in my preteen years and still is such an enjoyable movie. This book gives all the nostalgia, features cute art and will bring you right back to your first time viewing.
April 5, 2023
Okay I absolutely loved all of the fun facts, and it was fun to read and I read it in about a week (I’m also on vacation). Really fun to rewatch movie when I almost finished the book. Overall I did find it a little repetitive and reaching for certain subjects that didn’t seem like they needed to be in the book. But, still enjoyed, and if you love the movie, you’ll enjoy the book.
Read
July 26, 2023okay I need to talk about the Bring It On Musical written by Lin Manuel Miranda
September 8, 2023
First half of this book: 5 stars. Second half of this book: someone’s research paper who needed to fill a word count requirement. The entire second half is just quotes from people who have a pop culture blog or podcast
Want to read
November 24, 2022Anyone else re-create the bathroom brushing teeth scene with their spouse? No, just me. Oh, okay.
October 13, 2022
Bring It On is a millennial cult classic. I of course rooted for the Compton Clovers. This book celebrates the iconic movie that launched so many actresses to superstardom. It also details how the hit film is still relevant today.
May 12, 2024
Some chapters were much more interesting than others. Kind of lost my attention in the middle of the book, but I did like reading about the casting process and behind the scenes shenanigans.
November 24, 2022
3.5
ARC from @NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group / Chicago Review Press
I loved Bring it On and being one of the first DVDs we owned, I watched it a lot in my teens. So, I saw this and requested it on a whim. I thought it would be a quick, easy, fun read.
It wasn’t as quick of a read as I thought – I was expecting more of a coffee table type book – but it’s not long either. I’ve been reading only a couple of pages every night so it took me a while, but it was the light, easy read I needed (and allows me to join in with #NonFictionNovember).
As I said, I liked Bring it On, I assume others did too, but when the author asks: Why are people still talking about Bring it On? I say, are they? Which was actually the same response a lot of the cast gave in interviews.
This book covers getting the film made (it was a long process), becoming a surprise hit, some behind the scenes anecdotes, thoughts from cast and crew, an examination of the cultural appropriation in the film and depiction of LBGTQ characters. It was interesting; I always like to read something a little gossipy so reading about what the cast got up is fun, and as a thirteen-year-old I got the plagiarism but the cultural appropriation connotations went over my head. As the author says, the film works so well as it shows rather than tells, so there’s an important message in there but there’s no explicit learning moment.
The worst thing about this book is it gets terribly repetitive: Nobody wanted to make this film, but whoa were they wrong because it was a massive hit that people are still talking about, and so on. The author also seems to say something, then use a quote from a couple of interviews saying the exact same thing to back it up – it felt a little bit like an undergraduate essay, making sure you back up every point instead of just showing it through the interviews.
Another thing I didn’t like, and because it was an ARC I can’t use this to judge the book, but it did have an impact on my enjoyment of it. There are no photos but lots of empty frames and some captions, and there are no chapter headings only spaces where they seem to be missing. I feel you need these things to get the full experience of a book like this.
I enjoyed it though it’s not something I would buy, perhaps a superfan will appreciate it more.
Thanks, NetGalley.
ARC from @NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group / Chicago Review Press
I loved Bring it On and being one of the first DVDs we owned, I watched it a lot in my teens. So, I saw this and requested it on a whim. I thought it would be a quick, easy, fun read.
It wasn’t as quick of a read as I thought – I was expecting more of a coffee table type book – but it’s not long either. I’ve been reading only a couple of pages every night so it took me a while, but it was the light, easy read I needed (and allows me to join in with #NonFictionNovember).
As I said, I liked Bring it On, I assume others did too, but when the author asks: Why are people still talking about Bring it On? I say, are they? Which was actually the same response a lot of the cast gave in interviews.
This book covers getting the film made (it was a long process), becoming a surprise hit, some behind the scenes anecdotes, thoughts from cast and crew, an examination of the cultural appropriation in the film and depiction of LBGTQ characters. It was interesting; I always like to read something a little gossipy so reading about what the cast got up is fun, and as a thirteen-year-old I got the plagiarism but the cultural appropriation connotations went over my head. As the author says, the film works so well as it shows rather than tells, so there’s an important message in there but there’s no explicit learning moment.
The worst thing about this book is it gets terribly repetitive: Nobody wanted to make this film, but whoa were they wrong because it was a massive hit that people are still talking about, and so on. The author also seems to say something, then use a quote from a couple of interviews saying the exact same thing to back it up – it felt a little bit like an undergraduate essay, making sure you back up every point instead of just showing it through the interviews.
