Raising the Bar (2016)
Release Date:
2016
Movie Rating:
Not Rated
Runtime:
1h 33m

Synopsis:
Raising the Bar follows 16-year-old Kelly, a talented gymnast who moves from the United States to Australia. Struggling to fit in at her new school, she decides to return to gymnastics, a sport she had left behind. Kelly joins a local gymnastics team and faces the challenge of competing against her former team from the U.S. As she navigates new friendships and rivalries, Kelly must balance her passion for gymnastics with the pressures of her new life. The movie captures her journey as she works to prove herself on the mat and find her place in a new environment.






Raising the Bar, released in 2016, is a family-friendly drama that falls under the genre of sports and coming-of-age. This movie is designed for kids, offering a light-hearted and inspiring story about perseverance and friendship. Most parents appreciate its positive messages and the way it handles the challenges of competitive sports, though some feel it could have delved deeper into its themes.
Why Kids Should Watch Raising the Bar
The movie is praised for its uplifting and motivational content.
- Promotes perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
- Features a strong character arc where the protagonist overcomes personal obstacles.
- Visually engaging gymnastics scenes that captivate young audiences.
- Encourages teamwork and the importance of supporting friends.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Raising the Bar
Some parents express concerns about the movie's handling of competitive pressure.
- May present emotional challenges related to high expectations and stress.
- Includes scenes where characters face intense pressure to perform.
- Some elements of the plot might be confusing for younger viewers.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive role models, engaging sports action, and valuable life lessons.
What Parents Should Know About Raising the Bar
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The protagonist demonstrates resilience and a positive attitude towards overcoming setbacks. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | There are moments of disappointment and stress that may require parental guidance to discuss. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters who act unkindly face social consequences and learn from their mistakes. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The film highlights the importance of teamwork and supporting friends through challenges. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about perseverance and the value of hard work, delivered through the protagonist's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Raising the Bar is generally well-received for its positive messages and engaging sports scenes. While some parents wish for deeper exploration of its themes, the movie's strengths lie in its portrayal of determination and friendship. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the pressures of competition and the importance of resilience. For those seeking similar content, movies like "Stick It" or "The Gabby Douglas Story" might also be appealing.
Official Raising the Bar Trailer
Raising the Bar, released in 2016, is a family-friendly drama that falls under the genre of sports and coming-of-age. This movie is designed for kids, offering a light-hearted and inspiring story about perseverance and friendship. Most parents appreciate its positive messages and the way it handles the challenges of competitive sports, though some feel it could have delved deeper into its themes.
Why Kids Should Watch Raising the Bar
The movie is praised for its uplifting and motivational content.
- Promotes perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
- Features a strong character arc where the protagonist overcomes personal obstacles.
- Visually engaging gymnastics scenes that captivate young audiences.
- Encourages teamwork and the importance of supporting friends.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Raising the Bar
Some parents express concerns about the movie's handling of competitive pressure.
- May present emotional challenges related to high expectations and stress.
- Includes scenes where characters face intense pressure to perform.
- Some elements of the plot might be confusing for younger viewers.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive role models, engaging sports action, and valuable life lessons.
What Parents Should Know About Raising the Bar
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The protagonist demonstrates resilience and a positive attitude towards overcoming setbacks. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | There are moments of disappointment and stress that may require parental guidance to discuss. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters who act unkindly face social consequences and learn from their mistakes. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The film highlights the importance of teamwork and supporting friends through challenges. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about perseverance and the value of hard work, delivered through the protagonist's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Raising the Bar is generally well-received for its positive messages and engaging sports scenes. While some parents wish for deeper exploration of its themes, the movie's strengths lie in its portrayal of determination and friendship. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the pressures of competition and the importance of resilience. For those seeking similar content, movies like "Stick It" or "The Gabby Douglas Story" might also be appealing.
Official Raising the Bar Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Raising the Bar
Raising the Bar's most common core values include Determination, Perseverance, and Friendship. Kids will see how Kelly's determination pushes her to give gymnastics another try, even in a new country. Her perseverance helps her keep going, even when things get tough both in school and on the mat. Through all the ups and downs, Kelly forms friendships that support her journey, showing how important it is to have people who believe in you.
One scene clearly showing determination and perseverance is when Kelly trains hard, despite the challenges of fitting in at a new school. She practices tirelessly, not giving up even when she misses home. Her friendships grow stronger as she bonds with teammates who understand her struggles and give her encouragement. Together, they help each other improve and get ready for competitions, highlighting the importance of having friends who cheer you on.
Other Core Values Explored: Teamwork | Building confidence. | Self-discovery | Courage | Emotional growth | Family love | Encouraging others
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Raising the Bar
Believing in Yourself: As Kelly faces the challenge of adapting to a new country and school, her self-confidence plays a crucial role in her journey. Her determination to excel in gymnastics serves as a powerful reminder that believing in one's abilities is often the first step toward achieving your dreams.
Building Friendships: The movie beautifully illustrates the importance of cultivating supportive and positive relationships. Through her interactions with her teammates, Kelly discovers the strength that comes from genuine friendships and how they can inspire you to push beyond your limits.
Finding Courage: Kelly's story highlights the bravery required to step out of one's comfort zone. Moving to a new country and rejoining gymnastics presents numerous challenges, yet Kelly's courage helps her face these obstacles head-on, showcasing the power of bravery in personal growth.
Never Giving Up: Persistence shines through as Kelly continues to train diligently for her gymnastics competitions. Despite the significant hurdles and moments of self-doubt, she remains committed to her goals, teaching young viewers the value of tenacity.
Supporting Your Friends: Throughout the film, the camaraderie between Kelly and her teammates exemplifies the importance of mutual encouragement. As they navigate challenges together, they demonstrate how supporting each other can lead to collective success and individual fulfillment.
Other Lessons Learned: Choosing Your Path | Embracing Differences
Why Kids Love Raising the Bar
Raising the Bar pulls kids into the lively world of gymnastics, where flips and routines take center stage. Imagine stepping into a colorful gymnasium buzzing with the energy of talented athletes. As Kelly dives into this exciting environment, she's surrounded by incredible feats of strength and agility. Kids are captivated as she faces the thrilling challenge of perfecting gymnastic skills and performing in high-stakes competitions. The gym becomes a place of nonstop action where each practice brings fun and new tricks. With tumbling and vaulting that seems almost magical, it's a scene that fires up imaginations and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what incredible stunt happens next.
The excitement ramps up as Kelly builds her life in a new country, full of surprises and fun experiences. Kids love the mix of cultures and new friendships that form as Kelly adapts to her surroundings. The school hallways become a stage for adventure as she navigates both school challenges and entertaining team dynamics. From unexpected laughs to the suspense of who will win the talent shows, every moment unveils something new. Teens enjoy the triumphant feeling when Kelly uses her creativity and individuality to tackle problems in her own way, making the journey a rollercoaster of discovery and excitement, as teamwork and perseverance play out in playful and amusing ways.