Tuesday (Aug. 25) marked the 15th anniversary of the box office hit film, Bring It On. The movie made its debut in theaters in 2000, starring Kirsten Dunst (The Two Faces of January), Garbrielle Union (Being Mary Jane), Eliza Dushku (Buffy), Jesse Bradford (Swimfan), Nicole Bilderback (Clueless), Clare Kramer (The Rules of Attraction), and Blaque members Shamari Fears, Natina Reed and Brandi Williams.
The film surrounds two competing cheerleading squads battling it out for the title of best in the country. There's no shortage of drama here. What would a teen drama be without relationship issues, catty friends, annoying siblings, and dance battles? The movie grossed a total of $90,449,929 worldwide and led to four spin-offs, as well as, a stage musical. It was also parodied by the popular films, Not Another Teen Movie and Fired Up.
Here's what we learned from the iconic film:
1. The cheers were better than anything we heard at our high schools, but considering the language and sexual innuendos, it's understandable why.
Let's face it, there's no way any of these cheers would have even made it to the practice sessions let alone, football games. The lyrics were raunchy and suggestive, but ultimately they were hilarious. "I major, I roar, I swear I'm not a whore."
2. It totally captured the true essence of brother-sister relationships.
Cliff (Bradford) and Missy (Dushku) had a true-to-life brother-sister relationship in the movie. Cliff had her back when she needed him, but at the same time, couldn't help but push her buttons every chance he got. Torrance's little brother on the other hand, still had a lot of growing up to do. "Mom look, her head is spinning to another dimension."
3. The film tackled cultrual appropriation way before it became a hot topic in media.
Torrance (Dunst) had the surprise of her life when she found out her former captain had been stealing cheers from Isis (Union) and the Clovers, a predominantly Black cheerleading squad, and passing them off as her own. These issues still plague our society today. Key lines: "Did you enjoy the show?" "Yes, were the ethnic festivities to your liking today?" Also, "Every time we get some, here y'all come trying to steal it, putting some blonde hair on it and calling it something different. "
4. It taught us to never settle! Always surround yourself with people who encourage you to be a better person and continuously have your best interest in heart.
Torrance's boyfriend Aaron lost interest in his high school girlfriend very quick after enrolling in college. Not only did he lack sympathy, but he was also cheating on her. Tired of being let down, Torrance dumped Aaron and moved on to a guy that would do anything to make her smile.
5. There was an endless supply of quotable one-liners.
If you haven't used any of the quotable lines from in every day conversation, with friends, or with someone getting on your nerves, you've really been missing out. Start with "She puts the whore in horrifying."
6. It eliminated the ridiculous stereotype that all male cheerleaders are gay.
It's 2015 people, there are several women who participate in "masculine" sports just like there are several men who participate in "feminine" sports.
7. This scene proved three important facts: sometimes it's the little things that make our hearts melt, jumping on the bed is still fun at any age and music can honestly pull you out of any funk.
Music is a universal language. It has the power to enhance any emotion and bring people together for any occasion, which is why we still appreciate a great mix.
8. Sometimes you don't even need to speak to get your point across. So many feelings can be expressed through your eyebrows, use them wisely!
Enough said.
9. Spirit Fingers!
It's been 15 years, have you mastered your spirit fingers yet?
*Bonus*
It also helped that everyone in the cast was ridiculously good looking...even the extras.
