Story
In Raising the Bar, 16-year-old Kelly (Kelli Berglund) and her mother (Peta Shannon) move from America to Adelaide in South Australia. Kelly decides that it’s time to leave the world of elite gymnastics and competition behind her. But when Kelly starts at her new school, her new friend Nicola (Lilli Karamalikis) needs help getting into the school gymnastics team and Kelly reluctantly agrees to coach her. When members of the school gymnastics team see Kelly in action, they realise they might need her to win an upcoming interstate competition.
Themes
Elite competition; teamwork; friendship; parental separation; teenage romance
Violence
There is no physical violence in Raising the Bar, but there is some bullying behaviour. For example, Kelly is called names by the other gymnasts, in person and online.
Content that may disturb children
Under 5
In addition to the bullying scenes mentioned above, Raising the Bar has some scenes that could scare or disturb children under five years. For example:
- Kelly is upset and cries as she tells her mum that she thinks it’s her fault that her parents have separated.
- Nicola really wants to join the gymnastics team, but a mean girl tells her many times she isn’t good enough.
- When Kelly makes a mistake in her floor routine, she’s devastated and her dad is disappointed in her.
From 5-8
Children in this age group might be disturbed by the scenes mentioned above.
From 8-13
Most children in this age group are unlikely to be disturbed by anything in this movie.
Over 13
Nothing of concern
Sexual references
Raising the Bar has some mild romantic references. For example, Kelly finds a boy attractive, and they flirt a bit. He asks Kelly on a date.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
None of concern
Nudity and sexual activity
None of concern
Product placement
Raising the Bar shows characters using mobile phones and Facebook.
Coarse language
Raising the Bar has some mild derogatory language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Raising the Bar is about navigating the world of teenage friendships and family relationships within the context of a highly competitive sport. It will especially appeal to families who are involved in gymnastics.
Parental guidance is recommended for children under nine years, because of the movie’s theme of parental separation and its bullying scenes. Also, to follow the plot children need to be able to read the text messages and Facebook posts that are shown on the screen.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include:
- being a good friend
- learning to make your own choices without the help of your parents
- being part of a team.
This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about bullying and peer pressure.