Another thing I didn’t like, and because it was an ARC I can’t use this to judge the book, but it did have an impact on my enjoyment of it. There are no photos but lots of empty frames and some captions, and there are no chapter headings only spaces where they seem to be missing. I feel you need these things to get the full experience of a book like this.
I enjoyed it though it’s not something I would buy, perhaps a superfan will appreciate it more.
Thanks, NetGalley.
August 16, 2022
Pre teen me still remembers going to the theater with my family to see this movie, and going out to buy the DVD a few short years later. The original film is still a classic, and one of those movies where I can pick up from anywhere in the film and enjoy it. This narrative piece serves as a fascinating time capsule that doesn't make fun but rather celebrates the movie for the nostalgia and trailblazing aspect.
June 22, 2023
I was given this as a gift by my brother who managed to find a book I didn’t know I wanted! We watched this movie religiously as kids so I was super excited to read it. It’s a piece of pop culture journalism on the millennial staple and iconic movie Bring It On.
It’s divided in 2 parts, and the 1st, “Blood Sweat and Cheers” describes the making of the movie. Wickman takes us through the years Jessica Bendiger spent writing and pitching the screenplay, to the pre-filming ‘cheer camp’ the actors went through, to the reception on release day. This part was fun; as a fan of the movie I enjoyed the anecdotes, but I did find it hard to follow due to all the Hollywood name dropping.
The 2nd part “Take a Big Whiff” was the part I was most interested in as it was about the legacy of the movie. Bring It On set out to just be a fun movie about cheerleading that took the sport seriously. It didn’t consciously try to be subversive or progressive, yet at the time it very much was! For example it never uttered the term ‘cultural appropriation’ but it is still the best example that gets pointed to in regards to cultural appropriation.
Some of the other themes this section also discussed are the portrayal of queer characters, and the portrayal of black characters (the ways in which it was progressive & the ways in which it fell short). I feel like the discussions were nuanced and engaging & I enjoyed this section the most but I also felt it was repetitive in sections and as a result the book could have been shorter.
I am glad this has a place on my shelf and here are some of my takeaways:
•I love that a favorite movie literally changed the standards for portraying girls in teen movies: with respect and valuing their interests and skills rather than as an object of desire for the MCs
•It’s healthy to re-watch movies & interrogate the ways they failed rather than dismissing them outright for the parts that didn’t age well. We can learn a lot from that and have valuable conversations around consent, race, gender, & the ways that cultural perceptions change with time
It’s divided in 2 parts, and the 1st, “Blood Sweat and Cheers” describes the making of the movie. Wickman takes us through the years Jessica Bendiger spent writing and pitching the screenplay, to the pre-filming ‘cheer camp’ the actors went through, to the reception on release day. This part was fun; as a fan of the movie I enjoyed the anecdotes, but I did find it hard to follow due to all the Hollywood name dropping.
The 2nd part “Take a Big Whiff” was the part I was most interested in as it was about the legacy of the movie. Bring It On set out to just be a fun movie about cheerleading that took the sport seriously. It didn’t consciously try to be subversive or progressive, yet at the time it very much was! For example it never uttered the term ‘cultural appropriation’ but it is still the best example that gets pointed to in regards to cultural appropriation.
Some of the other themes this section also discussed are the portrayal of queer characters, and the portrayal of black characters (the ways in which it was progressive & the ways in which it fell short). I feel like the discussions were nuanced and engaging & I enjoyed this section the most but I also felt it was repetitive in sections and as a result the book could have been shorter.
I am glad this has a place on my shelf and here are some of my takeaways:
•I love that a favorite movie literally changed the standards for portraying girls in teen movies: with respect and valuing their interests and skills rather than as an object of desire for the MCs
•It’s healthy to re-watch movies & interrogate the ways they failed rather than dismissing them outright for the parts that didn’t age well. We can learn a lot from that and have valuable conversations around consent, race, gender, & the ways that cultural perceptions change with time
August 9, 2025
Background: I can't remember when I first watched Bring It On (definitely not in theaters, but I think not long after; I was still a teen), but I definitely considered it an instant classic. When I rewatched it a few years ago, it was raunchier than I remembered and a bit of the shine came off, but I have to say it holds up and I would probably still consider it among my top 100 films.
