"Bring It On: Fight to the Finish," released in 2009 as the fifth installment of the "Bring It On" film series, debuted as a direct-to-video film. Starring Christina Milian as Lina and Cody Longo as Evan, the movie continued the franchise's focus on competitive cheerleading with a fresh storyline about moving from an urban East Los Angeles school to a wealthy Malibu prep school. Upon its release, the film received mixed reviews, with critics often noting it lacked the spark and originality of the original 2000 film. However, its energetic performances and feel-good storyline found appreciation among fans of the series and cheerleading enthusiasts. Over time, "Bring It On: Fight to the Finish" has garnered a modest cult following, celebrated for its spirited cast and nostalgic early 2000s charm. While it may not be held in the same regard as the original, it is generally viewed as an underrated gem within the direct-to-video sequel niche, appreciated for its positive themes and entertaining cheer routines rather than considered a dated relic.
Main Cast of Bring It On: Fight to the Finish
Christina Milian
Lina
Christina Milian starred in the 2009 film 'Bring It On: Fight to the Finish,' where she played the lead role of Lina Cruz, a tough and determined cheerleader who moves from East Los Angeles to an upscale school in Santa Monica. Her performance was praised for bringing authenticity and a fresh energy to the cheerleading genre, combining her charisma with athleticism and emotional depth. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to blend fierce competitiveness with vulnerability, capturing the challenges of adapting to a new environment while staying true to her roots. A lesser-known fact about her involvement is that Christina actually contributed to the choreography sessions, using her dance background to help shape some of the film's routines, adding a genuine flair to the cheer routines featured in the movie.
Cody Longo
Evan
In the movie 'Bring It On: Fight to the Finish,' Cody Longo portrayed the character Xavier, who is the supportive and kind romantic interest of the protagonist, Mary, a cheerleader striving to unite two rival camps. This role showcased Longo's ability to play a caring and grounded character amidst a high-energy, youth-centric setting. Unlike some of his earlier or more prominent roles, particularly in television dramas where he often played intense or conflicted characters, Xavier was lighter, more approachable, and contributed to the film's upbeat and motivational tone. This performance stood out as it allowed Longo to demonstrate a more charming and relatable side in a popular, dance-focused teen movie, expanding his versatility beyond the dramatic roles that initially defined his career.
Rachele Brooke Smith
Avery
Rachele Brooke Smith played the role of Alyssa in the 2009 film 'Bring It On: Fight to the Finish.' Her performance was well-received for bringing a spirited and competitive energy to the film's cheerleading battles, which helped elevate the movie's lively and dynamic atmosphere. What made her portrayal unique was her authentic cheerleading skills, as Smith is not only an actress but also a trained dancer and cheerleader, lending credibility and excitement to her character's routines. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that during filming, Smith and the cast underwent intensive cheerleading boot camps to perfect their stunts and choreography, fostering a strong camaraderie that translated on-screen.
Holland Roden
Sky
In 'Bring It On: Fight to the Finish' (2009), Holland Roden played the role of Alyssa, a member of the East Los Angeles cheerleading team. This performance was one of Roden's early screen roles before she rose to prominence. Compared to her later and better-known work, especially her breakout role as Lydia Martin on the TV series '
Teen Wolf,' this film role was more minor and less central to the storyline. What makes her performance in 'Bring It On: Fight to the Finish' stand out is that it showcased her versatility early on, allowing her to gain experience in a dance and cheerleading ensemble cast, which contrasts with her later roles that focused more on dramatic and supernatural elements.
Laura Cerón
Isabel
Fans of Laura Cerón will enjoy her role in 'Bring It On: Fight to the Finish' because it showcases her versatility and ability to bring authenticity to a diverse range of characters. While perhaps best known for her longtime role as Nurse Chuny Marquez on the television series '
ER,' where she provided a steady, compassionate presence, her character in 'Bring It On: Fight to the Finish' offers a different flavor—reflecting the energetic, competitive spirit of the cheerleading world. An interesting detail is that Laura Cerón joined the cast of 'Bring It On: Fight to the Finish' after establishing her dramatic credentials on TV, which adds a layer of depth to her role and enriches the film's portrayal of family and community dynamics.
David Starzyk
Henry
In "Bring It On: Fight to the Finish," David Starzyk delivers a charming and grounded performance as Henry, the supportive father figure whose presence adds warmth and relatability to the film. Unlike some of his more intense or dramatic roles in series like "
Charmed" or "Baywatch," here Starzyk brings a lighter, more approachable energy that complements the teen-centric storyline. A trivia fact about David Starzyk is that he has appeared in numerous popular TV shows, often portraying law enforcement or military characters, showcasing his versatility beyond the comedic and familial role he embraces in this movie.
Nikki SooHoo
Christina
Gabrielle Dennis
Treyvonetta
Meagan Holder
Kayla
Crew of Bring It On: Fight to the Finish
Full backstage crew list →