Jump In!

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Disney ropes in an energetic winner for families.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that they may enjoy this fun made-for-TV Disney movie as much as their kids, tweens -- and yes, even teens -- will. It's got drama, emotional turmoil, moments of triumph, and touches of sweet romance (just one kiss), plus some impressive Double Dutch jump rope work and a catchy soundtrack. If all that wasn't enough, the real-life father-and-son acting team delivers heartfelt performances about the struggles of being different from your peers, following your passion in life, and standing up for what you believe in. The storyline sometimes alludes to serious issues like family financial troubles or the recent death of a parent, but the mild references aren't upsetting and make the characters seem even more believable.

  • The multicultural cast includes an African-American widower dad who's devoted to his kids and engages in honest discussions with his teenage son about feelings. The movie addresses typical adolescent fears about being perceived as different, balancing personal goals with parental influence, and finding a passion in life. Lessons about the depth of family ties, self-respect, and the courage to go against the grain send positive messages to viewers of all ages.
  • Boxing scenes obviously include lots of punching, but blood is never drawn, and there aren't any lasting injuries.
  • Flirtatious exchanges are prevalent but very mild; one scene shows a very quick kiss.
  • Characters talk some trash over boxing and Double Dutch competitions, but there's no cursing.
  • The movie gives plenty of air time to its catchy soundtrack. And it's Disney, so expect lots of other tie-ins, too.

What's the story?

JUMP IN! is the story of Izzy Daniels (Corbin Bleu). Since the recent death of his mother, boxing has brought Izzy closer to his dad Kenneth (Bleu's real-life father, David Reivers), who is a former boxer and well known in the neighborhood. Izzy spends every available moment training at his dad's gym. But when his pretty neighbor, Mary (Keke Palmer), dares him to join her Double Dutch jump rope team for an upcoming competition, Izzy jokingly accepts. To his disbelief, Izzy discovers that he's a jumping natural, and actually enjoys the high-stepping, acrobatic choreography between the ropes. Worried about disappointing his father -- and terrified that his buddies might find out that he's defected to such a "girlie" pastime -- Izzy keeps his new allegiance to himself. But when word gets out about his secret, he has to make a choice between following his heart and living out his dad's championship dreams.


Is it any good?

 

Jump In! is a thoroughly entertaining story about a teen learning about himself and what's important to him and asserting his independence from his father and peers. Filled with defining moments and clichéd-but-true words of wisdom, the movie takes a critical look at the challenges of shrugging off gender-specific expectations and shows how summoning the courage to be the odd man (or woman) out in a crowd can inspire others to change the way they think, too.

The strong cast is anchored by Bleu and Reivers, who deliver outstanding performances as a father and son striving to understand each other. And viewers of all ages will be amazed at the host of international Double Dutchers who lend their talents to this winning drama.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the influence of peer pressure. Who decides what's "cool" and what isn't? Why is it hard to be different from other people? What happens if you choose to be different? Kids, have you ever felt peer pressure? How did you respond? Were you happy with how you reacted? If not, what would you have done differently? Parents can also encourage tweens to talk about their own passions and relationships. What do they like to do? Do they feel supported by their friends and family in their choices? How can parents encourage open discussions with their kids?


This review was written by Emily Ashby
Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
 
hey

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Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
So clean it squeaks!!
This movie was both well done and very, very clean. I laughed SO hard!!! They worked very hard on this movie... and it really shows!!!

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Teen, 16 years old
June 6, 2010
 
I don't really care for it

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Great lesson about being yourself!
I found this movie to have a great message to kids school-age through early adolescence. It is about being yourself and pursuing your own dreams. It even addresses how sometimes parents can sometimes pressure kids into their own dreams - and how it can be handled. My daughter loves this movie. Another plus is she is now very interested in double-dutch - what great exercise!

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Great movie!
This is my favorite movie! I really like the begging when Izzy is doing all those back flips and stuff. I also like Mary's jump roping skills.

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Teen, 17 years old
April 9, 2008
 
ewwww
this movie was not interesting to me because it is like all other disney movies, it has a very happy ending and the kid does not know what to do with his life { i think he was a moron] but he has to chose between boxing or jump rope and he is made fun of for doing a girls sport do not see this movie

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
This movie is awsome! I have seen pretty much all of the different versions! I must have seen this movie like 3 or 4 times! Watch it!

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Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Gotta Watch This Movie!
It's appropriate, it's funny, and it's sorta dramatic. It all mixes in perfectly, so watch it!

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Teen, 17 years old
April 9, 2008
 
I thought it was a two thumbs up
I think this is a good movie for enyone who loves sports and friendship or just for anyone who can understand it but overall it's a great example to all kids

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This review was written by Emily Ashby
Topics:sports and martial arts
Studio:Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Director:Paul Hoen
Cast:Corbin Bleu, David Reivers, Keke Palmer
Genre:Family and Kids
Run time:85 minutes
Theatrical release date:January 11, 2007
DVD release date:April 3, 2007
MPAA rating:NR

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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