Review: Definitely worth a read if you're a fan. I actually like that it's divided in two parts -- half about the history and making of the film, half about its subsequent cultural impact, neither of which I knew anything about because I enjoy this movie in a complete bubble -- and she has clearly done one hell of a research job. My favorite parts were definitely the character descriptions and explanations of how each cast member came to be cast, as well as the stories from set while actually making the movie (both on-set and after-hours).
Where it falls a bit short for me is that some of it is just TOO detailed. There are a lot of overly long and/or technical quotes, whether it's the jargon of movie industry/blur of executive names in the making-of, or the academic slant when she starts talking about feminist lenses and intersectionality, and sometimes it feels repetitive. It's not unreadable, but it didn't give me as much of the excited thrill that I usually get when reading books about favorite movies/TV shows, either.
P.S. As someone who forgot Cliff's entire existence between viewings (though I did find him and that storyline cute on rewatch), I'm so confused by how much people in this book went on and on about ~the toothbrushing scene~ and how packed with UST it was. I had to search my memory to even remember it, and when I did, I recalled it only being an unpleasant and boring waste of screen time. I rewatched it again to make sure, and now all I feel is complete nausea. WHAT are you all on about.
Review: Definitely worth a read if you're a fan. I actually like that it's divided in two parts -- half about the history and making of the film, half about its subsequent cultural impact, neither of which I knew anything about because I enjoy this movie in a complete bubble -- and she has clearly done one hell of a research job. My favorite parts were definitely the character descriptions and explanations of how each cast member came to be cast, as well as the stories from set while actually making the movie (both on-set and after-hours).
Where it falls a bit short for me is that some of it is just TOO detailed. There are a lot of overly long and/or technical quotes, whether it's the jargon of movie industry/blur of executive names in the making-of, or the academic slant when she starts talking about feminist lenses and intersectionality, and sometimes it feels repetitive. It's not unreadable, but it didn't give me as much of the excited thrill that I usually get when reading books about favorite movies/TV shows, either.
P.S. As someone who forgot Cliff's entire existence between viewings (though I did find him and that storyline cute on rewatch), I'm so confused by how much people in this book went on and on about ~the toothbrushing scene~ and how packed with UST it was. I had to search my memory to even remember it, and when I did, I recalled it only being an unpleasant and boring waste of screen time. I rewatched it again to make sure, and now all I feel is complete nausea. WHAT are you all on about.
October 22, 2022
Bring It On opened August 25, 2000. I still remember the anticipation of waiting for it to be released in theaters and when it was finally out on dvd. The movie still holds up today and this book is the perfect companion piece. The book documents the idea of the movie all the way to the final product and literally everything that comes in between and after as well as all of its cultural touch points. It’s incredibly detailed and brings to light just how complicated and tiresome it can be to get a movie made.
The author’s voice is engaging and pulls you right back into the late 90s/early 00s. She has great humor throughout. You are along for the ride and immersed in the experience of the journey of the film. Even the most minute details add to the setting and feel of the experience being told. The flow of the book is easy, breezy. I really enjoyed reading the cast’s perspectives of that time and the intricate way a film is made from start to finish. The author does a great job of explaining what it was that resonated with the audience back then to make it iconic and why the movie is so relevant to social conversations today. I wish some of the interviewee quotes had been edited down so they weren’t so conversational because at times these people rambled to make their point and there were a lot of “yeah” “like” and “um” that could have been removed.
Such a fun read that I couldn’t seem to put down and once I finished it I had to rewatch the movie. This book is highly recommended for fans of the movie as well as teen movies from this time frame.
Thank you to Independent Publishers Group & Chicago Review Press for this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The author’s voice is engaging and pulls you right back into the late 90s/early 00s. She has great humor throughout. You are along for the ride and immersed in the experience of the journey of the film. Even the most minute details add to the setting and feel of the experience being told. The flow of the book is easy, breezy. I really enjoyed reading the cast’s perspectives of that time and the intricate way a film is made from start to finish. The author does a great job of explaining what it was that resonated with the audience back then to make it iconic and why the movie is so relevant to social conversations today. I wish some of the interviewee quotes had been edited down so they weren’t so conversational because at times these people rambled to make their point and there were a lot of “yeah” “like” and “um” that could have been removed.
Such a fun read that I couldn’t seem to put down and once I finished it I had to rewatch the movie. This book is highly recommended for fans of the movie as well as teen movies from this time frame.
