It's also got a great script (by newcomer Jessica Bendinger) that pokes holes in all the high-school myths about athletic popularity, as well as managing to make some good points about the consequences of cheating and for racial understanding.

Not to take anything away from the cast, though. Dunst really sinks her teeth into her meaty lead role, though Dushku makes a serious bid to upstage her as the only seeming voice of reason.

Adding to the fun is the terrific dance and cheer choreography, and great supporting turns from Clare Kramer and Nicole Bilderbeck as two backstabbing members of the Toros squad, and Bradford, who manages to bring some goofy likability to his somewhat underwritten role.

"Bring it On" is rated PG-13 for crude sexual humor, lewd dancing and vulgar gestures, occasional strong profanity and violence (a comedic football brawl). Running time: 100 minutes.

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E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com