Free Style (2008)
Synopsis:
Free Style follows the journey of Cale Bryant, a young motocross racer with dreams of making it to the national championships. Cale is determined to prove himself on the track and secure a spot on a professional team. As he navigates the challenges of competition, he also deals with personal relationships, including his supportive mother and his girlfriend, Alex. Cale's dedication to his sport is tested by various obstacles, including financial struggles and fierce rivals. With the help of his friends and family, Cale pushes himself to the limit, aiming to achieve his goals and make his mark in the motocross world. The movie captures the excitement and intensity of the racing scene, highlighting Cale's pursuit of success in a high-stakes environment.
Where To Watch: Free Style
Parental Feedback
Free Style, released in 2008, is a drama and sports film aimed at teens, with a PG rating. The movie follows a young motocross racer striving to win a national championship while balancing personal challenges. The tone is generally uplifting, with a focus on perseverance and ambition, though some parents have mixed feelings about its execution and depth.
Why Teens Should Watch Free Style
The movie offers a positive portrayal of determination and ambition.
- Highlights the importance of perseverance in achieving goals
- Features a strong character arc where the protagonist learns from setbacks
- Includes exciting motocross scenes that appeal to teens
- Encourages balancing personal life with ambitions
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch Free Style
Some parents express concerns about the film's depth and character development.
- May present emotional challenges related to family dynamics
- Contains scenes where risky behavior is not adequately addressed
- Some plot elements might be confusing or underdeveloped
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its depth and character development.
What Parents Should Know About Free Style
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The protagonist's dedication to his sport and personal growth is a positive example. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film explores family tensions that may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Some risky behaviors are shown but not always addressed critically. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Teamwork is highlighted through the protagonist's interactions with his motocross team. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about perseverance and balancing personal life with ambitions. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Free Style's biggest strength lies in its portrayal of determination and ambition, which can inspire teens. However, some parents feel the film lacks depth in character development and plot execution. Parental involvement can help address any confusing elements and reinforce the positive messages. For those seeking similar themes with more depth, consider alternatives like "The Karate Kid" or "Remember the Titans."
Official Free Style Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Free Style
Free Style's most common core values include Determination, Perseverance, and Family love. Kids will see how determination drives Cale Bryant as he chases his dream of reaching the national motocross championships. Perseverance shines through when he faces tough times, showing children how important it is to keep going, even when things get hard. Family Love plays a big role too, as Cale relies on the support of his mother and friends to help him on his journey.
These values are highlighted in key moments of the movie. Determination is clear when Cale refuses to give up, even after falling behind in a race. Perseverance is shown when Cale works extra hours at a job to afford his racing gear, proving that hard work pays off over time. Family love comes across when Cale’s mom cheers him on from the sidelines, motivating him to push himself even harder on the track.
Other Core Values Explored: Setting goals | Resilience | Teamwork | Self-discovery | Valuing hard work.
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Free Style
Believing in Yourself: The movie teaches that believing in oneself is crucial for achieving goals. Cale's confidence in his motocross abilities fuels his determination to succeed in the face of stiff competition.
Earning Success through Hard Work: Cale is a testament to the idea that success is earned through hard work. He doesn't shy away from putting in extra hours at his job to afford racing gear, showing that dedication and effort are key to success.
Following Your Passion: The story showcases the importance of following your passion. Cale's love for motocross drives him to overcome obstacles, reinforcing the idea that pursuing what you love can lead to fulfillment and achievement.
Never Giving Up: Through various setbacks, Cale demonstrates resilience by continuing to push forward despite challenges. His refusal to quit, even when things look bleak, underscores the importance of perseverance.
Supporting Your Friends: Friendship plays a vital role in Cale's journey as he receives encouragement and help from those around him. This highlights how having a supportive network can impact one's ability to reach their goals.
Other Lessons Learned: Setting goals | Resilience | Teamwork | Self-discovery | Valuing hard work
Why Kids Love Free Style
With roaring engines and epic jumps, kids are drawn into the world of motocross, where Cale Bryant takes his cool dirt bike stunts to the next level. The movie is a racing delight with bustling competitions that keep the energy high from start to finish. It’s all about the excitement of the track and outsmarting fierce competitors with clever maneuvers. As Cale dashes through muddy courses, kids are on the edge of their seats, wondering what crazy twists await at every turn. The thrill of being the hero and conquering obstacles adds a rush of adrenaline, as kids marvel at every daring move Cale makes to chase his dream.
The journey is even more gripping with the amazing friends and allies Cale meets along the way. Kids love seeing the quirky characters and the wild things that happen during motocross mayhem, like unexpected team-ups and daring rescues. The moments of standing up for what's right are made even more intense with fast-paced races and breathtaking jumps. Then there's doing things your way—watching Cale forge his path brings inspiring scenes of independence and courage. With its buzzing scenes of high-speed adventure and memorable action moments, the movie captures the spirit of adventure that fuels kids' imagination and love for all things racing.