Director:             Helen Hood Scheer

Producer:            Helen Hood Scheer

Screenwriter:      Helen Hood Scheer, Scott B. Morgan

Cinema:              Helen Hood Scheer

Editor:                 Scott B. Morgan

Music:                 Matt Messina, Garth Trinidad

Year:                   2007 (95 minutes)

Synopsis:  Jump! Is a feature-length character-driven documentary about competitive jump rope that follows kids on five teams from around the country who push physical and psychological limits in pursuit of winning the World Championship.  Part extreme sport, part art form, their moves are masterfully choreographed and bursting with rhythm, sweat and originality.  These teens sacrifice everything to get where they are and each has his or her own reason to be so driven.  After arduous drilling and mind-boggling performances, rivalry and collaboration have dramatic unexpected results. 

Review:  Who knew there was such a thing as competitive jump roping?  And who knew it could be so exciting?  I, for one, didn’t know…but I do now.

Jump! Is an exciting, enjoyable competition documentary.  Before seeing the movie, I didn’t know anything about competitive jump roping, nor did I really care.  Yet, director Helen Hood Scheer’s film drew me in and made me care about the characters, the competition, and the ultimate outcome of the Jump Rope World Championships.

Competitor Tori Boggs made a lasting impression on me.  Suffering from asthma, Tori not only competes, but does so in the 1-minute and 3-minute speed competitions; two of the most demanding events in jump roping.  The idea is to jump rope as fast as possible for either 1-minute or 3-minutes.  The exertion needed for the competition causes severe pain for Tori, yet she competes because of her love of the sport. 

Jump! Is an exciting ride through the world of competitive jump roping.  Helen Hood Scheer’s directorial debut is a winner.

  (3.5 out of 5.0) 

Film Website:                    www.JumpMovie.com

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