Thank you to Independent Publishers Group & Chicago Review Press for this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2023
I was very mixed on this one, where initially I enjoyed some of the behind the scenes stories and the backstory in getting the movie made, it also felt like an unnecessary Covid lockdown passion-project versus a book that had something to say. A good portion of the content stemmed from a prior 2015 article/booklet/blogpost (I wasn't clear) the author wrote and follow up interviews felt sparse or worse, ramble-y garbage. A much heavier hand was needed in the quote editing to make the reading smoother; without the speaker's speech pattern and inflection, some of the quotes read nonsensically. Part one covers the journey to get the movie made along with some anecdotes from filming. Part two can broadly be called the "cultural and lasting impact" where quotes from other journalists and entertainment writers are interspersed with a few cast members (mainly Gabrielle Union, and primarily excerpts from other interviews she's given, not specific to this book) and the director as it ties together some deeper dives into the "why" the movie worked then and now. Neither "part" of the book was able to keep my attention, despite the fact that I too very much love this movie. I didn't feel that the author had a strong thesis behind the book and there was missed opportunities to have proper interviews with the original cast and crew.
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
June 19, 2025
The Bring It On franchise is one of my favorite girly pop/nostalgia movies for me, so I was really disappointed with just how boring this book was.
As a lot of other reviews has said, while it's impressive that the author was able to get so many of the original cast members to contribute to this book, their interviews needed so much more editing, instead of their quotes being strewn across paragraphs "like, you know, this." Even though there were some really interesting anecdotes in there, it was so hard to read when every other word is "like," or "you know?"
By the time I got to the second half (which is arguably better written), this book had completely lost my attention and my interest. The "cultural" analysis parts were also just stating the obvious over and over again - yes, it has problematic aspects that's aged badly, yes, Black cheerleaders felt seen, yes, there is surprising queer rep (that line about that one producer?? person who made some random milquetoast excuse about using slurs was definitely eyebrow-raising though).
All in all, this just seemed like a project where the author wanted to see how connected she was in the industry and make a book out of it.
As a lot of other reviews has said, while it's impressive that the author was able to get so many of the original cast members to contribute to this book, their interviews needed so much more editing, instead of their quotes being strewn across paragraphs "like, you know, this." Even though there were some really interesting anecdotes in there, it was so hard to read when every other word is "like," or "you know?"
By the time I got to the second half (which is arguably better written), this book had completely lost my attention and my interest. The "cultural" analysis parts were also just stating the obvious over and over again - yes, it has problematic aspects that's aged badly, yes, Black cheerleaders felt seen, yes, there is surprising queer rep (that line about that one producer?? person who made some random milquetoast excuse about using slurs was definitely eyebrow-raising though).
All in all, this just seemed like a project where the author wanted to see how connected she was in the industry and make a book out of it.
January 16, 2023
Did you remember that there was a competing cheer movie that came out the same time as Bring It On?! I totally didn’t! I was OBSESSED with this movie in middle school. A blue beetle was the first car I ever lusted after after I saw Missy drive one. So obviously when I was offered the opportunity to read a behind the scenes making of account I had to say yes! Thank you Chicago Review Press for my gifted copy.
If you are a fan of the movie, this is such a fun book! I really enjoyed hearing how the movie was made. We get to hear the story from its inception and Wickam has interviewed many folks from both the creative and acting sides of the film to give a clear fun account.
The second half on the legacy of the movie made my anthropologist heart happy. It takes a look at how culture was shaped by bring it on and how the culture of the 00’s shaped the movie, sometimes in now cringey ways. It’s honest, real, and a good large scale picture of that period of time.
I definitely recommend this book if you are a fan of the movie!
If you are a fan of the movie, this is such a fun book! I really enjoyed hearing how the movie was made. We get to hear the story from its inception and Wickam has interviewed many folks from both the creative and acting sides of the film to give a clear fun account.
The second half on the legacy of the movie made my anthropologist heart happy. It takes a look at how culture was shaped by bring it on and how the culture of the 00’s shaped the movie, sometimes in now cringey ways. It’s honest, real, and a good large scale picture of that period of time.
I definitely recommend this book if you are a fan of the movie!
September 21, 2023
As a young millennial cheering in the early aughts, Bring It On was THE movie among my cheer girlfriends. Constantly quoting, watching, tumbling to, and trying to get my hair *just* like Elisha Dushku were items regularly on the to-do list. When I saw this book, I couldn't resist an opportunity to dig into all the juicy deets going on behind the scenes that made this movie a reality. We're invited into the world beyond the spirit stick, dangling before us like an NCA all-star nomination.
