Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Bring It On" 25th Anniversary Encore Episode

Release Date: August 14, 2025
Hosts: Linda Holmes, Aisha Harris
Guests: Kathy Tu (Executive Producer of 99% Invisible at SiriusXM), Tobin Lowe (Editor at This American Life)

Introduction

In this special encore episode commemorating the 25th anniversary of the cult classic cheerleading film Bring It On, NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour delves deep into the movie's enduring legacy, cultural impact, and the ways it both resonates and feels dated today. Hosts Linda Holmes and Aisha Harris are joined by guests Kathy Tu and Tobin Lowe to unpack the film's nuances, memorable performances, and the social themes it navigates.

Overview of "Bring It On"

Bring It On, directed by Peyton Reed and written by Jessica Bendinger, centers on Torrance Shipman (Kirsten Dunst), the new captain of the affluent Rancho Carne Toros cheerleading squad. She discovers that her predecessor was stealing routines from the East Compton Clovers, a predominantly Black team led by Isis (Gabrielle Union). The film follows Torrance's journey as she grapples with issues of authenticity, cultural appropriation, and competition, all while navigating teenage relationships and rivalries.

Hosts' and Guests' Perspectives

Aisha Harris on Personal Impact and Themes ([04:10] - [07:58])

Aisha Harris reflects on her personal connection to Bring It On, recounting how it was one of the first films she saw independently as a 12-year-old. She appreciates the film's portrayal of cheerleading as a legitimate sport, highlighting the recurring joke about the team's successful cheerleading versus their underperforming football team. Aisha commends Gabrielle Union's character, Isis, noting her collaborative efforts to avoid being a one-dimensional villain. She praises the film's early handling of cultural appropriation, particularly in the pivotal scene where Isis rejects Torrance's financial support, emphasizing merit over charity.

Notable Quote:

Aisha Harris ([07:11]): "I just think it's a great scene because it is. This character just being like, I'm not gonna take your charity. I'm gonna win fair and square."

Linda Holmes on Character Dynamics and Plot ([07:58] - [13:07])

Linda Holmes echoes Aisha's sentiments about Isis, asserting that Isis often proves to be morally right and grounded, challenging the traditional villain archetype in sports films. She appreciates the film's nuanced approach to leadership and competition, highlighting how Isis's integrity contrasts with Torrance's initial deceit. Linda also discusses the film's climactic victory of the Clovers, drawing parallels to other films where protagonists forfeit personal desires for greater good, enhancing the movie's emotional depth.

Notable Quote:

Linda Holmes ([13:07]): "Having the Clovers still take it is a subtle but, like, very important thing about this film."

Tobin Lowe on Personal Connection and Cultural Context ([08:42] - [19:42])

Tobin Lowe shares his initial attraction to Bring It On due to Eliza Dushku's role, appreciating how her character, Missy, serves as an outsider navigating the cheerleading landscape. He reflects on the film's progressive aspects, such as its early discussions of cultural appropriation, and acknowledges its dated elements, including homophobic undertones and problematic jokes. Tobin admires how the movie balances edginess with teen sensibilities, creating quotable moments that resonate even decades later.

Notable Quote:

Tobin Lowe ([09:01]): "Watching it in sort of the casualness of dropping that word. Also, to Linda's point, I think with..."

Kathy Tu on "99% Invisible" and Related Insights ([03:10] - [20:24])

While Kathy Tu's contributions in this episode are minimal, her presence as the Executive Producer of 99% Invisible adds depth to the conversation, though specific insights from her are not detailed in the transcript.

Analysis of Themes

Cultural Appropriation and Race Dynamics

The film's exploration of cultural appropriation is a focal point of the discussion. Both Aisha and Linda commend the film for addressing this issue ahead of its time, particularly through the interactions between Torrance and Isis. The scene where Isis rejects Torrance's monetary support emphasizes the Clovers' desire for authentic competition rather than patronage, highlighting themes of respect and ownership over cultural practices.

Character Development and Performance

Gabrielle Union's portrayal of Isis is lauded for its depth and complexity. The character's integrity and leadership provide a strong counterbalance to Torrance's initial flaws, fostering a narrative that champions authenticity over superficial success. Eliza Dushku's Missy is also recognized for bringing an outsider's perspective, adding layers to the film's exploration of inclusion and identity within the cheerleading milieu.

Depiction of Sexuality and Gender

The conversation touches upon the film's handling of sexuality, noting instances where sexual assault is implied but not clearly defined. The dialogue among characters reflects the complexities and misunderstandings surrounding teenage sexuality, though some aspects are critiqued for their ambiguity and potential insensitivity.

Humor and Quotability

A recurring theme is the film's enduring humor and quotable lines. Aisha appreciates the film's witty take on cheerleading and its balance of serious themes with lighthearted moments. Tobin adds that the film's dialogue captures the essence of teenage speech, making it relatable and memorable.

Notable Scenes and Quotes

• The Cheering Battle: Aisha highlights the pivotal scene where Isis confronts Torrance about the financial support, emphasizing the Clovers' commitment to earning their victories legitimately.

  Aisha Harris ([07:11]): "I'm not gonna take your charity. I'm gonna win fair and square."

• Opening and Closing Sequences: Linda praises the film's opening sequence for its clever establishment of the story and the closing bloopers for maintaining a fun and engaging mood.

  Linda Holmes ([17:53]): "I did have a moment where... someone on Twitter say, it's very upsetting that this movie has a sexual assault in it."

Conclusion

Despite its 25-year legacy, Bring It On remains a culturally significant film that balances entertaining cheerleading action with meaningful social commentary. Hosts Linda Holmes and Aisha Harris, along with guests Kathy Tu and Tobin Lowe, acknowledge both the film's strengths and its dated elements, appreciating its role in shaping teen movie narratives. The episode underscores Bring It On's ability to spark conversations about race, authenticity, and teenage life, cementing its place in pop culture history.

Production Credits:
Produced by Will Jarvis; Edited by Mike Katzeff and Jessica Reedy. Theme music provided by Come In.

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