By Ellen Kim
Story
Torrance Shipman (Kirsten Dunst) is on top of the world, having just been named captain of the Rancho Carne Toros pep squad, a five-time national championship team. But when she discovers that her award-winning routines are being ripped off by a competing squad, Shipman must act fast to save her team's reputation. The formula works because it never takes itself too seriously, a comical blend of saccharine sincerity and self-mockery, complete with memorable lines like "Missy's the poo, so take a big whiff." But the plot does go deeper than one might expect, thanks to a couple of expected twists. And when the final showdown arrives, the tension mounts - which, if you've ever seen the national cheerleading tournaments on ESPN, is no surprise.
ActingEighteen-year-old Dunst ("The Virgin Suicides") is already a veteran talent, but her skill falls a bit flat with an exaggerated portrayal of an eternally perky pep leader. Fortunately, her over-pepped performance is toned down by "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Goth-chic beauty Eliza Dushku as the reluctant, sarcastic new squad member. Gabrielle Union ("She's All That"), backed by members of the sassy soul/R&B group Blaque, is fiery as the driven captain of the Clovers. Jesse Bradford ("Romeo + Juliet") is affable as Torrance's love interest, but comes close to overusing Meg Ryan's crooked-smile-for-cuteness technique.
DirectionPeyton Reed, whose highest-profile projects were remakes of Disney's "The Love Bug" and "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes," keeps the focus simple: the bright cheerleader outfits and the acrobatic routines. Save for a dream sequence and a hilarious tryout scene, Reed avoids the flashier kitsch his teen-film contemporaries have relied on. He also lets the tension build naturally during the cheerleading competitions. Just see if you can resist holding your breath during the 20-foot tosses.