Raising the Bar
Raising the Bar

Movie spotlight

Raising the Bar

2017
Movie
93 min
English

16-year-old Kelly quits an elite gymnastics program and moves to Australia. To help out a new friend and show up an old rival she re-enters competitive gymnastics, she'll have to find a way to move forward while making amends with her past.

Insights

IMDb4.5/10
Director: Benny BoomGenres: Drama, Family, Sports

Plot Summary

A young man's dreams of becoming a successful basketball player are challenged when he faces numerous obstacles. He must overcome personal struggles and societal pressures to prove his talent and achieve his goals. The film follows his journey of determination, resilience, and self-discovery on and off the court.

Critical Reception

Raising the Bar received a mixed to negative reception from critics and audiences. While some appreciated its inspirational message and the presence of rapper J. Cole, many found the plot predictable and the execution lacking depth. The film was noted for its attempts to blend sports drama with themes of personal growth.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its positive messages about perseverance.

  • Criticized for a formulaic and uninspired narrative.

  • J. Cole's involvement was seen as a draw by some, though his acting received mixed reviews.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce and generally lean towards disappointment, with viewers often citing a lack of originality and a somewhat amateurish feel to the production.

Fun Fact

The film features a cameo and original music from Grammy-winning artist J. Cole, who also played a significant role in its development.

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