Bring It On 2000

As the summer’s warmth gives way to the impending start of senior year, Torrance Shipman (Kirsten Dunst) finds herself lost in daydreams of her first day back. Living with her parents, Bruce (Holmes Osborne), Christine (Sherry Hursey), and younger brother Justin (Cody McMains), Torrance is struggling to come to terms with the departure of her boyfriend, Aaron (Richard Hillman), who’s left for college, hoping she’ll follow suit next year. Meanwhile, the Toros, Torrance’s beloved cheerleading squad, is gearing up for its sixth consecutive national title bid.

As team captain, “Big Red” (Lindsay Sloane) prepares to graduate, Torrance is thrust into the spotlight and tasked with taking her place at the helm of the squad. The group dynamic is a complex tapestry woven from personalities like Courtney (Clare Kramer), an outspoken firecracker; Whitney (Nicole Bilderback), a mouthy whirlwind; Darcy (Tsianina Joelson), a wealthy powerhouse whose family underwrites team expenses; Kasey (Rini Bell), a soft-spoken introvert; Jan (Nathan West), a Handsome and flirtatious male cheerleader who’s frequently the target of good-natured teasing for his unorthodox role on the squad; and Les (Huntley Ritter), a gay male cheerleader.

As Torrance navigates her new leadership responsibilities, she faces opposition from within her own ranks. Darcy, convinced that her wealth and influence should earn her the captaincy, while Courtney believes her looks and charm make her the obvious choice. Meanwhile, Torrance’s mother, Christine, is growing increasingly concerned about Torrance’s academic priorities, insisting that she take on an Advanced Chemistry class to keep her studies in check.

Just as Torrance settles into her new role, disaster strikes when team member Carver (Bianca Kajlich) suffers a season-ending injury during practice. With regionals looming just four weeks away and nationals scheduled for February, the squad is left scrambling to find a replacement. Enter Missy Pantone (Eliza Dushku), a gymnast who’s recently transferred to the school with her brother, Cliff (Jesse Bradford). Initially dismissive of cheerleading as a “brainless” pursuit, Missy is eventually won over by Torrance’s passion and conviction.

As the squad begins to gel with its new recruit, Torrance and Missy develop an undeniable chemistry. But when they travel to Los Angeles to watch the East Compton Clovers perform, it becomes clear that the Toros have been copying routines from their rivals. This discovery sets the stage for a dramatic showdown between the Toros and their adversaries, as Torrance must navigate the complexities of leadership, loyalty, and friendship to lead her team to victory.

Isis (Gabrielle Union), the fiery captain of the Clovers, confronts Torrance and her teammates Jenelope (Natina Reed) and Lava (Shamari Fears) with an air of indignation, fueled by the revelation that “Big Red” had been secretly taping and stealing their routines. This bombshell drops like a ton of bricks on Torrance’s psyche, as she grapples with the notion that her team may be cursed with bad luck after she inadvertently defiled the sacred Spirit Stick during a dare-filled summer cheer camp.

With their spirits dampened by Big Red’s betrayal, the Clovers vow to outdo the Toros in the national competition and prove their superiority. Torrance takes responsibility for not being aware of Big Red’s antics, assuring Isis that her team didn’t come to make any tapes. Meanwhile, the seeds of romance begin to sprout between Torrance and Cliff as Aaron becomes increasingly detached.

As tensions rise within the Toros, Torrance is met with resistance when she tries to share the Clovers’ stolen routines. Despite initial reservations, the team ultimately decides to stick with their tried-and-true routine, leaving Torrance feeling like they’re stuck in a rut. The situation comes to a head at the Toros’ next home game, where Isis and her teammates perform the exact same routine, leaving the school’s student body in stitches.

The Toros are forced to confront the harsh reality that their routine has been compromised, prompting them to seek the guidance of Aaron and eventually recruiting Sparky Polastri (Ian Roberts) to help them craft a new choreography. Under Polastri’s demanding tutelage, the team embarks on a grueling regimen, sacrificing their social lives for the sake of perfection.

In the aftermath of Regionals, where they’re pitted against teams that have been practicing their stolen routine, Torrance must face the music and confront the competition officials. Despite being granted a spot at Finals as the defending champions, Torrance is issued a stern warning: they’ll need to bring a new game plan if they hope to reclaim their title.

Big Red’s stern rebuke cuts deep, as she accuses Torrance (Shirley MacLaine) of failing to lead her team with conviction. The squad leader is left reeling from Big Red’s words, wondering if her greatest mistake was not pilfering cheers, but rather anointing Torrance as her successor. Crushed and questioning her ability to command the troops, Torrance contemplates abandoning ship.

However, Cliff (Patrick Swayze) provides a much-needed boost of encouragement and support, further fueling their blossoming attraction. On the other hand, Aaron’s (Michael Vartan) candid assessment that Torrance lacks the mettle to lead only serves to deepen her disappointment. When Cliff catches Torrance and Aaron in a compromising position, he swiftly distances himself from his friend, leaving Torrance feeling bereft.

Despite her wounded pride, Torrance’s confidence is reinvigorated by Cliff’s unwavering support, and she convinces her demoralized team to create an innovative routine that breaks the mold. With Aaron’s infidelity and lack of support finally out in the open, Torrance makes the difficult decision to end things with him. Though Cliff still refuses to forgive her transgressions, Torrance’s newfound resolve is palpable.

Meanwhile, the Clovers face a financial crunch that threatens their ability to compete at Nationals. Torrance, determined to help her friends, turns to her father’s company for sponsorship, but Isis (Zendaya) rejects the offer and instead appeals to a local talk show host who shares a connection with her team. The Clovers, undeterred, write to a similar influential figure in their own neighborhood, securing the funding they need to make it to Florida.

As Nationals unfold, both the Toros and the Clovers make it to the finals, with Cliff making a surprise appearance in the audience to cheer on his friends. In the heat of competition, Torrance and Isis exchange last-minute words of wisdom. Ultimately, the Clovers emerge victorious, with the Toros coming up just short. Despite their loss, the Toros and Clovers depart Florida with a newfound respect for one another, as Isis praises Torrance’s leadership skills and Torrance acknowledges that the Clovers were deserving of their triumph. As the Toros celebrate another successful season, Cliff and Torrance share a romantic moment, their bond stronger than ever.