Common Sense Media Review
By Grace Montgomery
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Predictable, family-friendly sports movie addresses bullying
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A 2nd Chance
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie showcases perseverance and the importance of never giving up, which some viewers appreciate as a positive message, especially for young audiences. However, many criticize its predictable storyline, poor acting, and overall production quality, leading to a mixed reception and suggestions to look for better alternatives in the genre.
- positive message
- poor acting
- predictable storyline
- mixed reviews
- could be entertaining
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Hiding from the pain of secrets in her own gymnastics past, Kate (Nina Pearce) reluctantly takes over the middle school gymnastics team after their coach falls ill. The three gymnasts are struggling to compete against a rival team full of mean girls who pick on them at school, especially on Maddy (Emily Morris), the shyest but most talented of the group. With the help of fellow coach Shane (Adam Tuominen), Kate works to help the girls make it to the Australian Nationals gymnastics competition, while also trying to make amends with Sally Peterson (Amy Handley), current gymnastics judge and former friend.
Is It Any Good?
Although A 2ND CHANCE isn't a bad movie, it's not really very memorable. It has most of the elements seen in most sports movies (the underdog who overcomes obstacles, the glamorous rival who's not as confident as she seems), but it doesn't really bring anything new to the table. The acting also feels a bit amateurish -- especially from the adults -- and the dialogue is a bit clunky at times.
Young kids will probably enjoy the scenes showing gymnastics routines, though they often have so many cuts, effects, and angle changes that you don't really get to see the full routine. And parents will probably enjoy the message about not giving up just because others say you can't do it. But they may find issue with Kate, who is a somewhat flawed role model. She spends a lot of the film bemoaning her own problems and doesn't always make the best choices. Overall, it's a fairly clean family film that makes for an enjoyable watch, but it may not warrant a repeat view.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about bullying. Why do you think Chelsea and her friends chose to pick on Maddy? Have you experienced bullying?
Do you think you have to like gymnastics to enjoy the movie? Or are there universal themes that everyone can relate to?
What's your favorite sports movie? Why is it your favorite?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 12, 2013
- Cast : Nina Pearce , Adam Tuominen , Emily Morris
- Director : Clay Glen
- Studio : Osiris Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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