Stick It

Main Plot

"Stick It," directed by Jessica Bendinger, follows the journey of a rebellious teenager who finds herself back in the world of competitive gymnastics after a run-in with the law. The protagonist is forced to enroll in an elite gymnastics academy as part of her probation, where she confronts her past and the pressures of the sport. Key events include her initial resistance to the strict discipline of the gym, clashes with the head coach, and the struggle to regain her passion for gymnastics. As she trains alongside other gymnasts, she begins to challenge the rigid and often unfair judging system that governs the sport. The film explores themes of defiance, redemption, and the pursuit of personal integrity. Through a blend of humor and drama, the story highlights the importance of teamwork, self-expression, and standing up against injustice. The protagonist's journey is marked by a transformation from a defiant outsider to a leader who inspires change within the gymnastics community. Ultimately, "Stick It" delivers a message about finding one's voice and the courage to challenge the status quo.

Characters

• Missy Peregrym plays Haley Graham, a rebellious former gymnast who returns to the sport, challenging conventions and inspiring her teammates to embrace individuality and fairness in competition.
• Jeff Bridges plays Burt Vickerman, a former gymnast turned coach who helps rebellious gymnasts find discipline and passion for the sport.
• Vanessa Lengies plays Joanne Charis, a competitive gymnast and rival to the protagonist, contributing to the tension and eventual camaraderie within the gymnastics team.

Ending Explained

In the concluding scenes of the film, the protagonist, Haley Graham, and her fellow gymnasts compete at the National Championships. Throughout the competition, they become increasingly frustrated with the subjective and often unfair judging system. In a pivotal moment, Haley performs a flawless routine but is penalized for a minor infraction, highlighting the judges' bias and the rigid rules that stifle creativity and true talent. In response, Haley and her teammates devise a plan to protest the judging system. They decide to intentionally take deductions by stepping out of bounds or making deliberate mistakes, thereby sacrificing their scores. This act of rebellion is aimed at drawing attention to the flaws in the judging criteria. The gymnasts support each other by giving their scores to those who perform exceptionally, regardless of the deductions. This bold move shifts the focus from winning to celebrating the artistry and skill of gymnastics. The judges, initially resistant, are forced to acknowledge the gymnasts' message. The film ends with a sense of empowerment and solidarity among the athletes, as they successfully challenge the status quo and advocate for change within their sport. This resolution underscores the importance of integrity and the courage to stand up against unfair systems.