Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Book-based family drama challenges gender stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Cheer Dad
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Based on the book Dad in a Cheer Bow by Patrick Riccards, CHEER DAD follows a father (Tim Perez-Ross) who steps outside of his comfort zone to support his adopted daughter's (Joey Victoria Lezama) cheerleading squad.
Is It Any Good?
This heartwarming, earnest but low-budget film is predictable, but it has enough heart that audiences may overlook some of its flaws. The gender stereotype-breaking feels sincere, and the sweet story will probably appeal to kids with cheer dreams. However, the lack of stunts may disappoint children looking for more action, and the over-the-top flirty scenes and focus on work-life balance may not interest them. Still, with strong family messaging, especially for those with adopted children, Cheer Dad chants loudly for supportive and loving parenting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what assumptions are made about cheerleading and cheer dads. How does this film respond to these assumptions? Can you think of any real-life examples where people are judged based on stereotypes?
Who do you think the main audience is for this film? How might younger children interpret the story differently than teens or adults?
How might real-life cheerleading teams and families differ from what you see in the film? How could this film influence opinions about cheerleading or involved dads?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 16, 2026
- Cast : Tim Perez-Ross , Joey Victoria Lezama
- Director : Joyce Licorish
- Studio : Vision Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Competition , Family Stories ( Adoptees and Foster Kids , Dads ) , Sports ( Cheerleading ) , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 81 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : June 27, 2026
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