DVD Review: The New Bring It On!

From Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Bring It On: Fight to the Finish

In this latest sequel in the Bring It On cheerbattle franchise, Latina squad captain Lina Cruz (Christina Milian) and her BFFs Gloria (Vanessa Born) and Treyvonetta (Gabrielle Dennis) are part of an East L.A. cheer squad headed for a winning slot in the upcoming Spirit Championships when Lina is pulled out of her world and dropped down on the Malibu beaches by her mom's remarriage.

Of course, adjusting to this new whitebread neighborhood, school and her haughty new stepsister Avery (Holland Roden) is a challenge for the feisty cheerleader. Complicating things, is the budding romance between Lina and Avery's bro Evan (Cody Longo). Using her special band of feisty Latin moves and hip-hop, Lina is determined to lead her new squad to victory over Avery's local Jaguar squad.

Special Features: We received the DVD rather than Blu-Ray version so we'll go with that. "Practice Round" has choreographer Tony G teaching his cheer moves to the actors. You can see just how much work went into getting this just right. "Backstage Pass" is the usual behind-the-scenes featurette that intros you to cheer camp and each of the main characters. "On Set With Christina Milian" is her video diary and this is kind of fun as you see her sense of humor and her stuntwork for the film. There is an on-set birthday party for her.

The "Deleted Scenes" actually do add a bit to developing the story. Besides the girl chatter and Lina teaching salsa dance moves, there are scenes in which she tries to get her stepdad to enroll Treyvonetta in her Malibu school and others in which she first insults then tries to help train her new stepsister Skye. Worth watching.

There is a barely related extra called "Mun 2: The Chicas Project", the "Flip This" episode; a show hosted by two feisty Latinas who go to Texas for cheer camp. Not really necessary.

Wrapping Up: Although these films are very formula, Christina brings extra zing to her part and the cheer moves (more dance than cheer) are really fun to watch. The DVD is very high energy and you'll appreciate the slammin' soundtrack with songs by Lady GaGa, The Veronicas, Kat DeLuna etc. Well worth a rental or a buy if you are into Christina or cheerleading in general.