I love the way it's written, in an easy, talking-to-my-bestie type fashion, making this book feel more like a hang session than a documentary piece. It really is the entire history of an epic movie. If you love film, MTV puff pieces, and following the journey of an idea into a masterpiece, then I couldn't recommend this book more!
Thank you to the publisher Chicago Review Press for providing a copy of this book for review!
I love the way it's written, in an easy, talking-to-my-bestie type fashion, making this book feel more like a hang session than a documentary piece. It really is the entire history of an epic movie. If you love film, MTV puff pieces, and following the journey of an idea into a masterpiece, then I couldn't recommend this book more!
Thank you to the publisher Chicago Review Press for providing a copy of this book for review!
December 29, 2022
This was such a fab read as a massive fan of the film when it first came out and still now to this day. The first half of the book takes you on the journey the film took from an initial idea and script and through the various stages of Hollywood politics to getting greenlit and made. It was full of interviews from cast and crew giving lots of fab behind the scenes gossip. It was so much fun read about all the things they got up to outside of filming including a few crazy trips to Mexico. The second half of the book at why Bring It On is still so relevant now. I really enjoyed the discussion on how progressive Bring It On was even though there are parts of it which wouldn't have been done if the movie was made today. This was such a fab read and I will definitely read it again in the future!
October 29, 2022
**Thank you to NetGalley & the Independent Publishers Group for an eARC of this book!!**
I'm absolutely obsessed with this. As someone who grew up cheering Bring It On was a STAPLE growing up & the beginning cheer lives in my head rent free. This was such a cool look into how the movie came to be. Cheerleading at the caliber they performed in the movie was no small feat for a newbie to learn and I'm still so impressed that they were able to pull it off! This movie has had such an impact on so many people, not just cheerleaders, its iconic for a reason. If you're into reading about film, casting, & Hollywood in general I'd definitely recommend this! Especially if Bring It On remains part of your lexicon today.
I'm absolutely obsessed with this. As someone who grew up cheering Bring It On was a STAPLE growing up & the beginning cheer lives in my head rent free. This was such a cool look into how the movie came to be. Cheerleading at the caliber they performed in the movie was no small feat for a newbie to learn and I'm still so impressed that they were able to pull it off! This movie has had such an impact on so many people, not just cheerleaders, its iconic for a reason. If you're into reading about film, casting, & Hollywood in general I'd definitely recommend this! Especially if Bring It On remains part of your lexicon today.
Read
September 7, 2025BRING IT ON is a movie I can watch over and over again. I was so excited when this came out, discussing the making of and the legacy of the most famous cheer movie.
For the most part, I enjoyed this and learning about the making of the movie. It lost me a bit in the second part with the legacy. I felt that the way the book was formatted felt more like short essays put together (which…I guess it is) and there was a lack of flow, which made me want to put the book down for a bit.
There was some interesting chapters about the film in regards to racism, sexuality, and the sequels. There were some great quotes from those involved and hearing about how much people still love this movie is wonderful.
Overall, this is a fun nostalgic read and definitely a fun one for any fans of the movie.
For the most part, I enjoyed this and learning about the making of the movie. It lost me a bit in the second part with the legacy. I felt that the way the book was formatted felt more like short essays put together (which…I guess it is) and there was a lack of flow, which made me want to put the book down for a bit.
There was some interesting chapters about the film in regards to racism, sexuality, and the sequels. There were some great quotes from those involved and hearing about how much people still love this movie is wonderful.
Overall, this is a fun nostalgic read and definitely a fun one for any fans of the movie.
February 12, 2023
Great book! A behind the scenes look at how Bring It On was made and the impact it had on pop culture moving forward, wasn't something I thought I needed, until I started reading this book.
It's hilarious, informative, and really well researched. The author is clearly a huge fan, but that doesn't stop her from exploring the movie from all angles, both positive and negative. It was cool to look back on a movie that I enjoyed as a young person and explore a bunch the ways it impacted and changed the world around us. A super fun read! This book is the poo, so take a big whiff!
It's hilarious, informative, and really well researched. The author is clearly a huge fan, but that doesn't stop her from exploring the movie from all angles, both positive and negative. It was cool to look back on a movie that I enjoyed as a young person and explore a bunch the ways it impacted and changed the world around us. A super fun read! This book is the poo, so take a big whiff!
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