Raising the Bar (2016) Reviews

• Laughable, man!

  AlienByChoice2017-08-20

  There's a fantastic scene in The Big Lebowski, where the enraged Jesus Quintana (John Turturro) screams "Laughable, man!" That's the only thing I could think of when watching this "movie". I surely didn't have high expectations, but I didn't expect anything as bad as what I saw. Cheap production is all fine, not every movie needs to be a Hollywood blockbuster. But there's a minimum to expect from an indie film. Like... a half decent script. A story line that isn't so unnecessarily convoluted you give up after 20 minutes. Actors who can actually act. Dialogues that don't make you cringe every time someone on screen opens their mouth. Music that doesn't sounds like something out of a pilot for a TV series from the 1980's. But even with all that absent, this is a gymnastics movie. So surely you can show us some great gymnastics routines. Unfortunately, since the actresses aren't gymnasts, the camera has to resort to the most weird angles to obscure the lack of technique, and where stunt doubles are used - to obscure the faces. So not even that. A laughable effort. 2/10

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• great for children

  liammoiser2016-05-11

  I love watching movies and I watched this with my sister, whilst I can see where this is going, I was disappointed with the ending. Without giving to much away, it turns out a certain someone left for a reason and they come back to gymnastics. Now okay she moved countries but being an ex US junior champion, there is no way that when you are offered the shot at the Olympics are you going to turn it down. I would have personal done the ending differently, I could see a sequel if it had been but maybe there not interested in doing another one. Overall though as I say it's great for children, but not someone like me who overthinks everything.

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• First-Class

  idontliketacos2016-06-13

  This movie was incredible. An action packed, well-shot and acted, humorous and creative adventure movie fit for all ages, I would highly recommend. A great cast, including Kelli Berglund, Emily Morris and Jack Tomich, really captured the essence of their characters in a stellar performance. Cinematography was beautiful and the variety of shots/transitions was truly outstanding. Not too fond of the upside-down birds eye view shots, but whatever floats your boat. Some scenes dragged on a little, so perhaps that's something to work on for next time. Definitely looking forward to the third in the series. 1hr 33 well spent.

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• One Time Watch!

  amgee-895512019-05-19

  I just watched it on Netflix. It was ok nothing special. The acting was laughable at Times. That's how they talk down under. The lead actress American accent was pretty bad but she did try so I have to give her props for trying at least. You can tell she's Australian. All of the man characters was badly written. What really took me out of the film was the camera angles when they was performing. Lazy cinematography. One time watch for me unfortunately. 3/10

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• Stick it, with less budget and more Australians.

  jade-john-wilson2019-03-21

  This movie was extremely similar to the 2006 movie "Stick it", but not as good.