DVD Reviews

Free Style - DVD Review

By June L. Mar 7, 2010, 14:58 GMT

Cale is determined to win a coveted spot on the Grand National motocross racing team without compromising his devotion to his friends and family. Starring Disney stars Corbin Bleu ("High School Musical") and Madison Pettis ("The Game Plan"). ...more

What do you do after such a successful series of films as High School Musical and sequels?  If you are talented and good looking like Corbin Bleu, you take on other film roles that showcase your abilities.  Free Style is sure to be a favorite of Bleu’s fans as he portrays a character reaching for his dreams and finding romance along the way.

Free Style is the story of Cale Bryant (Bleu) a young man who has always wanted a career in motocross.  He works hard and has the emotional support of his mother Jeanette (Penelope Ann Miller) and his little sister Bailey (Madison Pettis.)  The problem is that life is full of bad luck, and a lot of it seems to be happening to Cale and his family. 

For awhile it seems he will not be able to race, because his ethics are strong, and his family needs him.  Then he meets Alex (Sandra Echeverria) who not only cares for him, but gives him an old bike to restore and race. 

In this film, there is much for a Corbin Bleu fan to love.  Mr. Bleu is a good friend, a good son and brother, and ultimately a good match for his new girlfriend Alex.  His dreams are strong, and he works hard to try and achieve his goals, but as with everyone, sometimes life gets in the way. 

It is refreshing to see a character such as Cale put aside his own wishes to focus on what needs to be done, and be rewarded for his strength of character by finding a girl like Alex and getting back to his chosen dream. 

Sometimes these young adult films are difficult to watch as the characters are less than likeable, and the acting is minimal.  Not so with Free Style. 

Corbin Bleu is sympathetic and funny, and his little sister Bailey is precocious AND adorable, a combination that is rare. Penelope Ann Miller as Jeanette, Cale and Bailey’s mother, is sweet and maternal, but not artificially so, and a very real presence in their lives. 

Race and multi-ethnicity are handled well, and there is a general good feeling to the film.  Problems and action shouldn’t cause undue stress to younger viewers, as the resolution is strong and positive.  I can see this film becoming a staple at “tween” sleepovers, as it has a good blend of action/adventure and romance.

Free Style is presented on single disc in widescreen format with a running time of 94 minutes.  It is rated PG for language, and some sensuality, but probably nothing the kids haven’t heard or seen on television.  It is close captioned and subtitled in English, French or Spanish, and has English or Spanish audio. 

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