Jump In! (NR, 2007)

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.

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.