Uggghh the music was distracting and theee worst. Of course the acting wasn't great but that's the fun part lol. Yikes. And, some of the teenagers looked 30.
13 Reviews
The background music was awful
jerramarsh12 March 2022
Quite terrible
salloyd-924672 September 2021
I have seen almost every lifetime movie that has been released since 2010. If it's a thriller, I've definitely seen it. I enjoy most of them, even the bad ones, I'm really not picky. With lifetime you usually know what you're getting. This one was genuinely one of the worst movies I've seen. The story line could maybe be good, but the acting was terrible. Some of the lines seemed so forced, like they made the actors says random things that didn't fit into conversation, just to foreshadow. It was so blatantly obvious. I guess the plus side is that it is so bad it's almost comical, which is why it earned any stars at all.
The Ballad of Sally Crumb
lavatch17 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This was a routine cheerleading "thriller" that involved payback for a longstanding grievance. Young Sally Crumb was bullied by the cheerleading squad at Conestoga High School. Two decades later, it is payback time for an innocent group of cheerleaders.
There was a snappy jingle to the tune the bullies sang as they taunted young Sally Crumb. Little Lila, Sally's sister, never forgot that tune. When she shows up as the cheerleading coach as Denise Evergreen, her dastardly plan is for payback.
It was disappointing that cheerleading exercises were utterly lackluster. But main problem with the film is that we didn't care about the characters, especially the three young cheerleaders who were caught up in Miss Evergreen's web. The characters were shallow, and they were placed in improbably situations, such as having the grades on an academic record changed. She should have reported the hacking to the authorities and get her proper grades restored.
The one character who elicited empathy was Marcia Davenport, the mom of the cheerleader Charlene. Marcia had been one of the teen bullies, who later genuinely experienced remorse for her actions. Her sense of responsibility was contrasted with that of Coach Evergreen, who never had a handle on her out-of-control rage and pursuit of vengeance.
The lengthy chase scene at the end was overly choreographed, and there was no closure on the fate of Miss Evergreen. If there is any lesson to learn from this melodrama, it is that blaming others for one's miserable lot in life and seeking retribution are actions that are destined for disaster.
There was a snappy jingle to the tune the bullies sang as they taunted young Sally Crumb. Little Lila, Sally's sister, never forgot that tune. When she shows up as the cheerleading coach as Denise Evergreen, her dastardly plan is for payback.
It was disappointing that cheerleading exercises were utterly lackluster. But main problem with the film is that we didn't care about the characters, especially the three young cheerleaders who were caught up in Miss Evergreen's web. The characters were shallow, and they were placed in improbably situations, such as having the grades on an academic record changed. She should have reported the hacking to the authorities and get her proper grades restored.
The one character who elicited empathy was Marcia Davenport, the mom of the cheerleader Charlene. Marcia had been one of the teen bullies, who later genuinely experienced remorse for her actions. Her sense of responsibility was contrasted with that of Coach Evergreen, who never had a handle on her out-of-control rage and pursuit of vengeance.
The lengthy chase scene at the end was overly choreographed, and there was no closure on the fate of Miss Evergreen. If there is any lesson to learn from this melodrama, it is that blaming others for one's miserable lot in life and seeking retribution are actions that are destined for disaster.
The movie was totally fine... until the back handspring fight scene..
sdunphy-209684 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Why? The person whose job it was to keep that in the movie needs to be renamed Sabotuer. The movie was just fine until that happened. I've been trying to find the clip from the movie all week to show my son and now I have to sit through the whole thing again just to show him the ridiculousness.
Wow Lifetime, can it get any worse?!
Groovykat102 September 2021
I am an avid fan of Lifetime movies, I have watched them all since day 1 of the channel. This has got to be the worst one I have ever seen. Bad acting all the way around and that last scene of the cheerleader gymnastics attack is ridiculous. The whole thing is crazy. Lifetime has totally forgotten who it's viewers are so I'm guessing a guy writes these, all the ones that have the long stupid chase scenes at the end. Ya'll need to stick to the true story made for Lifetime movies, those are classic and always good!
Such eye rolling moments..
ts-000029 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Between the three cheerleaders acting more like they are,in a comedy trying to solve a mystery.
Than towards the ending the daughter comes charging to save the mom,doing some gymnastic moves & the coach says.. Nice form! Omg,like really.
Than the final scene showing the mom is the new coach,while she cheers on what can only be described as an inappropriate dance-routine for a school game.
Than towards the ending the daughter comes charging to save the mom,doing some gymnastic moves & the coach says.. Nice form! Omg,like really.
Than the final scene showing the mom is the new coach,while she cheers on what can only be described as an inappropriate dance-routine for a school game.
Terrible Lmn movie
hustlerhoney-415175 March 2022
I like most of the LMN movies but this was just terrible. The acting is forced and fake, the action scenes dont run smoothly you can tell theyre choreographed, and those flips "sharlene" does just to kick coach in the face! Hahaha hilarious, makes no sense what so ever. I would not recommend or waste an hour of your life with this movie!
Nothing to cheer about!
kingdavidrd7 March 2022
This movie was downright terrible! The acting was atrocious and the plot was as well. That said, I watched the entire movie as if it was a train wreck that I couldn't take my eyes off of. And the handspring at the end of the movie was about the corniest thing in cinematographic history!!!
Allison McAtee made the right choice
hoops-534364 March 2022
Allison turned down a part in this movie because she "didn't believe in the script." Ten stars to her! Sadly, one star for the movie and that is being quite generous. I don't know where to start, so I won't even try. Not worth the time. Two hours of you life you won't get back.
Only redeeming factor: my wife and I keep a list of weapons used in LMN movies and we added one from this movie- a gyrating, gymnastic cheerleader!
Only redeeming factor: my wife and I keep a list of weapons used in LMN movies and we added one from this movie- a gyrating, gymnastic cheerleader!
"Some Cheerleader Just Stole My Car!"
Stoshie29 August 2021
That has to be one of the greatest lines from any Lifetime movie! The movie is bad, there is no question about that. The only saving grace is that it doesn't take itself seriously. The line in my title proves that.
That the movie doesn't take itself seriously, and neither should any viewer, is further shown by the final confrontation in the movie. "Nice form" the bad guy says, as....well, I won't give that away. Just know that what happens is absurd.
Is it worth watching? Compared to most Lifetime movies, maybe, just for the comic aspects. But only if you are a fan of Lifetime movies. Otherwise, no. My 6 stars is generous, only because I was able to laugh at some points in it. Just don't expect any Emmy nominations for the acting, writing, or direction. It is just a Lifetime movie, after all.
That the movie doesn't take itself seriously, and neither should any viewer, is further shown by the final confrontation in the movie. "Nice form" the bad guy says, as....well, I won't give that away. Just know that what happens is absurd.
Is it worth watching? Compared to most Lifetime movies, maybe, just for the comic aspects. But only if you are a fan of Lifetime movies. Otherwise, no. My 6 stars is generous, only because I was able to laugh at some points in it. Just don't expect any Emmy nominations for the acting, writing, or direction. It is just a Lifetime movie, after all.
Hilariously ludicrous, deadpan thriller-comedy - I love it!
I_Ailurophile13 June 2022
With a title like 'Pom poms and payback,' how could I refuse? Every now and again Lifetime turns out an original movie that is actually a whole lot of fun. Sometimes that's because they're sincere and well-made, while other examples are unquestionably gauche but still manage to entertain. Mark this as a third variety - the type that's so outrageously over the top that there's no way it could be anything but an intentional laugh riot. From top to bottom the screenplay is astoundingly blunt, direct, ham-handed, and outright cheesy. Yet this is also a film that knows exactly what it is, and confidently charges forward with utmost irreverent flippancy. I can understand how this won't appeal to everyone, but I'm absolutely among its cheerleaders - this is a blast!
Anyone seeking an earnest, meaningful drama is apt to be disappointed. Sure, Lifetime has a particular reputation, and it's not undeserved. But for those receptive to all the wide, weird, wonderful possibilities cinema has to offer - and specifically, utmost nonsensical romps - this is fantastic. The characters, dialogue, scene writing, and narrative are all characterized by dazzlingly bare-faced, forthright absurdity. Though only a high school student, Jessie is a tech wiz. She, Annabelle, and primary protagonist Sharlene are walking cliches, teenagers written with superficial supposed intelligence that comes and goes as the plot demands. Howard is the stereotypical nerdy sidekick, oafish and bumbling in personal matters, and meanwhile the movie wastes no time at all in establishing the primary antagonist and her scheme. That she likes to talk to herself as her plot unfolds is worth a cheeky laugh, and the unflaggingly straightforward tenor of it all means 'Pom poms and payback' is predictable from the very start.
While the technical craft of the feature, and the work of crew behind the scenes, is perfectly competent, it's all slanted toward the same ridiculous end. Every possible opportunity is taken to spotlight the bodies of the cheerleaders, or the coach; swell costume design, and hair and makeup work, all lean into the deliberate gawkiness (even at the climax!). Marc Jovani's music is as "by the numbers" as a thriller score could get, and while serving its purpose, its deployment with intent to amplify the mood of any given scene is altogether funny in light of how heavy-handed the plot development is. And so it is with the acting, too - everyone on hand turns in a performance that carries small hints of nuanced range as a scene may require; I recognize skill that would show itself, given the opportunity. Yet by and large, every portrayal is defined by unflinchingly brusque, guileless chewing of scenery and overacting, in keeping with the spirit of the picture. Everyone involved clearly was having the time of their lives making this, and that revery definitely shines through.
We're still not done, though, because some of the dialogue and scene writing is so objectively exaggerated and overcooked that it's beyond all doubt that this was consciously designed as an unblinking, deadpan comedy. That includes the climax, and the utterly preposterous ease of the final scene. Moreover, even when the movie declines full-fledged humor, everything about it is so stunningly contrived, a conjuration purely of Movie Magic, that it's impossible not to laugh at the spectacle. The result of all this bluster is that 'Pom poms and payback' is an unremitting delight, a wonderfully entertaining and bombastic tongue-in-cheek spectacle from start to finish. Yes, Lifetime is known for overly self-serious "mama dramas," and that renown is not without reason. Yet those who create features for the network aren't sloppy nobodies - there's real intelligence and heart that goes into these features, whether they're genuine and heartfelt, overdone but enjoyable - or, as is the case here, highfalutin tomfoolery that's here to upend expectations borne from its brethren and have a good time, whether viewers get it or not.
I get it. And I love it. I can appreciate why not everyone can get on board with titles like this, but I also believe the purpose is wildly misunderstood. 'Pom poms and payback' is a joyously, willfully overblown mixture of thriller and comedy, and it earns my most enthusiastic recommendation! Three cheers from me!
Anyone seeking an earnest, meaningful drama is apt to be disappointed. Sure, Lifetime has a particular reputation, and it's not undeserved. But for those receptive to all the wide, weird, wonderful possibilities cinema has to offer - and specifically, utmost nonsensical romps - this is fantastic. The characters, dialogue, scene writing, and narrative are all characterized by dazzlingly bare-faced, forthright absurdity. Though only a high school student, Jessie is a tech wiz. She, Annabelle, and primary protagonist Sharlene are walking cliches, teenagers written with superficial supposed intelligence that comes and goes as the plot demands. Howard is the stereotypical nerdy sidekick, oafish and bumbling in personal matters, and meanwhile the movie wastes no time at all in establishing the primary antagonist and her scheme. That she likes to talk to herself as her plot unfolds is worth a cheeky laugh, and the unflaggingly straightforward tenor of it all means 'Pom poms and payback' is predictable from the very start.
While the technical craft of the feature, and the work of crew behind the scenes, is perfectly competent, it's all slanted toward the same ridiculous end. Every possible opportunity is taken to spotlight the bodies of the cheerleaders, or the coach; swell costume design, and hair and makeup work, all lean into the deliberate gawkiness (even at the climax!). Marc Jovani's music is as "by the numbers" as a thriller score could get, and while serving its purpose, its deployment with intent to amplify the mood of any given scene is altogether funny in light of how heavy-handed the plot development is. And so it is with the acting, too - everyone on hand turns in a performance that carries small hints of nuanced range as a scene may require; I recognize skill that would show itself, given the opportunity. Yet by and large, every portrayal is defined by unflinchingly brusque, guileless chewing of scenery and overacting, in keeping with the spirit of the picture. Everyone involved clearly was having the time of their lives making this, and that revery definitely shines through.
We're still not done, though, because some of the dialogue and scene writing is so objectively exaggerated and overcooked that it's beyond all doubt that this was consciously designed as an unblinking, deadpan comedy. That includes the climax, and the utterly preposterous ease of the final scene. Moreover, even when the movie declines full-fledged humor, everything about it is so stunningly contrived, a conjuration purely of Movie Magic, that it's impossible not to laugh at the spectacle. The result of all this bluster is that 'Pom poms and payback' is an unremitting delight, a wonderfully entertaining and bombastic tongue-in-cheek spectacle from start to finish. Yes, Lifetime is known for overly self-serious "mama dramas," and that renown is not without reason. Yet those who create features for the network aren't sloppy nobodies - there's real intelligence and heart that goes into these features, whether they're genuine and heartfelt, overdone but enjoyable - or, as is the case here, highfalutin tomfoolery that's here to upend expectations borne from its brethren and have a good time, whether viewers get it or not.
I get it. And I love it. I can appreciate why not everyone can get on board with titles like this, but I also believe the purpose is wildly misunderstood. 'Pom poms and payback' is a joyously, willfully overblown mixture of thriller and comedy, and it earns my most enthusiastic recommendation! Three cheers from me!
Revenge of the Cheerleaders!
Chartreuse16 September 2021
This movie is about 3 H. S. cheerleaders who are talked into getting revenge on their boyfriends by their cheer coach for standing them up at the senior ball. But should she care? There are some comic moments here but the last 15 minutes provides a nice twist and is a real roller-coaster of a ride! Recommend!
stupid and disgusing
haroot_azarian17 March 2022
So out all the typical lifetime cheerleader movies this was the most stupid and disgusting quite frankly. I mean were they cheerleaders or strip club strippers?!!!! If my daughter was in this sort of cheerleading team I would drag her by the hair out, and sue the school! Give his one a wide berth!
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